Create an object
There are different ways to create a new object in the database. The most common method is to place objects by using graphical components in a map or in the schematics. When placing the object you also have the option to specify a set of attributes in the attribute form that belongs to the object.
In addition to the place object method above, there are a number of alternative methods for placing objects that are not addressed in detail in this section. Among them are:
•Copy and paste. Copies an existing object.
•Generate different types of content, such as fibers in an optic cable (dpCom).
•A small number of object types that do not have graphical representation, meaning they cannot be displayed in maps or schematics in the graphical view. In most cases, such objects are created in dialog boxes where you specify different attributes about the object. Examples of object types that do not have graphics are Services (dpCom) and Subscriber (dpPower). However, this object type can be linked to objects that have graphical representation.
Place object in a view
When you place an object in the graphical view, you do so by placing one or more graphical component that belong to the object. It can be a symbol and text for a node or other type of point object, a graphic component in the form of a line representing a piping object or an auxiliary graphic object consisting of only a text component.
Once you have created an object, in most cases it is possible to create additional graphical components for the object. You can read how to do this in the section Placing components to an object.
To save new objects to the database, you must post the changeset that contains your changes. Only after you posted the changeset will your changes be visible to other users in the system.
1.Select one of the following options:
oPress the Place object tab in the sidebar.
oSelect Place > Object.... The Place object window opens.
2.Select the map type from the drop-down list at the top of the dialog box. The object types that can be created are shown. Double-click the folders to show/hide the available objects and subtypes (variants).
2.Select map type in the drop-down list at the top of the window. The object types that can be created in the selected map type are shown within the respective voltage level. Double-click the folders to show/hide the subtypes (variants) of the respective objects that are available.
3. Select the object type that you want to place in the graphic view. Before placing the object, you can choose from the following options at the bottom of the window:
oIn the drop-down list, select a state the object gets when it is placed in the map, for example, Planned or In use.
oSelect the checkbox Placement loop to place several consecutive objects without having to select the object type from the dialog box each time.
oSelect the checkbox Show attribute form to open the attribute form for the object before placing the object in the map. In the attribute form, enter attributes for the object, such as ID.
oSelect the checkbox Cache attributes if you want the attributes that you specify in an attribute form when placing the first of several objects (in a loop) to be inherited by subsequent objects. In that way, you do not need to fill in the same information for each of the objecjts you place.
oIf the object is a type of line object, such as a line or cable, select how you want to place the object in the map in the Placement drop-down list:
▪Free means that you can place the line object without connecting it to the existing nodes.
▪Between nodes means that you place and connect the line object between two existing nodes in the map.
▪When placing a Current transformer or Voltage transformer in the schematic view, you can select the placement Connected to measurement point. The transformer is then connected to a terminal, which enables correct CIM export. The relation can also be created afterwards via Tools > Relations > Measurement equipment relations > Specify measurement point (terminal) for the measurement objects. Linked objects are displayed in the right-click menu under Related objects and in the attribute form under Related data tab.
4.Press Place object.
5.If you have selected the checkbox Show attribute form, an attribute form opens. Enter the desired information about the object and press OK to place the object in the graphical view.
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When placing Stations other owner, only the station can be documented, without content. |
When you place or edit objects in the graphical view, these icons can be displayed next to the mouse cursor: |
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The following message is shown in the status list: The component is not visible in this scale, zoom in/out... Explanation: The graphic for the object that you are placing in the map is not visible in the map scale used in the map view. Solution: Zoom in/out in the map scrolling the mouse wheel until the object's symbol becomes visible next to the mouse cursor. |
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The following message is shown in the status list: •The object is hidden in the map menu, please set to visible. •Invalid map product. Visible in [example of map product] |
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Depending on whether the object type you are placing is a point object or a line object, the method and placement options differ slightly from each other. |
Place point object
Examples of point objects are different types of nodes in a supply network, such as manholes, joints and delivery points.
1.Press Place object and optionally enter data in the attribute form. The symbol for the intended object is shown next to mouse cursor.
2.Left-click to place the object on a suitable location in the map.
3.Rotate the mouse cursor around the symbol to the selected angle, left-click when satisfied. The object's symbol has now been placed in the map. A text label with the ID you may have given the object in the attribute form is now typically displayed next to the mouse arrow.
4.Select to place the ID text on the map, optionally rotate the text, and left-click to finally place the text on the map.
Place line object
Examples of line objects are lines, cables, routes, fences and boundaries.
1.Press Place object and optionally enter data in the attribute form.
2.Left-click to draw the line of the object in the map/schematics and create break points (vertices) thus create one or more line segments.
3.When you have placed the last break point, double-click or right-click and select Create component in the right-click menu. The object has now been created, including a graphic component.
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If you place a line or a route object between nodes, the nodes are highlighted when you move the cursor over them. Left-click on the highlighted node to connect the line object to it. |
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In the map product Schematics, you get help to place the object's breakpoints horizontally or vertically against other breakpoints through two functions: •When a line is at a point that is horizontal or vertical to the previous breakpoint, the line temporarily snaps. •When the mouse pointer is in the vicinity of an extended horizontal or vertical line towards a break point, a dotted auxiliary line is displayed between the mouse pointer and the break point. Press the space bar to disable/enable these features. |
Place components to an object
You can place several components to one object. The components available depend on the type of object you want to place a component to. There may also be a limit to the number of components of a particular type that can be placed to one object.
1.Select Place > Component > For object.
2.Select the object in the graphical view to which you want to place a component. A menu opens.
3.Select a component in the menu and place the component in a graphical view, which shows the corresponding map type.
Right-click for more options
When placing or editing a component, you have access to a series of placement options accessed by right-clicking. The options available depend on the type of component you are working with.
Graphic components
When placing any type of line object in the map, right-click to access more options.
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The option Continue offset whole line object appears only after using the feature Offset whole line object. |
Line |
Create line segments by placing breakpoints in the map (default option). |
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Circular arc |
This option allows you to create a circular arc between two break points. 1.Place a break point in the map. 2.Right-click and select Circular arc. 3.Place the next break point in the map. 4.Move the mouse cursor to define a circular arc between the two break points, and left-click to create the circular arc. To continue drawing a new line segment, right-click and select Line. |
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Circular arc, fixed radius |
With this drawing option you can create a circular arc with a specific radius. 1.Place a break point in the map. 2.Right-click and select Circular arc, fixed radius. 3.Enter the desired radius if the circular arc (in meters). Press OK. 4.Place the next break point in the map.
5.Move the mouse cursor slightly to show the circular arc between the two break points, and left-click to create the arc on any side. 6.To continue drawing a new line segment from the last break point, right-click and select Line. |
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Offset |
Offset means that you can place a line segment or polygon by parallel copying of an existing line component/polygon. The new line segment/polygon will be drawn parallel to another object in the map, with a length and a distance from the object you decide. A common area of application is when drawing cables, routes or pipes, where you want the line object to follow the extent of a road or sidewalk edge in the map. 1.Select a line to copy. 2.Select the start and end points, that is, the line stretch you want to copy. 3.In the dialog box that opens, specify how far (in meters) from the existing line the new one should be placed. Select the check box to use the same offset value throughout the work session. 4.Select the side of the existing line component to place the new segment by left-clicking in the map. The line is drawn between the start and end points with the given offset value. 5.Continue placing break point or right-click and select Create component to finish the line placement. You can also double-click to finish the line placement. |
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Offset whole line object |
This alternative works in the same way as described above but with the difference that with this alternative you are copying the entire extension of the line object in the map with a specified distance that you have selected. 1.Select the line you wish to parallel copy. 2.Enter the offset value (in meters). 3.Select to which side of the existing line object to draw the offset parallel line, by left-clicking in the map view. The line is drawn parallel to the entire line object with the given offset value. 4.Do one of the following: oPlace another break point. oMake another parallel copy of a whole object by right-clicking, select Continue offset whole line object and repeating steps 1-4. oFinish the line placement by double-clicking or right-clicking and select Create component. |
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Line placement at specific angle |
With this option you can place a line segment with a certain angle relative to another line in the map. 1.When you select this option, the dialog box Line placement at specific angle opens. 2. Select Degree or Gon as angular unit and enter a value for the angle. Press OK. 3.Select the reference line, which becomes one side of the angle. 4. Select a point by left-clicking on a point in the map. Line segments are drawn to the point at the specified angle from the reference line. |
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Line placement at right angle |
This option means that the next line segment is placed perpendicular to the previous line segment. 1.Select Line placement at right angle from the right-click menu. 2.Move the mouse cursor and left-click to set the orientation and length of the perpendicular line segment. 3.Place another perpendicular line segment or right-click to select a new draw mode. |
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Line placement horizontally/vertically, auto connect |
The function is suitable for schematic drawing, symbols and logical sketches. The line is only drawn vertically and/or horizontally. When the line is to be placed, it is auto-coupled to the nearest node. |
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Line placement at specific angle and length |
Select this option to create new line segments with a specific angle and length. You can specify the angle in degrees or in gon, and it is relative to the previous line segment. The length of the line segment is given in meters. 1.Create at least one line segment. 2.Right-click and select Line placement at specific angle and length. The dialog box Enter angle and/or length opens. 3.Enter the desired angle of the next line segment, relative to the previous segment. 4.Enter the desired length in meters. 5.Press OK. The line segment is drawn in the map. 6.Left-click in the map to continue drawing with the same settings, or right-click to select a new drawing option, such as Line. |
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Copy existing geometry |
Select this option to draw a line object by copying the exact extent of an existing object in the map.
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Enter coordinates... |
Opens a dialog which allows you to manually set the coordinate system and coordinate values including z-value for the break point in the map view. |
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Place relative to |
Allows you to position the component relative to another object, usually a line component. 1.Select the line in the map to which you want to place the component relative. The Place relative to dialog box opens. 2.Enter the distance in meters from the line you want to place the component relative to. 3.Select whether you want the distance to be measured from the start or end point of the line. 4.To place a component without symbol, select the Show default marker check box. The component is shown in the map with a marker that is the same for all components without symbol. 5.Press the Place button to place the component on the map. |
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Geodesy |
Open the Geodesy tool, allowing you to set (stake out) points based on various geodesic measurements. See section Geodesy for more information. |
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Remove last point |
Means that the most recent break point is removed. |
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Cancel |
Cancels the placement or editing of lines and polygons. |
Area components
When placing some area types in the map, right-click and the following alternatives appears:
Create component |
The line object is created with the defined breakpoints.
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Remove last point |
The latest break point that was placed will be removed. |
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Geodesy |
Open the Geodesy tool, allowing you to set (stake out) points based on various geodesic measurements. See section Geodesy for more information. |
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Enter coordinates |
Opens a dialog which allows you to manually set the coordinate system and coordinate values including z-value for the break point in the map view. |
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Place relative to |
Allows you to position the component relative to another object, usually a line component. 1.Select the line in the map to which you want to place the component relative. The Place relative to dialog box opens. 2.Enter the distance in meters from the line you want to place the component relative to. 3.Select whether you want the distance to be measured from the start or end point of the line. 4.To place a component without symbol, select the Show default marker check box. The component is shown in the map with a marker that is the same for all components without symbol. 5.Press Place to place the component on the map. |
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Offset |
Offset means that you can place a line segment or polygon by parallel copying of an existing line component/polygon. The new line segment/polygon will be drawn parallel to another object in the map, with a length and a distance from the object you decide. A common area of application is when drawing cables, routes or pipes, where you want the line object to follow the extent of a road or sidewalk edge in the map. 1.Select a line to copy. 2.Select the start and end points, that is, the line stretch you want to copy. 3.In the dialog box that opens, specify how far (in meters) from the existing line the new one should be placed. Select the check box to use the same offset value throughout the work session. 4.Select the side of the existing line component to place the new segment by left-clicking in the map. The line is drawn between the start and end points with the given offset value. 5.Continue placing break point or right-click and select Create component to finish the line placement. You can also double-click to finish the line placement. |
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Offset line object or polygon segment |
This alternative works in the same way as described above but with the difference that with this alternative you are copying the entire extension of the line object in the map with a specified distance that you have selected. 1.Select the line you wish to parallel copy. 2.Enter the offset value (in meters). 3.Select to which side of the existing line object to draw the offset parallel line, by left-clicking in the map view. The line is drawn parallel to the entire line object with the given offset value. 4.Do one of the following: oPlace another break point. oMake another parallel copy of a whole object by right-clicking, select Continue offset whole line object and repeating steps 1-4. oFinish the line placement by double-clicking or right-clicking and select Create component. |
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Copy existing geometry |
Select this option to draw a line object by copying the exact extent of an existing object in the map.
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Offset zone |
Under the function Offset zone there are two alternatives: •When using the alternative Set offset zone... The Choose offset size window opens. a.Select how many meter of offset zone that you wish to place and press OK. b.Select an object. The offset zone will be placed around the selected object. •The alternative Place offset zone allows you to place an offset zone manually. a.Activate the function and select an object. |
Symbol and text components
As you place a symbol component or a text component, such as an arrow symbol or an ID text, right-click to access the following alternatives:
Create without rotation |
The component is placed horizontally in the graphical view. Double-clicking in the graphical view gives the same result. |
Select rotation using mouse cursor |
Allows you to rotate the component freely using the mouse cursor. 1.Left-click in the view to set the insertion point for the component. 2.Move the mouse cursor in a circular motion around the insertion point to rotate the component. 3.Left-click again to set the placement of the component. |
Stick to right angles |
The component can be rotated (see above) but snaps temporarily to right angles (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees). |
Snap to right angles |
The component can only be rotated between four positions (right angles). |
Rotation relative closest line |
The component can be rotated so that it is positioned parallel to the line that exists closest to the mouse cursor. |
Rotation relative to object |
The component can be rotated so that it is positioned parallel to the closest object. |
Geodesy |
Open the Geodesy tool, allowing you to set (stake out) points based on various geodesic measurements. See section Geodesy for more information. |
Enter coordinates |
Opens a dialog which allows you to manually set the coordinate system and coordinate values including z-value for the break point in the map view. |
Place relative to |
Allows you to position the component relative to another object, usually a line component. 1.Select the line in the map to which you want to place the component relative. The Place relative to dialog box opens. 2.Enter the distance in meters from the line you want to place the component relative to. 3.Select whether you want the distance to be measured from the start or end point of the line. 4.To place a component without symbol, select the Show default marker check box. The component is shown in the map with a marker that is the same for all components without symbol. 5.Press Place to place the component on the map. |
Snapping
To use snapping:
1.When placing objects or components in the map, press the middle button or scroll wheel on the mouse to snap according to the selected snap mode. The snapping point is displayed as a cross.
2.Confirm with a left-click.
See section Snapping tab for information about snap modes.