by David Lewis
Surface analysis is accessed through the surface properties on the ‘Analysis tab’.
Users can run a variety of different types of analysis on a surface, however each file can only contain 1 type of surface analysis. For this reason, it is typical to use the data shortcuts workflow to perform multiple different types of analysis on a surface (Data shortcuts covered separately).
When performing a surface analysis, users will be required to define their analysis type, select the information to display in the legend, run the analysis and make sure the corresponding surface style has been selected.
Note: If the corresponding surface style is not selected the analysis will not display on the surface.
The different types of Analysis
- Contours: Used to render contour lines differently according to their elevation range.
- Directions: Used for aspect analysis. Renders surface triangles differently according to the direction they face.
- Levels: Used for elevation banding analysis. Renders surface triangles differently according to their elevation range.
- Slopes: Renders: Surface triangles differently according to the slope range they fall within.
- Slope Arrows: Used for slope direction analysis. Places a slope directional arrow at each triangle The arrow colour is based on the colour assigned to a slope range, similar to slope analysis.
- User defined contours: This analysis can display user-defined contours differently based on their elevation ranges.
- Watersheds: This analysis can calculate watershed areas and render them according to area type.
Note: All remaining analysis settings are located in the Surface Object Style.
Legends
When users have performed a surface analysis there will be a requirement to add a legend. This is achieved using the ‘Add Legend’ tool located on left of the contextual ribbon.
There are 2 types of legend, static and dynamic, therefore when adding the legend consideration should be given to what type of legend will be the most appropriate.
Dynamic Legend: Will update if the surface analysis is changed.
Static Legend: Will continue to display the original analysis.