Extract Polylines

Command line: LINBO2PL

Ribbonbar: ProSig EPU -> Tools -> Drawing -> Extract Polylines; ProTop -> Tools -> Drawing -> Extract Polylines

Using the function 'Extract Polylines', you can combine lines, arcs and poly lines into (longer) poly lines.

Especially when you have data converted from other CAD systems, you might see a track set, for example, displayed in the form of a "conglomeration" of lines, arcs or polylines appearing either on top of each other or tightly together. From this, the function EXTRACT POLYLINES extracts one continuous polyline.

 
Extracting Polylines, Process

Based on a start element (selected by the user), the program searches for connection elements, whose end points do not exceed a certain maximum distance to one of the end points of the start element. Whichever element is closest to the start element (or, ideally, whichever element meets it directly) without exceeding a certain maximum value in its tangent deviation to the start element is then chosen as sequential element by the program to continue its search with. Beginning with the start element, the program then continues searching for more connection elements in both directions until it can no longer find any. It then replicates the elements it found in the form of one continuous polyline before deleting them. In the process, the program also corrects any imprecise connections.

 
Extracting Polylines, Procedure

The first step is to identify a start element on whose end points you want the program to begin its search. This element then becomes a constant component of the new polyline (provided, the program can find at least one connection element.) The second step is to define a selection set that contains all objects to be included as connection elements.

 
Extracting Polylines, Remarks

•Once marked for a search, polylines are permanently dissolved by the program.

•The values for the maximum distance and maximum tangent deviation of successive elements are both set in the component file "PRS.SDD".

•Connection corrections generally involve correcting the starting point of a successive element relative to the end point of the preceding element.

•The name of the layer on which the new polyline is filed is read from the component file PRS.SDD, key MARKINGS, attribute LAYER. If the layer in question does not exist yet, it is created; if it does exist, it is activated, thawed and unlocked, as needed.

•The new polyline is attributed to the line type of the start element you picked.

•The new polyline is created with the polyline width that is currently set.

•Elements that are part of a graphical group are ignored by the program.