Background
The dpCom data model requires that nodes and routes are connected. While this connection is established automatically when routes are created within the user interface, it must be manually addressed for imported GIS or CAD data.
Input data can originate from multiple sources, and even when sourced from the same GIS or CAD tool, the representation of objects can vary based on the design patterns used. This variability necessitates flexibility in the tools used to create these connections. The tools in this group function like a toolbox, providing various utilities to handle different design patterns and their specific requirements. Each design pattern may require different tools and tool sequences to achieve the desired results.
Another requirement in dpCom is that a cable must be a child of one or more route objects, either directly or via pipes, ducts, or multiducts. This relationship is particularly relevant for customer drops, especially overhead (OH) customer drops. In some cases, the source data may not model this relationship, with drop cable lines being the only lines entering customer nodes.
A practical solution in dpCom is to import the layer with customer drops twice—first as cables and then as routes. This approach can create issues that the tools in Autoconnect route tools are designed to manage.
See section Work with autoconnect route tools for detailed descriptions and use case examples of the included tools.
Apply autoconnect route tools - interactive
The interactive variants of the tools provide a dialog interface that allows you to accept, skip, or abort the applicable action. This functionality is particularly useful in two scenarios:
•When first using the tool, the interactive variant helps you understand how it operates on the selected data. If the tool behaves as expected, subsequent runs can be done non-interactively.
•For input data that requires manual decisions, the interactive variant is essential.
1.Select the routes in the map where you want to use the function.
2.In the menu bar, select Edit > Autoconnect route tools (m) > [desired Autoconnect routes tool (interactive)]. Depending on what routes you have selected, a dialog opens where you can press:
oOK to accept.
oSkip to continue without changes.
oAbort to end the function.
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For submenus Split routes and insert nodes (interactive) or Place nodes at vacant route ends (interactive): 1.In the drop-down menu in the dialog, select Event node or Joint manhole. |
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The tools listed below do not make any connection between route and node, they are just preparing the route and node data: •Split routes and insert nodes (interactive) •Place nodes at vacant route ends (interactive) •Split route with node (interactive) •Split routes and insert nodes •Place nodes at vacant route ends •Split route with node To connect, use the tool Connect routes to node. |
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For each action, the tool zooms in on the relevant point as follows: •Place nodes at vacant route ends (interactive) - The current route end is marked with a red cross on the map. •Merge routes (interactive) - The two routes being merged are highlighted. •Split routes and insert nodes (interactive) - The routes are highlighted, and the crossing point is marked with a red X. •Connect routes to nodes (interactive) - The route and the node being connected are highlighted. •Remove duplicate routes (interactive) - The routes are highlighted, since they are duplicates, they appear as a single highlighted line. |