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INDEX
Page
1. SCD Cover Letter for Report -. . . 1
2. Graphic Team Transmittal Letter to SCD 2
3. IM 76-415 . 3
4. Objectives .."-.' . . . 8
5. Interacitve Computer Graphics Background 9
6. Project Approach . . 11
7. Summary and Recommendations General 12
8. Summary and Recommendations Mapping 13
9. Summary and Recommendations Digitizing 15
10. Summary and Recommendations Users . . 17
11. Summary and Recommendations BLM Graphic Capability .... 19
12. Summary and Recommendations Short Range . . 20
13. Summary and Recommendations Long Range 22
14. Appendix 23
15. Map Study • . ...... 24
16. Digitizing Study 32
17. User Analysis 66
18. BLM Graphic Capability 72
19. Graphic Processing Capabilities (Specifications) .... J 73
20. Minimum Technical Design Criteria 124
21. Glossary ' & 136
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United States DeDartment of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
DENVER SERVICE CENTER
DENVER FEDERAL CENTER. BUILDING SO
DENVER. COLORADO 80225
To: Director 400
From: Director, DSC
Subject: Interactive Computer Graphics Team Report
December 25, 1976
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The following report is submitted in accordance "with WO IM 76-415
and completes WAR, same subject unnumbered, approved 10/13/76.
I believe the analysis and summaries
in the report are sound. A thorough
report as it relates to the Bureau's
Plan for Information Management. The
and recommendations contained
review should be made of this
mission and-to-the -Strategic
Recommendations are far-reaching
and the full impact of this space age technique is not well understood.
The Recommendations charter a course for the Bureau which will not
only test the Strategic Plan to some extent, but give us a preview of
the future. I strongly suggest a detailed presentation on the subject
be given with an informal question and answer period so there is no
misunderstanding of the destination and goals if this advice is followed
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To:
From:
Subject:
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
DENVER SERVICE CENTER
OENVER FEDERALCENTER. BUILDING 50
DENVER. COLORADO 80225
Director, Denver Service Center
Interactive Computer Graphics Team
Final Report and Recommendations
December 10, 1976
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Attached is the final report, including suggested directions for
the Bureau from the Interactive Computer Graphics Team.
The Team has reviewed-many volumns of data- about-Other systems,
studied BLM efforts, and tried to Refine the requirements into a
set of specifications.
In our recommendations we have also attempted to give the Bureau some
direction and advice as it approaches -this new era in Information
Management. It has been a difficult task, primarily due to the absence
of definitive information on the subject and the lack of experience by
our resource technicians, who have to define their grapic needs.
The team extends an offer of support for any further information,
presentation or involvement in this matter.
We would like to express our thanks to members of your staff who
assisted the team both in supplying data and in giving clerical
and logistical support.
Mi
Christma
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'l^ry
Eugepe D. Russe
Systems Coordinator
Graphics Team Leader
Denver Service Center
j*LS*2rzr*
David Nelson
Team Leader
Resource Information Systems Development Team
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Computer Systems Analyst
Alaska State Office
Jerry Ives
Training Leader
Denver Service Center
J i uy May \J
Computer Specialist
Denver Service Center
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United States Department of the Interior
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BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT D-110
WASHINGTON-, D.C. 20240 ., .... '0-120
August 5, 1976 D--50-ii
D-200-£i
Instruction Memorandum No. 76-415 D-300—
Expires 6/30/77 O"400
To : S C D , SD - Oregon and Alaska
D-SCO
O-600
D-700
D-300
From: Associate Director U3 _J_
INFO
Subject: Interactive Graphics Core Team Assignment OFC _
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The Steering Committee has recommended that a standard graphics and bind.
"digitizing -systems -capability be- developed within -the-Buraau—^The
first phase of this project will be to define requirements, establish
criteria and develop specifications for this effort, as indicated
in the enclosures. To accomplish this, a Technical Interactive Graphics
Team will be formed. Arrangements have been made with the respective
Directors for assignment of personnel to the team as follows:
Eugene Russell - Team Leader ( DSC)
Dan Hegarty - Data Processing (DSC)
Allen Arnold - Mapping (DSC)
Dave Nelson - S.O. Resources (Oregon)
Dirk R hynsburger - Data Processing (Alaska)
The first team meeting will be held on August 19, 1976, at 8:30 A.M.,
in Room 1116 of the Service Center, at which time the scope of effort
will be defined and project scheduling will be developed.
In light of this project, the suspension on further development of
CRLS, ORIS, ar.d Alaska interactive graphics will remain in effect.
^L^tvl l - u^^v
Enclosure 1
End. 1 - Interactive Graphics Core Team
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Interactive Graphics Team
1. Objective
- The Interactive Graphics -Team will prepare recommendations,
criteria and specifications for an automated capability for mapping,
graphics and digitizing. The team will also serve as an advisory-
group to Resource DRD teams and may iye- -assigned system~de"s±gix and devel-
opment responsibility.
2. Approach
The Interactive Graphics Team will meet with representativaa of the
Steering Committee, AD-Technical Services staff, Denver Service Center
—staff-and-personnel-presently-working-on-CRIST-ORIS— a nd-^the-A-laska— graphics
system.
These meetings will provide an opportunity for the team members to
work together in identifying the scope of the project. The following
are some discussion points:
1. Establishment of work relationships among team members and
assignment of specific responsibilities.
2. • Definition of the areas of work involved. This includes
identification of~3LM-needs in graphics and digitizing, evaluation of
existing systems and identification of new systems needed.
3. Determination as to the best method of accomplishing the
objectives. This includes decisions concerning most effective use of
personnel resources, methods of scheduling and control of the project
through the use of reporting procedures and milestones, location of
personnel, use of contracting, evaluation of available software, etc.
4. Definition of the Specific work tasks involved, including
estimates of manpower and time 'required for completion. These tasks
will include systems design, programming, testing and implementation of
graphic computer systems.
Once established, the Interactive Graphics Team will be responsible for
all phases of the project, subject to review and approval by the Steering
Committee. The team may request short term tsa of BIM personnel with other
technical skills for either advice or- f or execution of specific sub-tasks.
All efforts towards system development will be in accordance with the
implementation of the strategic plan.
3. Coordination
Close contact must be maintained with other components within BIM,
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other federal agencies, other governments and industry sources .- These
relationships are shovn on the accompanying chart. Liaison with these
groups will help eliminate duplicate effort in the collection of data
and the development of processing systems. It will also insure compa-
tibility among data being collected and stored and provide proper inter-
^ace^.ej^een_sxstpms_where_applicab_le ._ _Sp_ecif ic emphasis should be
placed upon the relationship with the Resource Inventory DRD Team
since this project will provide direct support for their effort.
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OBJECTIVES
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This Interactive Computer Graphics Team will prepare recommendations,
criteria, and specifications for an automated capability for mapping,
graphics, and digitizing: -The -Team-will also serve as an advisory
group to Resource DRD Teams and may be assigned system design and
development-responsibility (Stated da-WO ,IM-Z6^415>. .14-Sapt. Z6,) - .
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INTERACTIVE COMPUTER GRAPHICS BACKGROUND
Although Interactive Computer Graphics is a relatively new field the
Bureau has been involved, to some extent, in this process for the last
decade. Probably the first effort was in Eugene, Oregon on the Map
Model system. There have been major revisions to the original system
both in software and hardware and name. This system now called ORIS
(Oregon Resource Information System) is currently _operational_oa the
Siluslaw Resource Area, Eugene Oregon District.
Second to get underway was the Denver-based CRIS (Comprehensive
Resource Information System). This system primarily got its emphasis
during the energy crisis and was used on the Decker-Birney Planning
Unit in Montana. This area has management jurisdiction over some
valuable coal fields and CRIS was used in conjunction with this
resource. Due to problems, to be discussed later, this effort has
been shelved.
Next the AGIS (Alaska Geographic Information System) was created.
This was in support of the massive land claims in Alaska brought
about by ANCSA, (PL 92-203.) This system has been developed around
the land title, description and case management workload. It is
operational today and serving a needed purpose.
Last, "OASIS" is being tested in the area of Outer Continental
Shelf activity. This system is being developed under contract by
Computer Sciences Corporation and will eventually encompass all
records dealing with the management of the OCS.
This system is currently under development and due to be demonstrated
late this year.
Recently (within the last two years) the Bureau attempted to review
the first three of these systems to determine if: a) There was
duplication, b) they could be merged into one, c) or pick the best.
These efforts generally failed due to: a) No clear, concise set of
Bureau requirements to match each system against, b) extremely tech-
nical processes being evaluated by "management" and c) the purposes
being so different that it was hard to relate one to the other.
During this same time frame the Strategic Plan for Information Manage-
ment was formulated and the decision was made to embark on the course
this plan advised. With this decision a halt was called to further
development on any of the three systems just described. The main reason
for this decision was to create a standard BLM graphics procedure in
support of the Strategic Plan rather than many fragmented efforts.
OCS management couldn't wait on the Strategic Plan so they contracted
with the company mentioned earlier, to provide a computer system to
assist in the management of this valuable resource. ■ ' •
In august 1976 the interactive graphics team was created to take a
look at these graphic systems and give some guidance to BLM in this
little understood area. I
Some negative observations can be made about previous efforts:
a) All are generally single purpose in their use, not multi-
purpose.
b) All were understaffed.
c) Specific written requirements were lacking at the beginning
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d) None had adequate equipment.
On the positive side:
a) Each fulfilled or are fulfilling a purpose.
b) Many mistakes were made in this development but from this
has emerged a small cadre of experienced, extremely bright
personnel who have the ability to provide BLM with as good
a system as there is in operation anywhere today.
c) We have profited in having different types of equipment.
We now know some types of equipment to avoid.
d) We have gained some experience in:
1 ) Data collection
2) Communications
3) Desirable menus
4) Program size
5) Data base size
6) Contracting
7)_ Different vendor equipment interface
8) Maps
9) Data correction
10) Our customers
Other agencies have failed after huge expenditures of manpower and
money due to:
1. Lack of user involvement
2. Lack of training
3. Lack of proper equipment
4. Lack of concept conditioning and management support.
We believe that because of the experiments which have been made in
BLM, the close coordination and cooperation of these units and the
support of management we will be able to succeed where others have
failed. Most encouraging is the enthusiasm of the field personnel
involved in the Resource DRD effort.
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PROJECT APPROACH
The Team attempted to use a simple, logical approach to this study.
The first information needed was the availability of data for Graphics.
How many maps, what kind of condition are they in and what information
is available from sources external to the Bureau.
Second, how is the best, most economical and easiest way to capture
this data and put it in an automated system.
Third, how can it be processed, stored and moved from collection
point to storage and from storage to use.
Fourth, who, where are the users and what do they need to get the
job done.
Having defined these basic categories as the area in which the Team
was to work, a plan was devised and implemented to collect the infor-
mation, analyze it, and produce the report which follows:
To collect information on maps, overlays, etc., an assignment
was given to the Office of Special Mapping DSC. They sampled three
PD states and prepared a report based on their findings. (See Appendix)
The representatives from Alaska and Oregon furnished information on
these unique states.
State of the ART information on digitizing, scanning and any other
means of entering Geographic was obtained from a report prepared by
Scientific Systems Development. (See Appendix)
The processing, storage and general handling of the information was
a task requiring all member participation. Other agencies were
visited and a great amount of documentation was reviewed along with
detailed review of BLM graphic efforts to date. The Team also com-
bined their efforts in defining the user community, their needs and
from this prepared a set of specifications for a graphic system.
This information was then analyzed by the Team and the recommenda-
tions were prepared for this report.
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Summary and Recommendations
General
The interactive computer graphics problem in BLM is a tough one.
We need this ability to support the Strategic Plan but problems
are endless. Some of the major ones are:
1 . Poor map base
2. Overlay information not standard
3. Manual digitizing extremely slow
4. No major breakthrough in the data collection/entry problem
5. yery scarce ADP skills in this area
6. Little or no equipment presently available in BLM to develop
this process on
7. Not well defined, interface with data from other agencies
8. Little ability or understanding of the majority of BLM
people in this area
9. A data requirement which is staggering possibly 100 billion
characters
10. A fully utilized work force with little slack time to spend
on this subject
This paints a ^ery bleak picture. Maybe it is brighter than it appears
The recommendations of this report are in a positive vein. Let us do
some experimenting and get better information on the subject. As we
are doing this, there is a good prospect that innovations and break-
throughs will come. There are some wery encouraging signs. We have
some wery bright field professionals who feel it must work. This
desire coupled with a dedicated ADP force may accomplish what now
seems impossible.
Data on costs, production and effective utilization of this process
are not available as they relate to BLM's information. The recommenda-
tions are to conduct some wery controlled testing and using the results
make decisions which will set the Bureau's course.
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SUMMARY:
We have divided mapping into four categories: base maps, planning
unit maps, URA overlays, special use maps, and project maps.
The current Bureau policy, with respect to base maps, is that we
will use USGS maps. Although there are some states using BLM produced
base maps, these maps are being phased out. All Bureau lands will
have. coverage by the end. of 1977 with large scale USGS mapping. (See
Issue paper "A Geo-reference System for the Bureau Information System")
These will be 1:24,000 (7-1/2"), 1:62,250 (15' in the conterminous
states), and 1:63,360 (15' in Alaska) topographic maps; or 1:62,250
orthophoto quads.
The 1:100,000 intermediate scale map. is being produced thru coop-
erative agreement. The Bureau, consequently, has significant impact
on priority settings.
At the smaller scale of 1:250,000, we have complete coverage. This
is the old AMS series which the GS has taken over. Many of these maps
will not meet national map accuracy standards. The GS through revision,
is correcting this.
Only a minimal amount of information contained on -these maps is
digitized. Of the digitized information, the majority descibes the
land form. The AMS has digitized the land form on most of the 1:250, 000's
The GS, as an output from the process of producing orthophoto quads pro-
duces a digital terrain profile.
For future 1:24,000 maps, the GS will use an additional number
scribed bases containing unique features, thus increasing the cost
effectiveness of digitizing base map data. The 1:100,000 mapping pro-
cess had been designed with future digitizing in mind.
The GS map and the aerial photograph are usually the basic
document for the storage of information. The resource specialist,
while in the field, often records his observations on GS maps or the
aerial photograph.
We define Planning Unit maps as being those maps which are used
as a base for the URA overlays. These maps are usually Bureau pro-
duced: 1" = 1 mile, or 1/2" = 1 mile planametric maps. Although,
at times, GS maps are used. The Bureau produced maps are usually of
low quality, do not meet national map accuracy standards, and do not
contain geographic reference information. Because of the lack of
meeting standards and not containing reference information, it will
be extremely difficult to accurately position linear features and
area boundaries portrayed on the URA overlays.
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There are around 20,000 URA overlays. The information is not
located to map accuracy standards, but includes alphanumeric and
symbolic information, and' often includes more than one feature.
Consequently, the digitizing of the data will require significant
human involvement.
Special use maps are unique to a specific resource activity or
office. They are in many different scales and contain various types
of information. Most will probably have to be hand digitized.
Project maps are high quality and large scale, (i.e., a recreation
site map.)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Provide the office of Special Mapping, DSC, with an automated
cartographic system. This can be offline. This is necessary to
meet the requirements of Chapter 3 of DM 757, the Cooperative Agree-
ment with the GS on intermediate scale mapping, and to digitize map
information as it's produced, not at some later time at increased
cost.
Begin digitizing for basic reference information the drainage,
major transportation, land grid, and significant man-made features
information from the 1:100,000 map scrib plates. With respect to
the URA overlays, we recommend going to the source document from which
the URA information was obtained to obtain the basic data.
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The decision to enter information on special maos and project
maps will have to be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Since most of resource management decisions are affected by
topography, the system must have some way of portraying topography.
Therefore, we recommend work begin on the development of a terrain
model .
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B. DIGITIZING
SUMMARY:
There is a wide variety of digitizing equipment available on the
market, ranging from components such as boards, paper tape and magnetic
tape data recorders, storage CRT graphic displays, minicomputers, disk
memories, printers, keyboards, TV cameras, film scanners, microdensito-
meters, etc. to systems composed of these components together with
software for geometrical manipulation and data film storage, editing
and retrieval .
There is no system that automatically does the entire graphic
digitizing job. This ideal system would consist of a hopper at one
end which would accept BLM quad maps, USGS 7-1/2 minute quads (1:24,000)
and 1 degree by 30 minute (1:100,000) maps, planning unit overlays,
Master title plats, survey plats, historical indices, etc. and a high
data rate channel to a megascale digital computer having the BLM data
base stored in its terabit random access store.
BLM graphic data is recorded on maps of differing scales, using a
variety of line widths and a range of quality. Data associated with
graphics are available as alphanumeric characters, e.g., UTM, state
plane, or latitude/longitude coordinates, area surface and subsurface
ownership categories. There is no one best system for digitizing this
variety of input data forms.
A large amount of data awaits to be digitized in each of a variety
of formats. Consideration should be given to using the best digitizing
system for each class of data rather than attempting to use a single
system for all classes of data. For instance, a key entry system
appears well suited for gathering alpha-numeric data in existing BLM
manual data files, a digitizing board appears suited for the digitizing
of rectangular ownership lots and survey corners, and a line follower
system appears well-suited for non-analytical curvilinear graphic data
such as surface hydrography, soils maps, and resource overlays.
RECOMMENDATION:
If the Bureau's graphic system is going to embrace its almost limit-
less sources of natural resources and land use information within a viable
time period it must develop a digitizing system (this includes hardware,
software, manpower, and operating procedures) capable not only of an
initial high rate of production but also the ability to incorporate
better methods and technologies as they become feasible.
Digitizing will be one of the most costly efforts in the Strategic
Plan and specifically graphics.
The Bureau should consider testing a graphic data input section much
like we know keypunch today.
Small processor (mini) could support several digitizers which
would be operated in an on-line graphic display fashion. It seems
this is the most practical way to start. Very precise instructions
would have to be issued to the field prior to their sending maps or I
overlays in to be recorded. This would also inforce the standards
set up in the mapping section. As maps were digitized, the original
document would be sent back to the field and the entry group would
enter the new information into the main computer storage.
In conjunction with this effort, all available automated coor-
dinate data should be used, e.g., USGS, Army Map Service, NOBA, etc*
Also at the same time, tests can be run and documentation recorded on
the Alaska scanner which will be used in Land Status Recordation.
At the end of a year, or some predetermined time, the results of
all efforts could be evaluated and a new course set.
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C. USERS
SUMMARY:
Potential users of the Bureau's system consists of:
BLM - 80 percent of area and district people are assumed
to be prospective users of a BLM computerized infor-
mation system.
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES - Interfaces with needs of USGS,
USFS, Park Service, EPA, etc.
NON-FEDERAL - Other government (state, county, City, etc.)
NON-GOVERNMENT - 1) corporate, commercial
2) non-commercial, citizens
Characteristically the user audience of this graphic system
addresses have not worked in an environment in which interactive
computer processing is an integral part.
The implementation of an interactive graphics capability will
require a drastic change in thinking and operational procedures
within our field units. It is hard to visualize today how they will
function in a computer graphic environment, but certain things we
can project. Due to the complexity of our natural environment
resource managers are faced with the seemingly insurmoutable problem
of combining or relating the various environmental factors into a
logical construct. Until recently this function was performed by the
laborous process of overlaying resource maps plotted on mylar and trac-
ing the resultant. However, today it has become apparent that this
methodology is too slew and inaccurate to keep pace with the acceler-
ating demand upon our natural resources. The graphic system will per-
form these tasks rapidly and accurately providing the user with an
almost limitless spectrum of resource information and relational con-
structs. Updating will be simple and most recalculation will be auto-
matic. Data resolution can be varied as the need dictates. Erroronecus
or out-of-date data can be more easily located and corrected or deleted.
Service to the public will be enhanced because of the wide range of infor-
mation available at many locations. Planning will not resemble the activity
we know today due to availability of information, again this function can
be performed in many locations not available to us today.
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RECOMMENDATION:
We must make the user an integral part of the overall system at
the earliest possible time. This could be accomplished through user
training, management orientation, involving the user and management
in the development of the graphic system, investigating impacts on
present planning procedures, and incorporating user feedback as an
integral part of system development and implementation. This will
nurture the operational condition in which the user views the system
and data base as theirs. BLM must begin today to train and prepare
the BLM Resource people so that the impact of this new concept will be
lessened to a great extent. BLM has a good training facility, so lets
put them to work in this direction.
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D. BLM GRAPHIC CAPABILITIES
SUMMARY:
In aggregate the Bureau's four graphic systems (ORIS, CRIS, AEGIS,
OASIS) represent not only the end product of extensive research, develop-
ment, trial and error but also the state of the art in graphic map
processing. We do not have to go outside the bureau for this expertise.
(See Minimum Design Criteria Section in the Appendix)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Any further development of graphics be on the integrated bureau
system as defined under the Strategic Plan.
(See "E" for further recommendations)
Further development, when aimed at a common goal, should be
encouraged. The moratorium on systems development should be lifted
and progress continued as manpower is available.
Technicians should be brought together as frequently as travel permits
to exchanae ideas and benefit from each other's work.
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E. SHORT RANGE RECOMMENDATIONS
It appears, at this time, that the DSC computer acquisition and
installation will be delayed probably at least six months. This means
that nearly a year from the time this report is due, is the earliest
time we can count on any effective computer support from DSC. With
the work on Phase I of the Strategic Plan continuing and a high per-
centage of this data being graphic it would seem to be an error not
to take advantage of the delay and experiment and test as much as
possible. Then, when equipment is available, there should be less
errors and false starts. Can this be done?
Here is one suggestion: One half of the Eugene District has
some data collected on seven different features and has a graphic
system in daily operation today. BLM could finish collecting the
data for the rest of the district along the lines of the DRD require-
ments. This could be accomplished by setting up a small data collec-
tion unit with digitizing and other input media. Factual information
on data collection costs and time could be collected.
For the time period involved this unit would not have to be
manned with permanent positions, but could probably be run by temps
from the college. This "would be a real test of procedures. The data
could be processed on the Lane County computer. This system will very
nearly parallel the DSC system where there will be a large host computer
and either a mini or just dumb terminals at user stations. The Lane
County equipment is modern and very reasonable in cost.
To make this recommendation more attractive there is strong, experi-
enced leadership there to head this type of project and a healthy raport
with users is already established.
Some tinkering with software would have to be accomplished. This
again, would seem to be an opportune time to get the graphic technicians
of BLM together and give them direction and support on the best and most
efficient way to utilize the equipment and system.
This recommendation would require some equipment to be acquired
but most of it could be leased. . Again a good test.
As an addition to this test it would seem appropriate to pick a
PD District, not necessarily in Oregon, and add them to the test. Possi-
bly the area in Southern Idaho that is used in the ASVT test. Their
equipment is similiar to that required by graphics and could be shared.
We should route the shopping list of information system capabili-
ties and requirements for geographic and -graphics data handling to
select user audiences for appraisal. Integrate user feedback into the
BLM graphic system or in related application areas wherever feasible.
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The new graphics group invisioned in the above test should consist
of a team leader, three to five programmers/analysts, one to two carto-
graphers/digitizer operators, and a map specialist/programmer data base
planner/coordinator. Organization should be located at the Denver
Service Center but organizationally located independent of Data Process-
ing. The data base planner/coordinator should be brought on board early
in the system design phase and provide the user to system interface at
the pilot site.
We have outlined below two alternate configurations to meet the
short term needs of the graphic system. Both alternatives are based
on the premise that to be operational we need an interactive digitiz-
ing system to meet temporal and productional requirements for a Bureau
system. Option A places the primary processing functions on an inde-
pendent mainframe, while option B integrates both digitizing and primary
processing on a single computer, in this case a mini with sufficient
capabilities to handle both functions.
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OPTION A
OPTION B
Buy time on a Non-BLM
Large Computer to
Integrate Present BLM
Capability to Produce
BLM Standard Graphics
high speed
lines
Buy BLM Digitizing
System with Mini
Disc Tape Drive to
Implement a Pro-
ductional Digitizing
Capability
plotter
printer
Graphic
Team
Equipment
Graphic
Team
Equipment
(Pilot Site)
Digitizing
Station
Editing
Station
Buy BLM a Large
Mini-Computer to
Integrate Present
BLM Graphic
Capabilities and
to Develop a High
Volume Digitizing
System
high speed_
lines
Digitizin
Station
Graphic
Team
Equipment .
(Pilot Site)
1- Software moved to BLM mainframe at first opportunity
2- Consider the alternatives of deferring the DBMS tie until BLM mainframe
and its associated data base management system is available or using the
host with the possibility of later converting to the BLM System.
3- To be a viable alternative both processing and digitizing capabilities
must be implemented.
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Long Range Recommendations:
Based on what we know now, the following course would seem
appropriate dependant on the test results.
1. Plan and budget for equipment based on activity/
priority.
2. Collect information intensively on the same basis.
3. Collect information in other areas on a time-personnel
available basis.
4. Develop operating standards and enforce them.
5. Embark on an intensive training program.
6. Perform a study on organizational impact of this system.
7. Assemble a graphics development group (technicians) as
soon as equipment is known and requirements are defined
and approved.
8. Continue to work closely with USG5 and USFS and attempt
to exchange automated data rather than collecting all
our own.
9. As early as possible determine the need and prepare the
acquisition for either Regional computers, State level
computers on "smart" District capability.
10. Endeavor to make use of remote sensing as an input source,
;
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22
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APPENDIX
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BASE MAP DATA
The following matrices show the relationship between the scribed
bases and the thirteen base map data categories for the 1:250,000 and
larger scale USGS maps. Of the thirteen data categories, the first
eleven are defined in the 1975 USGS proposal, "Digital Cartographic
Data Base Preliminary Description."
The twelfth and thirteenth are additional data categories which
are also of significant interest to the Bureau.
The most significant point that the matrices show is that for the
older maps, most bases contain more than one feature. Most of the maps
of BLM lands fall into this category. The newer maps, primarily the
1:100,000, are produced from more bases which contain unique features.
The cost of digitizing features on bases increases with the
increase in the number of features on a base. This is because more
manual processes are required to separate the features.
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United Stales Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
DENVER SERVICE CENTER
DENVER FEDERAL CENTER. BUILDING SO
DENVER. COLORADO 80225
Memorandum
To: Team Leader, Interactive Computer Graphic Team
From: Lynn A. Strand, Chief, Branch of Photogrammetry
Subject: Unit Resource Analysis (URA) Overlay Study Report
In response to your memorandum, 1260 (D-100) of August 31, 1976. The
information requested in the memorandum is as follows:
Question
2. Some Guidelines on Information Needed for the Study
A. Maps
1. Standard
Answer - The standard maps used by the Bureau for the URA
base maps are as follows:
a. BLM H inch = 1 mile Color Quad Series
b. BLM h inch = 1 mile District Maps
c. BLM 1 inch = 1 mile Planning Unit Maps
d. USGS 15 min and 7% min Quad maps
2. Availability - Currency, accuracy
Answer - Availability of map coverage by one or more of
the series of maps listed in part A-l is complete in all
states except Nevada. Nevada has areas not covered by
the newer series of maps. The areas are covered by the
old Administratives Unit Maps.
Currency status of the series of maps used by the 3ureau
is questionable. It is estimated that at least 75% of the .
maps used are out of date by more than 5 years.
The accuracy standards of the series of maps produced by
the Bureau will depend upon the methods used to make the
maps. Where USGS quad maps were used as the base for the
^00JT/0/V
IN REPLY R
9160 (D-:
3 (s; 7p I 29
Bureau map, the accuracy should' meet the "Standard
Mapping Accuracy Standards." Map identifiable objects
will be shown within 1/50 of a inch at nap scale of
their true locations. Maps' made by other than upon a
USGS base will range from standard accuracy to very poor.
Source material recorders for Bureau map produced by the
Denver Service Center are on file and accuracy standards
for a given map can be obtained. The 30 minute quad maps
produced by the Portland Service Center have a base map
history index on them. The records for other maps pro-
duced in Portland have been lost.
Parts 3 and 4 furnished by Jerry Ives.
5. Volume
Answer - There are approximately 600 planning units in
the BLH and each planning unit has the base map.
6. How long to get a complete, adequate base?
The USGS estimates that they will have complete coverage
in the 7% or 15 minute quadrangle series by 1985. The
1$ western states will be 50% covered by the new 1:100,000
map series by 1979. Q{bo5]o U l^|j
B. Overlays - Special Maps or Other Supplements to Base Maps
1. Status - How many do we have; will havej
Answer - There are approximately 600 planning units in
the Bureau. Approximately 75%, or 450 of the planning
units do have the required Unit Resource Analysis (URA)
overlays completed. An average URA will have 35 overlays,
or about 21,000 overlays to be entered in to the
Interactive Computer Graphic System.
The remaining (150) URA overlays will be finished within
two years.
2. Condition - Completeness
Answer - The overlays studied are on mylar and in good
physical condition. The overlays are registered to the
base map in approximately- position'by- hanger" iiooksr- In
areas of high activity the informaiton Is In the process
of being updated at all times. All the required overlays
have been made for the URAs studied.
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3. Can they be digitized or scanned?
Answer - The overlays will have to be digitized by hand.
Many overlays have more than one type of line information
plus symbols, numerical and alphabitical data. The over-
lay data will have to be related to other maps by
triangulation stations which are on the base map for some
of the URA. The newer base maps use a coordinate system.
A. Which overlays should be entered into a system and which
type should not.
Answer - All phase II and phase III overlay information
should be entered into the system. Phase II and III
information is physical or policy data that effects
decisions for making phase IV and V overlays.
Considerations should be given as to entering data into
the system from the original source data and not from
the URA overlays. This data may be on USGS quad maps,
maps from other agencies, computer print outs or in
narrative form.
5. Accuracy
Answer - The accuracy of line location on the URA overlays
is dependent upon the type of information shown and the
person drawing the line. Some types of information is of
a general nature, such as wild life habitat area, and the
line location accuracy is not required. Other types of
information such as drainage areas, the line location can
be specific, but may be place on the overlay in the general
location only.
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C Digitizing Graphic Data
&
1. Methods
a. Board and Cursor
(1) Off-line digitize, on-line edit
(2) Big computer vs. small computer
(5) Board position transducers
b. Raster Scan
•
(1) TV camera
(2) Drum scanner
(3) Microdensitometer
c. Line Follower
d. CRT and Point Controller
e. Key Entry
2. Board and Cursor
•
a. Board Sizes
b. Transducer Methods
(1) Strings, pulleys, shaft encoders
(2) Stervo driven worm/screws, shaft encoders
(3) Acoustic
(4) Track, linear optical encoders
c. Cursors
(1) Closed loop - contact maintenance
(2) Open loop - free-floating
3. Raster Scanners
3.1 TV Cameras
5.2 Drum Film Scanner
3.3 Scanning Microdensitometer
3.4 Software considerations
4. Line Followers
5. Interactive Graphics System
6. Costs
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7. Conclusions
S. Recommendations
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C DIGITIZING GRAPHIC DATA
1. Methods.
Several methods of converting map and graph types of
data into digital format have been "used over the past
20 years as digital computers have come into widespread
use. The motivation for digitization of map data is to
have the high data processing rate digital computer to
tackle the large amount of data that a map contains.
Processing of map data on digital computers is compatible
from a resolution standpoint. Map data can have a
moderately high spatial resolution with errors measured
in a few thousandths of an inch over a span of a few
tens of inches. The digital nature of data representa- '
tion in computers permits virtually any degree of
resolution. Thus, digital computers can readily
accommodate any map data resolution.
Map digitization typically employs a mechanical measuring
device with a conversion of the linear position measure-
ment coordinates to electrical signals. The coordinates
can be X and Y cartesian, rho and theta polar, or varia-
tions thereof such as line count (Y) ar<d pi^el position
CO
(X) . The electrical signals may be voltages whose
amplitudes are proportional to the coordinates. In
such case, these analog voltages are easily converted
to digital format by an Analog-to-Digital (AD) Converter.
One widely used type of map digitization equipment is the
board and cursor. Other types of digitizers are: the
TV camera, the drum .scanner, the computer controlled micro-
densitometer, the computer-controlled laser beam, and the
interactive graphics display. Each of these is discussed
in detail below.
2. Board and Cursor.
The board and cursor type of digitizer has been available
for many years. Modifications have been made as mechanical
positioning measurement technologies were developed result-
ing in several different types of board/cursor arrangements,
a. ' Beam Type Cursors ■ •
Digitizing boards were initially modifications of
plotting boards having a beam spanning the board
surface and a cross hair fixture mounted on the beam.
The beam is free to move in one direction (say X)
and the crosshair fixture in the other direction, Y.
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C
on
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3
The operator moves the crosshair fixture over the
point to be digitized and presses a button to cause
the coordinates to be digitized and recorded. The
coordinate digitizer could be shaft encoders on a
shaft common to pulleys over which run cables from
the beam and the crosshair fixture for X and Y
respectively.
Disadvantages of this early arrangement include
obstruction of part of the operators field of view
by the beam and the operator fatique caused by
having to move the beam mass around.
One advantage of the beam cursor is that high re- '
solution can be obtained by suitable shaft encoders.
An improvement on the beam type cursor is a board
where the beam is cantilevered from a track running
across the top of the board. The beam mount moves
back and forth (to the operator's right and left)
on the track. The beam moves in the mount perpendicu-
lar to the track axis for the second coordinate. At
the end of the beam is mounted the crosshair in a
fixture that contains sensitive strain detectors.
When the operator moves the crosshair, the strain
detector send signals to servo motors 'which move
37
the cantilever bean, in the direction the operator (
desires. The servo-driven bean, reduces operator
fatigue. Since the bea, is cantilevered fro. one -.
^ge of the board, less of the operator's field of
view is obscured relative *■« , u
ea relative to a board spanning beam.
#
One cantilever bean, type of digitizer is manufactured
by ionics, tte digitizer can be mounted on any
flat surface and does not require a special board.
*» position sensing is performed by light emitting
diodes, photo sensitive transistors, and optical bar
tracks mounted in the beam and on the bean, track.' "
U» readout resolution is 0.01 inch over an area
UP to 2.4 inches by 36 inches.
°- Free Cursor
*» free- cursor is a small- hand.held device ^^ .
^ cable to the system electronics.- ^e free cursor
can be in the form of a holder contain a crosshair
«th up to a half-dozen push buttons, or can be in
the form of a pen.
Applicon supplies a stylus type of free cursor with
a data tablet. The data tablet is available in a '
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range of sizes having working areas from 12 inches square
to 34 by 44 inches. The resolution is specified as 160
lines per inch or 0.00625 inches. The stylus position
sensing technique is not described in Applicon. Two
stylus types are available: marking and non-marking.
The marking stylus has a ball point pen tip. A manually
operated switch is used by the operator to trigger
the digitizing of the stylus position. The non-marking
stylus has the switch incorporated which is closed
when the point is depressed.
An example of a crosshair type of free cursor is supplied
by Instronics in their Gradicon System and by Calma in
their Calmagraphics system. The cursor contains a coil
of wire that carries a current to generate a magnetic
field. A sensor is mounted under the glass board surface
on a beam and track. The sensor signal is fed to a
servo-mechanism that detects when the sensor is not
centered under the cursor crosshair, and drives the
sensor mount to the center. The sensor mount position
is readout -via encoders coupled to the beam and track.
(The sensor mount also supports a lamp which produces
a halo of light under the cursor.) Accuracy of +_ 0.003
inches is claimed for specially selected components.
Talos Svstems offers a board using a free cursor that
can either the crosshair puck type or a pen stylus type. .
The sensing of the cursor is by means of a differential
electronic servo system. Accuracies are a function of
the cursor location. Optional accuracy of +0.005 inch
is claimed with resolution of 0.001 inch while standard
accuracy is +_ 0.01 inch and standard resolution is 0.01
inch. Board jg^zes range from 11 by 11 inches to 44 by
60 inches.
Summagraphics offers a board with a crosshair type cursor
or a pen-type stylus operating with a magnetostrictive
sensing system. Boards are available with active areas
ranging from 11 by 11 inches up to 36 by 40 inches.
Resolution is 100 lines per inch for all board sizes
with 200 lines per inch optional.
One pen-type cursor and board system is manufactured by
Science Accessories Corporation and is called graf/pen.
The graft/pen stylus emits a high frequency sound impluse
which is detected by two linear microphone sensors which
are mounted on two edges of the board. Since the sound
waves travel through air, there is no need for the graf/pen
stylus to be in contact or in close proximity to the board.
Thus, any display surface such as a table, a drafting
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board, a blackboard, or a projection screen can serve
as a board. The microphone sensors can be supplied
in any length -up to 72 inches. A free cursor with
crosshair is available and is plug interchangeable
with the stylus.
Accuracy is specified to be 0.1% or 0.01 inch whichever
is greater. The crossover point is at a board size of
10 inches square. For board sizes smaller than this,
the accuracy is limited by the readout resolution of
0.01 inch. Larger boards have accuracies which decrease
as board size (and microphone sensor lengths) increase.
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3. Raster Scanners
3.1 TV Cameras
Raster scanners can be adapted to automatic digitizing.
One low cost raster scanner is the TV camera. Several
companies offer TV cameras mounted on adjustable fixtures
above horizontal light tables for viewing films and
maps. Typical of such companies are Spatial Data
Systems, Stanford Technology Corporation (International
Imaging Systems subsidiary) , and ISI of Lawrence,
Kansas.
TV cameras have the disadvantage of low resolution
relative to other raster scanners. Resolution varies
from about 320 pixels by 240 lines to 640 pixels by
480 lines.
3.2 Drum Film Scanner •
■Optronics manufacturers a film digitizer that can be
adapted to map digitizing if the map image is reduced
in size to less than 10 inches on a. side. The Optronics
film digitizer has a drum on which the image transparency
is mounted. A light source with optics is on the
interior of the drum in a fixed -position. A light
sensor is on the exterior of the drum also in a fixed
position. The drum rotates to provide one of the
scanning dimensions and is positioned along its axis
of rotation by means of a lead screw to provide the
second scanning dimension.
The optical system has several different square aperture
sizes available measuring 25, 50 and 100 micrometers on
a side. This small aperture provides a suitably high
resolution for digitizing maps even after they have
been reduced in size by a factor of 2 to 3 in linear
dimension.
Associated with the Optronics scanner can be a magnetic
tape drive for off-line digitizing or the scanner can be
interfaced to a minicomputer for more integrated digitizing,
3.3 Scanning Microdensitbmeters- • '
Microdensitometers used for measuring film densities have
been adapted to automatic scanning by adding motor drives
to the table. Tables are usually only large enough to
accommodate the 9.5 inch square film image normally used
in aerial photography; however, map images could be
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_photographically--reduced -to— this size -without much
problem. The light source and sensor optics are very
high quality and permit quite small- apertures- to be
used.
Perkin Elmer has one such scanning microdensitometer
available for sale or for contract use. One dis- ■
advantage of the microdensitometer approach tc map
digitizing is that the device is rather slow and
represents overkill from a resolution standpoint.
3.4 Software Consideration ■ •
The scanner discussed above produce a stream of data
that is very voluminous. A straight- forward scanner
operating with a map having dark (or opaque) lines on
a white (or transparent) background will produce one
bit of information for each resolution element in the
image. For the Optronics drum scanner, the number of
resoltuion elements can be as high as 90 million for
a single image. Most of the resulting 90 million bits
of data will be redundant since they will represent
the background. One method of reducing the number of
bits is to use run length coding. Here, strings of
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identical bits are replaced by a count of the number
of identical bits in a sequence of identical bits.
In any event, the raw scanner data must be processed
by a computer to transform the line by line scanner
data to line segment or point data.
3
45
4. Line Followers
One firm, 10 Metrics, has developed a system for digitizing
graphic data using a laser beam line following technique.
Use of this system is available onwa contractual. .bas,is., ltvl4 .„
and the Geological Survey has had a large amount of data
digitizied on the system. The system is called "Sweepnik"
by 10 Metrics. ■ •* ,., ._....,
10 Metrics has two laser beam line follower mechanisms con- ■
trolled by minicomputers (TDEC Model- PDP 15s} . -■■ The1 document
containing the map must be a transparency through which the
laser beam passes to a photomultiplier tube. The field
over which the beam can be moved is limited in size to
160 mm by 110 mm (6.3 inch by 4.3 inch) . For larger docu-
ments such as those being digitized by the USGS, GS over- '
prints a grid forming rectangular cells measuring 120 mm
by 80 mm. GS supplies to 10 metrics two copies on transparent
Mylar stable base plus one ozalid copy. 10 Metrics cuts
the two mylar copies into strips, each of which contains a
rwo of grid cells with a large margin on either side. The
strips are wound on a reel in the scanner housing. The
operator manually positions each grid cell in the center
of the operating area. The segment of film is held in
position between two flat plates of glass.
46
A laser beam is used since it can be focused to a small spot.
Spot diameter at the film plane is claimed to have 80% of
its power in a 20 micron diameter circle. The beam is caused
to nutate in a circular scan the diameter of which can be
varied from 0 to 1.2 mm. Currently, the circle being used
has a diameter of 1.0 mm. The circle is traced at 150
resolutions per second. The angular position around the
circle is digitized to a resolution of one part in 4096
(i.e., 12 bits).
The operator manual ly positions the circular scan at an
intersection point on the line using a trackball controller.
Data fed to the computer from the laser scanner are:
D
a. The angular position where the beam intersects the edge •
of the line.
b. The angular width of the line.
The operator designates the direction the scanner is to follow
the line. The scanner then automatically follows the line
until it reaches an intersection. Intersections are determined
by the line width exceeding a threshold value. The computer
records the Table "X, Y coordinates of the scanner at pre-- "
scribed intervals along the line. GS specifies every 100
47
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microns. Where the line contains sharp turns, data is
recorded at smaller intervals to retain the line position
information. Essentially, the line follower is automatic
only from one intersection to the next. Operator inter-
vention is required at every intersection to tell the
scanner which direction to go for the next line. The data
recorded on tape consists of these line segments running
from intersection to- intersection. The operator keeps
track of which lines have been digitized by marking with
a color pencil on the ozalid copy. The operator positions
the beam with the aid of a TV monitor which displays the-- -
region around the scanning beam at 70x magnification. This
display aids the operator in deciding where valid inter-
sections are encountered or if the automatic line follower
simply encountered a wide spot in the line.
Editing of the digitized map is performed with the aid of
a TaktTonix graphic display terminal. The editing operator
looks for missing line segments and mismatches of lines
that cross over the grid and hence are digitized at different
times. The editor also codes areas on both sides of each
line segment by typing code numbers in at the terminal
keyboard. I cam away with the impression that there is
a great deal of operator involvement in each stage of the
map digitizing job using Sweepnik.
43
s.fr
Problems encountered using Sweepnik on the GS maps were:
a. Line quality — holes and gaps in the line, varying
line widths.
b. Excessive density «— lines too close together.
10 Metrics uses college students on a part-time basis to
operate the Sweepnik equipment. Operator shift length is
limited to about four hours since the detailed visual demands
of the job are tiring.
The Sweepnik is capable of generating a large amount of
digital data along each line. As a result, curved lines
appear to be well suited for line-follower type of digitizing.
For straight lines, such as the cadastral grid, Sweepnik
will generate a large volume of rdundant data. It takes only
two points to define a line segment. ■
49
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5. Interactive Graphics Systems
Several companies have developed interactive graphics
systems (IGS) based on off-the-shelf hardware components
and in-house developed graphics software. These systems
are based on a minicomputer obtained from one of the
prominent minicomputer manufacturers such as Digital
Equipment Corporation,— Hewlett Packard, Data -General,
Varian, etc. Also obtained from the minicomputer manu-
facturer will be those peripherals useful to the system
usually including a single or dual platter disk memeory
having 2.4 to 4.8 megabytes of storage capacity, a computer -
compatible magnetic tape drive, and/or a communications
interface. Once the data .is digitized and edite-i on the
IGS, it may be transferred to a large scale computer by
means of the tape or over the phone line.
Other hardware components include a digitizer board with
cursor and, almost always, a Tektronix storage CRT graphics
terminal. The graphics display is an essential component
in the editing step following digitizng. The graphics
- display permits the operator to view the data- for omitted,-,
lines, erroneous locations of points, etc. Corrections
are readily made to the digitized data residing in the IGS
50
in an- interactive mode.
The interactive operating mode of the IGS is better suited
to getting the digitizing job done correctly than is a
batch mode computer with its long tunv around delays between , . ,;.t u,._;1
editing steps.
Representative IGS's are summarized below-;- •-•"« - •- - — .
51
INTERACTIVE" GRAPHICS SYSTEMS
1. Applicon, Intercorporated.
Graphic System 800 consists of PDP'll minicomputer with
56k bytes of memory, 24 -megabyte1 disk pak memory, 9 channel
magnetic tape drive, Xynetics flatbed or Calcomp drum
plotter, Tektronix graphic display.
Digitizer tablets have areas from 12 inch by 12 inch up to
54 inch by 44 inch.
Repeatability _+ 0.005 inches
Accuracy +^ 0.005 inches
Linearity +_ 0.006 inches
Resolution 0.006 inches.
2. Auto Trol
Series 7000 Auto-Draft Interactive Graphics System:
Varian minicomputer, 48 kilobyte core memory.
Diablo disk memory with one fixed, one removable platter,
4.68 megabytes.
Tektronix 19 inch storage CRT graphics terminal
Teletype ASR55 console typewriter
52
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Various plotters, drum and flatbed
Various digitizer boards:
a. Beam-mounted cursor using glass scale measuring technique,
50 by 60 inches.
Accuracy + 0.003 inch
Resolution 0.001 inch
Crosshair cursor with 3X magnifier.
b. Beam-mounted cursor using mechanical encoders, 35 by 57
inches working area.
Accuracy _+ 0.01 inch.
Resolution 0.001 inch.
c. Free moving cursor, puck or pen type. Board size up to
36 by 48 inches.
Accuracy + 0.01 inch.
Resolution 0.001 inch.
Software. Menu of geometric figures, operations user definable
functions is interpreted from a board area. Menu can be placed
anywhere on working surface of board.
Interface can be made to photogrammetric and other scientific
equipment via rotary and linear encoders.
53
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3. Bendix
Interactive Drafting System 100.
Datagrid digitizer board:
Active area 42 by 60 inches.
Resolution_0.002 inch.
Accuracy _+ 0.005 inch.
Repeatability + 0.002 inch.
Free cursor with 5 control button. s
ASR 33 Teletypewriter.
Floating keyboard (optional) with 28 or 51 alphanumeric,
miscellaneous symbol and control keys.
Nova minicomputer, 24 k word memory.
Disk memory, one fixed, one removable platter, 5 megabyte
capacity.
Magnetic tape drives (optional) 7 or 9 track.
Paper tape punch (optional)
Flat bed plotter (optional).
Tektronix storage CRT graphics terminal.
Fortran IV applications software Input/Output drivers written
in assembly language.
4. Computer Equipment Company
Compugrid
54
Digitizer board dizes from 20 by 20 inches to 42 by 60 inches
(this may be a Bendix Datagrid board) .
Resolution 0.001 inch.
Accuracy + 0.005 inch.
Free moving crosshair type cursor.
Floating keyboard, 52 characters.
Nova minicomputer, 32 kilobyte memory.
ASR 33 teletypewriter.
Optional peripherals: magnetic tape drives, RS 232 communication
interface, punched card reader/punch, paper tape reader/punch.
5. Computervision Corporation
Interact II LIS
Digitizer board can also plot back 34 by 56 inch drawing surface.
Nova minicomputer with up to 128 kilobytes.
Magnetic tape, 7 or 9 track (optional).
Disk memory, up to 23 megabyte capacity.
Tektronix storage CRT graphics display incorporated in a design
console.
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Application software package CDP3/E for mapping, surveying,
architectural, structural design, piping.
CVPL (Computervision Programming Language) allows user to
program his own Fortran type input statements.
6. Gerber Scientific Instrument Company
Interactive Design System
Digitizer board is also a plotter.
Vacuum holddown.
Back lighting.
Four pen head.
Resolution: 0.001 inch.
Accuracy: +_ 0.005 inch.
Repeatability: _+ 0.003 inch.
Digitizer cursor is mounted on beam, servo driven in response
to slight pressure by operator.
Tektronix storage CRT graphics display mounted in console.
HP 2100 minicomputer with 48 kilobyte memory.
Disk drive, 4.3 megabyte capacity.
Optional Equipment: .Magnetic tape drives, additional disk drives,
synchronous data set interface, hard copy unit for recording CRT
56
displays, plotters
7. Instronics
Gradicon System (as supplied to USGS Rocky Mountain Mapping Center).
LSI 11 microprocessor.
Digitizer board with working area of about 36 by 54 inches.
Free cursor.
Accuracy + 0.003 inch.
ASR 53 with paper tape Teader for program input.
Interface to 029 key punch for punched card output.
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6. Costs.
a. Off-Line Digitizer Board System.
The digitizing system used by the BLM CRIS project con-
sisting of a digitizer board and free cursor with con-
troller feeding a magnetic tape drive, interactive
editing of the data in the Cyber using a Tektronix - -
storage'CRT graphics " terminal generated a cost figure
of about $350 per township to digitize data for a -set
. of 5 townships. Data digitized included the cadastral
grid and ownership boundaries within sections, surface
hydrology, the transportation net, and coal resource
data. The resulting data file contained 338 kilobytes.
The digitizing cost was approximately $1.00 per kilobyte.
b. Line Follower System (Sweepnik)
A cost formula has been developed by 10 Metrics for
Sweepnik usage and is:
Cost (in $) = { 0.06 + 0.03 / No. of lines + 7*10~7 (No. of Pts)} Area (sq7 in'.')'
Examples given were approximately $250 for a political
boundary plate and $500 for a fairly detailed plate measuring
3 ft. by 4 ft. Two out of three example plates observed
had predominantly curved lines. The Sweepnik system
53
appears to be well suited for curved line following
since it can automatically follow the curves and record
the very large volume of point coordinates necessary to
define the line* For straight lines, Sweepnik will also
produce a large volume of point coordinates, a large
percentage of which will have little information content
since only two points are required to define a straight
line segment. Sweepnik appears to. be. at a disadvantage... .:
when such straight line segment information as the cadastral
grid net is to be digitized.
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7, Conclusions
7.1 There is a wide variety of digitizing equipment avail-
able on the market, ranging from components such as
boards, paper tape and magnetic tape data recorders,
storage CRT graphic displays, minicomputers, disk
memories, _ printers, keyboards, TV cameras, film
scanners, microdensitometers, etc. to systems composed
of these components together with software for geo-
metrical manipulation and data film storage, editing
and retrieval.
7.2 There is no system that automatically does the entire
graphic digitizing job. Tnis ideal system would con-
sist of a hopper at one end which would accept BLM quad
maps, USGS 7% minute quads (1:24,000) and 1 degree by
30 minute (1*100,000) maps, planning unit overlays,
Master title plats, survey plats, historical indices,
etc. and a high data rate channel to a megascale digital
computer having the BLM data base stored in its terabit
random access store.
7.5 BLM graphic data is recorded on maps of differing
scales, using a variety of line widths and a range of
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quality. Data associated with graphics are available
as alphanumeric characters, e.g., UTM, state plane, or
latitude/longitude coordinates, area surface and sub-
surface ownership categories. There is no one best
system for digitizing this variety of input data forms.
7.4 A large amount of data awaits to be digitized in each
of a variety of formats. Consideration should be given
to using the best digitizing system for each class of
data rather than attempting to use a single system for
all classes of data. For instance, a key entry system
appears well suited for gathering alpha-numeric data in
existing BLM manual data files, a digitizing board appears
suited for the digitizing .of rectangular ownership lots
and survey corners, and a line follower system appears
well-suited for non-analytical curvilinear graphic data
such as surface hydrography, soils maps, and resource
overlays.
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8. Recommendation
Given that the digitization of the large amount of BLM
map data is justified, it is recommended that several dif-
ferent techniques be employed where each type of data be
digitized by the best technique available. For instance,
where map location data is already in digital form on
maps or plats, use key entry means to incorporate that
data into the data base. Where the map data consists
primarily of straight line segments, use a board and
cursor to digitize only the end points of the line seg-
ments, and key enter the necessary ancillary data. Where
the map data is curvilinear and extensive such as surface
hydrology or soils, use line following equipment. A
multiple of techniques is not wasteful since many digitizing
units are required to handle the large amount of map data
to be digitized. Thus, different types of equipment can
be gainfully employed in the task withouthaving equipment
idle.
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6Z5
APPENDIX A
Map Series 1:100,000
The preparation of the 1:100,000 scale maps has been planned with
future automated map scanning in mind. Multiple scribing plates
for each color separation have been defined to limit each plate
to one category of information. For instance, black plate 013
contains only the boundaries for national, state, county, civil
and BLM district jurisdictions; while black plate 015 contains
the land net (surveyed and protracted township, range and section
lines, land grants larger than a section and section subdivision
lines) .
Difficulties for automatic scanning still remain in the 1:100,000
scale maps. For instance, where a road runs along a section line,
the^line on: black plate. 015, is-, deleted and the road line is scribed
on one of the red road plats (021 or 022) . In anticipation of this
problem area, an intermediate film positive is made after the township,
tu iJ=4range.. and,. s^ctioa^Iines- are~ scribed. This plate, numbered -016 or~" '"
015A, will be satisfactory for automated scanning of the land net
down to section lines but it does not contain any section subdivision
_,_.„ lines. T,T-A££ei./nthe, .intermediate- plate ■> is produced, plate 015 is modified
IV .in
*
to add the section subdivision lines and to delete any land net lines
in conflict with roads and drainage (occasionally a canal or ditch
may run on a section line) . It, therefore, is not possible to auto-
matically scan both the land net and section subdivision lines from
the same plate.
Another problem exists in the section subdivision lines that run
through the centers of sections 1, 6, 31 or 36 of any township.
These four sections are labeled with their section numbers. This
labeling requires that the subdivision lines be deleted where they
conflict in the centers of these sections. (The section numbers are
not offset from center to avoid the conflicts.)
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USER ANALYSIS
)
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j
1. Who and Where and How.
The predominant use of the interactive Graphics System will be made by
the personnel at the District and Area offices. At this level Graphics
will be mainly used to answer operational questions, prepare reports
and to update the information that is stored. Computer Graphics will
be yery important in planning at this level, but in a different way
than today. First the information will be more current, there will be
more of it and it will be easier to access than at present. Secondly,
planning will become part of a daily occurrence as information is put
into storage, statistics recomputed, results studied and information
evaluated possibly using techniques not readily available now. In-
stead of awaiting the hectic timing of AWP, periodic needs, pressures,
local and national programs can be evaluated on a daily basis to
determine the impact on Planning Units and Resource Areas.
Some use of the detailed information will be made at State level.
Generally to check on severe problem, Planning or Social Pacing.
At this level most of the data handling should be at an aggregate
level but may still be displayed with background information, e.g.,
District features, etc.
DSC will have little use for the extremely detailed information
except to sample and study. They will probably use graphics, but
more as a reporting medium.
WO will also use graphics, but much in the same context as DSC.
2. What are they doing today?
There are many small differences in the way each District, Resource
Area or Planning Unit, stores and displays information. The most
typical operation when change occurs at the Planning Unit or Resource
Area level, is to make a notation on a wall map or a map that may be
in a filing cabinet identified to a specific resource. Then, as time
permits, put the info on the proper overlay or do a more professional
job on the wall map. Sometimes the info is put into folders marked
by the Resource and Unit. These folders are then pulled out and
researched when; a) questions are asked; b) AWP time; or c) if there
is time to update.
Some of these systems are very" Effective in allowing access to infor-
mation and in updating the current situation. This is because they
were constructed following a specific needs guideline. Unfortunately
there is very little standardization to these procedures and no way
of aggregation.
When overlays are used, there is some reluctance to trust them unless
the author or creator is the one using them. There is a large varia-
tion on how they are constructed and how accurate they are. Some
65
are meticulously drawn with a fine point pen while others are drawn with
artistic sweeps of a felt tip marker. Probably each is adequate for the
purpose in the Geographic Area they represent but it is impossible to
combine data and get meaningful results.
3. Frequency of Requests and Data Volume
This is a very elusive area and the information is based on best
guesses, for example, it is difficult to get "Number of Requests by
Unit by Day" information. One extreme is to answer "All" questions
with a Graphic System and the other end is to only use it at AWP or
planning time. Probably the true answer lies closer to the "All" end
than the other. It is hard for many to visualize what can be done and
relate this to the day-to-day work. There seems to be generally two
v i ews :
1. I don't understand computers and don't see how they
could help me in my job.
2. Star Trek - The Resource technician sets in a command
chair with a giant screen in front of him. This screen
has a detailed colored picture of the piece of world
he wants to view and there are a matrix of buttons that
solve all problems from "Best Fishing" to "Solution to
Middle-East Oil Problem."
Again the median is somewhere in between.
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The following table gives some guidance on volume.
DIGITIZING TIME AND VOLUME
Minimum Information
Minimum Data per Township
300,000 characters = 30,000 points
Base Map information 40 man hours
Minerals 40 "
Land Status 20
Ground cover/soils 40 "
140 Hours per Township
Typical Planning Unit: 20,000 acres and 1,260 man hours
Characters by Typical Planning Unit: 3,375,000
Transmit Time (9600 BAUD): 60 min.
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DATA REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Information
Minimum Data per Township
DescriDtive
Source
ORIS
CRIS
Contract
CRIS *
CRIS *
Subject
# Characters
Ground Cover/soils
Minerals
Base Information
Land Status (Surface)
Land Status (Sub Surface)
115
130
50
5
5
,000
,000
,000
,000
,000
305,000
* Color quads not MTP
X, Y Point = 10 characters
Bureau total = 6.1 billion
Typical "window" - 7-1/2 min. quad.
Typical "window" - 450,000 characters
Transmit time (9600 BAUD) = 500 seconds
Transmit time = 8 minutes
Attribute data per township = 70,000
Souce:
Average Polygon = 40 Acres x 15 Characters x 576 (#40s in TWP) = 69,120
Transmit time: 1 min. 17 sec.
cc
In the Strategic Plan page 5-139, Chart 4 (next page), some activity
data was prepared* This corresponds very closely with the Team's estimates
We think, however, most of our estimates are very conservative.
The chart indicates there will be 5 billion characters activity per
month. For a 20 working day month this reduces to about 250,000,000
characters per day. If this is further divided by approximately 70
districts it turns out that data transmission to each district would
be about one hour per day. This sounds reasonable but again the esti-
mate is probably low.
One could assume that a single "session" or inquiry at any point may
eat up the hour and that would be it for the day. This may be true
initially because it is assumed that the early tendency will be to
ask for more data than can be used. This will soon reach a practical
level just because of the time required to move data. When operators
are experienced many questions will be answered by transmitting the
answer only.
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Data Ssts
Av-r5S.s
No. /Period
Period
Distribution
Office
Totai. Period
Trans
SlZ2
Char./P*r:od
Vegetation:
Forage
278
monthly
even
11
3,058
25K
200
76,450.000
611,600
Trees
278
monthly
even
11
3,058
2SK
200
76,450,000
611,600
Soils
260
monthly
even
11
2.360
25 K
200
71,500.000
572,000
Minerals
101
monthly
even
11
1,111
25K
200
27,775;000
222,200
Geologic
278
monthly
even
11
3,058
25K
200
76.450,000
611,600
Water .
378
monthly
even
11
4.158
25K
200
103,950,000
831,600
Wildlife
278
monthly
even
11
3.058
25K
200
76,450,000
611,600
Meteorology
■ 60
monthly
even
\]
660
25K
- 200
16,500.000
132.000
Recreation
40
monthly
even
61
2,440
25K
200
61.000.000
438,000
Cultural
350
monthly
even
11
3,850
25K
200
96,250.000
770,000
Land Records
1700
monthly
even
11
18.700
200
3,740,000
Case File
12C0
monthly
even
11
13.200
200
2,640.000
Socio-Econ
1700
monthly
even
11
13,700 '
200
3,740,000
A& FC
1800
monthly
even
11
19,800
200
3,960.000
Protection
278
monthly
even
11
3.058
200
611,600
M &0
300
monthly
even
' 80
24.000
200
4,800,000
Payroll
48
monthly
even
80
3,340
200
768,000
Property
20
monthly
even
80
1,600
200
380,000
Text
1700
monthly
even
30
18,700
200
3,740,000
URA
278
monthly
even
80
3,053
25K
200
76,450,000
611,600
MFP
1700
monthly
even
80
18,700
25K
200
4,575,000,000
3,740,000
Program Plan
5
yearly
=
80
400/12=33
200
6.600
Budget
4000
yearly
=
WO
4,000/12=333
200
66.600
OUTPUT
171,033
5,622,414,932
INPUT
TOTAL/MONTH
21.510
192.543 transactii
Dns
168.907.450
5,791.322.382
characters
is
Chart U- Output
5-139
71
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f<^ BLM GRAPHIC CAPABILITY
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There are at present within the Bureau, four computer graphic systems
designed to capture and manipulate geographic and natural resource
information (AGIS, CRIS, ORIS, AND OASIS). Being largely independent
efforts to meet localized user needs, these systems collectively provide
a wide range of valuable software techniques that are not only the
culmination of extensive development efforts but also represent the
present state of the art in map graphics.
In consolidating the best software features from each of the four
bureau systems the principal task will lie in the restructuring of the
Input/Output formats into a set system structure and in interfacing to
the Data Base Management System (DBMS) that will be resident on any
large computer system.
Since each of the four systems was developed on a different computer
system (AGIS on a Burroughs B2700, CRIS on a CDC CYBER-70, ORIS on an
IBM 370-155 and a System 7, and OASIS on Computer Science Corporation's
UN I VAC) the input - output formats especially in the area of random
access were tailored to a specific machine's hardware and software
requirements. Data structuring is the area in which individualization
to meet set user needs is most prevalent.
The requirements of storing, organizing, and retrieving the vast amount
of information necessary to make a Bureau-wide map graphics system viable
will require the Data Base Management System be an integral part of the
graphic system's structure and operation.
The consolidation of the bureaus graphic efforts is not only a. viable
source for a bureau graphic system but also represents the most cost
effectiveness method to design a totally new system in-house. Contract-
ing for this system would necessitate the redevelopment of techniques
and methodologies already present within the bureau. This approach
would also require training some personnel in Bureau mission and
activities.
I L
The definition of
Needed Geographic and Graphic Processing Capabilities Under the
Strategic Plan for Information Systems
Bureau of Land Management
Interactive Graphics Study Team
December 10, 1976
A list of options for geographic and graphic processing capa-
bilities,not yet a development charter or a set of deliverables,
has been developed for review. User and management selection of
capabilities for development, and verification of need, may be
facilitated through a review of the options presented.
Specifications relating to speed, acceptability criteria, costs
and development scheduling and method have not been sharply
defined. Users are assummed to be primarily district and
resource area people, some state office people and still fewer
service center and Washington Office people. User skills in
programming are assumed to be low or nonexistent. Use, in terms
of user hours, is expected to be heavily oriented to field
offices o Two figures and an option list for mapping and computer
graphics capabilities under the Strategic Plan for Information.
Systems follow.
Technical readers should also refer to Che "Minimum Technical
Design Criteria" section.
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FIGURE 1 - A review configuration for computerized, geographic (map) data handling and graphics
capability options and relationship of mapping and graphics to other AD? capabilities
under the Strategic Plan (numbers relate to review list of options).
Define characteristics of data
acquisition, input, processing, output
1
Enter new data
Entry and edit
non-geographic
data
Enter Change data
Data insertion, verification
and edit
3
>
i
Revision and reedit until OK
insert into data base,
maintain change records
Conversion and Compaction of data to standard format
10 *
Store map and data elements in a Data Base Management System
11
User implements commands for data use applications
uj^db
Enter change
data inter-
actively on-
line from
user site
12.6-14
Edit inter-
activity
12
12-ier
J
Revise until
ok'
ir 6,ii-2S
19
13.1-5
lu 'T-
IS -w
17
1
inter new tneme
data interac-
tively on-line
from user site
13.6-9
Eel: inter-
activity
13.10
Revise until
OK
nciorm |j l*3 cor.ver-
data
II sion of map
elements
1 data to dif-
and mao
|: ferent Dro-
statistics
ll jection, and
into other
different
fores
form
Perrora
data
retrieval
selection
on basis
of location
and/ or data
element
So matn-
matic
manipula-
tion sorts
simnaries
statistics
Apply other
ADP capabil-
ities to
geographic
or other
data
Ti, 6, 11-25
11-25'
11-2ST
H-2SY
11-25Y
11-25 T
20 <r
Process
Topographic
Information;
contouring
seen area
perspective
profiling
slope aspect
areas
4
11-25
Do grapnics
f or_ non map
data - pie
chart, bar
chart, line
graph
Interactive
.analysis..^— x
with map
image and
data elements
-25
T
11-25
22
Create map
overlay by
mathmatically
merging of
two or more
map themes
in a single,
composite
sap
9.11-2S
23 Jm
Aggregate
like areas;
like as .
defined by
user with
data ele-
ment ( s )
zjg
2S >-
Lo utility 1 f
functions
security
utiliza-
tion saving|
of work
files sym-
bol genera-
tion, etc.
opeciricatisns or
output by users ,
graphic and tabular
lines specif, for
maps^ map shading,
map scale specif. ?
annotation of each
map entity in a
theme^ selection of
nap themes, etc.
U?2S
11
-Is
11-25
/-
».
"\
5
FIGURE 2 - Separation of graphic and nongraphic processing by application areas, graphic
options consider all applications
Data Use Applications
Setae potential for
Graphic Display
L
Hon geographic **
Data handling and graphes
— ***L2r^E
1{ >.WP t Prcrran ^anageTCent
H Acct. C fund control |
am r'ianni."
Finance- Payroll I
>\ Panptv»r & Or-an. .Vrmt
Property Control!
Ho potential for
Graphic Display
** Bar charts, pie charts,
lin« graphs, histogram
ate.
Geographic
D*t* handling and graphics
Resource Inventory
| Planning LiRA <h
| Planning i'.f? V
| Land records ;-',r~.t. p
1 Utilization Mgwt.
Protection
J*Z
ioaai Analysis
fEAK/EIS Pre?. 6 ruai. k —
* Application Packages listed.. under..aongeographic ar.d geographic are frca: Lir.ne, James H.
and Smith, Susan 3., Strategic Plan for Information Systems Management for tha 3LH Information
Systess Steering Committee, Vol. 1, the framework 1976, Tig. 2, p. 13.
/Z
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J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
1.
1.1
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.2
11.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.3 •
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
Description
Define characteristics of data including map acquisi-
tion, input, processing, output
Do detailed requirements definition. Requirements
for data and data processing and graphics should be
derived from:
Requirements of resource DRD teams
Experience with existing geographic systems.
Management objectives and expectations.
Define required content of a datum: ' with tKree factors
I
Theme: what is being measured (descriptor, map
attribute, data element, variable). The assigned value
or code for an attribute is the data value. : "
Spatial: geographic data have a spatial component
jWhen theme data is spatially delineated, it may have
(one or more data attributes within the same spatial
j
reference if the multiple theme data are all homo-
geneous for the defined space.
Temporal: data is valid when recorded. Time ob-
served (date, hour), and time period reference (per
day, per year) are significant to many data applications
Phases of dara base collection and use:
Data specification involves definition of the data
set (attribute) and data topics (groups of attributes)
and the data format.
Data acquisition includes making and recording the
observations.
Data storase, retrieval, and manipulation
76
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.4
1.4.1
1.4.1.1
1.4.1.2
1.4.2
1.4.2.1
1.4.2.2
1.4.3
!
Data dissemination is delivery of data to users.
Data applications are performed by users (man and/
or machine) to carry out their operating-control-
planning activities .
Spatial framework, collection units (points, lines,
areas) .
Point data can be:
Discrete distribution phencma: such as wells,
'section corners, individual buildings, or
Continuous distribution data: recorded cnly at
points such as rainfall, and temperature.
Line data can be:
Static: like roads, rivers, section lines, or
Dvnamic: which covers movements and flows along
' lines .
J
1.4.3.1
1.4.3.2
1.5
1.5.1
Area data ( eight irregular polygons or uniform cel„s
in a grid) can be
Stock data: which are observations on data-
elements which occupy areas such as vegetation, owner,
etc.
Flow data : where spatial interactions between
pairs of areas, e.g., ore mined in area X and refined
in area Y.
Spatial area data collection units natural institu-
tional and arbitrary should be guided by users need
for data, and the ability and economics of data collec-
tion. Data and areas can be aggregated and generalized
by users and machines, data cannot be disaggregated to
smaller areas .
Natural units. A "natural" area /'delineation and
classification means that bcunaries of areas are defin
to coincide with discontinuities in the distribution o::
77
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J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10,, 1976
Number
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.4
J
DescriDtion
uniform or physionomic regions, areas derived from flcr
data are called nodal or functional regions .
Institutional units. Administrative and political
boundaries define institutional areas.
Arbitrary units. Arbritrary data collection units
like satellite Imagery cells or concentric rings abo-jt
a point of interest may be used for data collection.
Areal resolution. Users needs, data sources and
data applications and' user region will be required as
inputs to defining spatial resolution of data for
different data themes (e.g. soils in Fairbanks and
soils in Medford^and forestry in Flagstaff and forestry.
in Coeur d'Alene; forage in Duluth and forage in
Winnemucca) .
78
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Description
! 2.
; 2.0
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2 13
I
| 2.1.4
Entry of new data for creation of an initial data
base for a data theme (incut)
5
Entry of new data. The information system must
provide multiple methods of entering new data, most
commonly from a manually useable form to a computer
useable form. Differences in data and data source
and number of data themes on source dictate the appro-
priate method for data capture efficiency -and economy.
This section focuses upon creation of the initial data
bases and some batch processing is acceptable and
expected.
Entry of geographic (map) data. Geographic
referencing or ceding of the location of map entities
is geocoding. Methods of geccoding all data sources
in Section 1 must be available in the information
system to prepare graphic input. Geocoding of coordin-
ates can be either direct (plane or terrestial) or
indirect, map inches etc., and convertable to the
standard coordinate system discussed in Section 9.
Geocoding methods are part of the_ information system,
but are prerequisites to the graphics system. Geo-
coding methods of preparing input to the geographic
data base must include:
Manual digitizing of individual map enrities
(points, lines, areas) with line vectors between
points on a line or perimeter. Geocoding options :
User selected points (x, y coordinates)
Continuous points (coordinates) taken on a
distance moved or time elapsed.
Digital terrain model data taken at a grid of x,
y positions regular or irregular and having some data
elements) recorded at each position, e.g. elevation.
Satellite imagery data processed- into acceptable
line or cell format must be storable and retrievable
with the graphics system.
Raster scanning of a single theme map (and
multiple' "heme maps with theme separation techniques).
Scanned data for a single data theme must be separat-
able into map entities e.g. road segments and
d
79
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J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
i Numbs:
Description
uniquely identified so that data elements entered
separately can be relaxed to the appropriate map
entity. (Raster data converted to line data prior to
input ) .
2 . 2 Entry of map attributes ( data elements ) . Alpha
numeric data descriptive of map entities is entered by
one of the following:
2.2.1 Key entry to cards or magnetic tape or disk.
2.2.2 Optical character- reader input of data.
2.2.3 Read in from an already computer readable source,
e.g., satellite data.
2.3 | Methods of associating data for individual map
'entities with its corresponding set of data elements-,
must be provided for each data entry method.
2.M- J Data formats must accomodate the -input methods cited
fin 2.1 and 2.2 and data sources cited in Section 1
^including point, line, area and cell and coordinate,
bearing-distance and other data.
80
•A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOP. GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
:BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
\
Number
Description
3.
3.0
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Verification and edit of new data (error detection), j
Data verification of new input data by both computer
and manual methods is being required. Some data
checking may be done concurrently and inactively at the
time of data entry, other aspects may be best done by
patch processing. Both map and data element edits are
crequired to remove as many machine and/or manual errors
as possible. This section focuses upon high volume
work of creating the initial data bases.
Edit of geographic (map) data. Computer edit of map
data is required to test for:
Complete coverage (area data only) no omissions.
Redundant coverage, identify multiple entry same
entity .
t
j Area closure
i
Line edit for _underruns (e.g. — \ ) , overruns (e.g.
No.
Edit of data elements. Computer edit of this des-
criptive map attribute data by data theme, and in seme
cases multiple themes „
Edit each attribute (data element) for valid codes
Edit for logical value/code relationships by
applying cross attribute logic tests (e.g. an acceptable
age-weight" relationship and tolerance). Logical edit
programs are application based rather than graphics
based software.
Verification of map entity and map attribute linkage.
Test for a complete match for each entity, no redundant
matches .
Write cut report of deviations from acceptable level
for operator /user revision.
Visual inspection cf map plctback and data listing
J
81
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J
J
•A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
:(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
JBLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
i
Nuxr.be]
4.
4.0
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2
4.3
4.4
Description
Revision of new initial data after edit (error
correction)
Revision of new .data. Correction of invalid initial
input data may be by computer or manual method (or both)
and utilize both batch and interactive processes. This
revision specifically designed to facilitate creation
of initial data bases.
Computer only adjustment of data. Computer detection
of erroneous, inconsistent, missing or redundant data
to be followed by computer correction in cases where
user judgement is not required. Output report of edit
errors and actions taken.
Map registration, that is computerized fitting of
an input map to existing data on the basis of user
selected reference poings. This corrects map errors
sand distortion.
''•• Map registration to standard reference coordinates
Isystem.
I-*
Manual "only" adjustment of data. Manual correction
of computer or manually detected errors. Computer
jerror findings should isolate problems and indicate
{their nature and if appropriate correction options .
Manually redigitize, keypunch etc. the revision.
Interactive man-computer adjustment of data. On-line
map and/ or alpha-numeric data revision should be
provided by the system, through a cathode-ray tube.
Addition, deletion and changes of point, line, and
area perimeter map data must be provided for high
volume production operations.
Match map data j map attributed data. Apply
Sections 4.2 or 4.3 to resolve multiple matches of
data for a map entity, vice versa, or no match.
82
'a' REVIEW" LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
! Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Number
Description
5.
5.1
5.2
Entry of nongeographic and/or other nongraphic data
Central computer site entry of data such as payroll,
personnel, budget, timber cruise and appraisal data
etc. Non» geographic^but processing by other ADP
capabilities and possibly subject to graphic outputs
such as bar charts, line graphs, etc. Subject to
prior definition of format.
User site data entry of data same as above but input
from a user terminal.
(
)
83
0-
»
|a review' list of options, criteria and notes for geographic
•(ma?) data handling and graphics capabilities of a standard
jblm information system
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
i isumoe:
Description
J
J
i Entry of change (update/ correct ion) data (input).
6.0
6.1
6.1.1
5.1.2
6.1.2.1
6.2
t 6.2.1
Entry of change data to update or correct an
existing data base should accomodate input from all
sources cited in the section on entry of new (initial)
data. All of the data input methods in the new data
section should also be available for input of change
data. This section applies to infrequent high volume
update and revision of data which can be done in a
delayed timing and away from the user site. Operator,
but not user judgment, may be required. Batch processir
is acceptable and expected for efficiency and economy.
Entry of geographic (map) data. Similar methods to
section on new (initial) data entry (2.1, 2.1.1-2.1.4)
with eaual or greater accuracy dIus : /»*& &v/*fy *J<t'm
Map registration points in both the initial data
jbase and the change data are required in the data.
(This is required for computerized fitting the change
jinput map to existing data for the data theme (cited -i:
jdata revision section).
Computerized integration of change data into
existing data. Change data must be added to, deleted
from or existing data modified by the computer.
Insertion of revised line and area Derimeter data
into the data base must be provided and fragments and
remainders of lines (or areas) of the theme properly
redefined and associated with their related data ele-
ments and revised map statistics (area, envelope
length etc.) calculated. Include detection of resultirjg
sliver areas and their disposition to either retention
as an entity or merging into adjacent area. Coordinate
with Section 8.6.
Entry of map attribute change (data elements). Entry
of alpha/numeric data for the changed map entities and/
or changed data for an unchanged map entity (points, •
lines or areas in a data theme) would be the same as
described in Section 2.2.
Addition and deletion of data elements for all map
entities, must be possible (will require coordination
84
JA REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(!1A?) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Numbs:
6.3
6.4
Description
.with data base manager.
Methods of associating data map and map attribute dat£
must be provided when these data inputs are separated
in time, location or technique of data entry.
Data formats must conform or be convertable to the
existing data base.
(
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85
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o
A REVIEW' LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Description
7. Data insertion, verification and edit of change
.data (error detection).
7.0 Data verification for change input data by both man-
•ual and computer methods is required. Some data
,checking may be done concurrently and interactively
jwith data entry, other phases of editing may best be
"done by batch processing. Both map and map attribute
I data must be verified and edited. Infrequent high
ivolume changes such as major reinventories are treated
|in this section rather than initial data base creation
lor daily file maintenance from the user site which is
ito be all interactive and on-line.
7.1
17.1.1
I
J Edit of geographic (map) data. Computer edit of map
jdata is required to test for:
i
Complete coverage and proper integration of
^revised line and area perimeter data. Small remainder
ilines and areas will have to be retained or merged
Iwith an adjacent map entity on user defined specifica-
tions .
J
7.1.2
I
17.1.3
7.1.4
7.1.5
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
Redundant coverage edit of lines , area perimeters ,
^identify for removal (unless inconsistent with
Section 9.1)
Area
closure edit ( \/ LO )•
Line edit overrun , underrun ( X -\ <) •
Automate moving of a map entity to a new location
specified by user: east, west, north, south5rotate.
Edit of data elements. Computer edit of this des-
criptive map attribute data by data theme, and in some
cases multiple data themes.
Edit of each attribute for valid codes.
Edit for logical value/code relationships by
applying cross attribute logic tests.
86
•A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
7.3
7.4
7.5
Verification of map entity-map attribute linkage
test for a complete match of each and no missing or
redundant matches.
Write out report- of deviations from acceptable level
ifor operator/ user revision (for both man and man
i at tributes)
Visual inpsection of nap plotback and data listing.
87
c
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J
. ,'IEVf LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES :Z?. GEOGRAPHIC
DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES ZT A S7ANDARI
FORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1575
(MA?)
BLM I
Vv-W.
Description
8. Revision of change data after edit (error correction)
8.0 i Revision of change data. Correction of invalid
j change data may be by both batch and interactive
Iprocessses .
i
8.1 j Computer only adjustment of data. Same as 4.1
i
8.2 | Manual "only" adjustment of data. Same as 4.2
I
8.3 I Interactive man-computer adjustment of data. Same
as 4.3.
8.4 Match map data and map attribute data. Apply sec-
tions 8.2 and 8.3 to resolve multiple matches of data
for a map entity, vice versa. or no match.
I
8.5 j Conversion and compaction of data to standard forma"C .
I
3.6 j Insertion of edited, change data into data base.
•Copy of corrected file reinserted into data base.
t
8.7 j Maintenance of change record files. Maintain
! archival files of before, change, and after change.
I Include date, type of change (update or correction of
■map or attribute data or both).
88
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FC?. GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES CF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
9.2
9.1
q -2
3 . w
9.1+
9.5
Description
_1
Conversion of various input data to a standard fcr-
.mat and data comcaction (coordinate with Section 10)
Identify, format, convert and compact data to stand-
ard data format which will result in a minimum combined
cost (considering: data storage, data processing, and
data transmission) and a large scale to small scale map
range which is large enough to introduce significant
geodetic errors into a two dimensional map. Accept anc
convert all data sources cited.
Convert entered coordinated data from input device
(units digitizer, scanner cell, etc., into the standard
| geographic data base requirements. Convert all data
themes to the standard to be used in the data base.
Use adequate precision in geodetic location coord-
nates to store data for large scale map use for some
data themes.
| Calculate the map statistics for geographic data filds
jand each individual map entity in each theme, which are
.'needed for graphics manipulations, e.g., envelopes,
centroids, etc., and quasi "data elements" such as
(acreage,, line length, etc.
i
j Merge or otherwise relate map, map attribute data and
man sxatistic data.
(
89
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j
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
IBLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Kitrr.Va-r.
10.
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
DescriDtion
; Store map and data elements; do geographic data base
management and interface with data base management
Partition the data base geographically and hier-
archically for rapid and efficient retrieval of any
;data at any scale for any arbritrary area nationwide
|(where coverage is desired) .
j Define a local coordinate storage scheme for data
'themes within a geographic partition (see also and
(coordinate with 9.1).
Store for each partition as many separate data themes
[as required to define all single and multiple attribute
(data theme reauired by users for the partition.
1
10. 4 j Store frequently used data theme composites (see
[Section 22) of separate data themes with each partition
i
10.5 ! Refine the data structure to interface with the DBMS
• __________.____________________-___^_____________^___-^__-_________-^_— __
Ito Dermit data retrieval by logical and relational
j * w ^
(associations of attributes within both a-. partition
land an arbitrarily shaped area defined by a user which
:may span more than one partition.
Store work map files being created by a user or
modified copies of the data base files being used in
studies (such as alternative analyses).
Insure that the DBMS is properly instructed to up-
date each of the Dointer files (which relate data loca-
tions in the files) when authorized updates to coordin-
ate data are received.
Protection of data base from accidental catastrophic
damages by including sophisticated data base integrity
checks and recovery.
Creation of copy of files for data protection when
files are revised.
Security of files from oten access fcscme confiden-
tial and sensitive information.
90
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
(
Number
Description
10 . 11 j ; Data base accessible from multiple locations and
devices . Use time sharing techniques to allow sharing
access to a data base through a communications network,
<
^
C
91
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J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
I (MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
'BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
fcumoer
11.
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11. 5.1
11.5.2
Description
User implements commands for data use applications
Command control level. A command interpreter should
serve as a central control level for invoking system
capabilities. The interpreter is software which is
responsible for checking the command for valid syntax-
( format) and valid verbs. The interpreter would then
jinvoke the system function associated with the verb,
land also pass the related parameters to that function
[through a standard area (core and disk file). When
[errors are encountered, the interpreter should provide
{complete error diagnostics including corrective options
Error handling. A discipline for error handling,
diagnostic generation, control traceback, and break-
jpoint interrupt handling should be adopted across all
jsystem functions requiring these facilities . Under
[this dicipline, it should be possible for interrupt
<of a function at one level to be detected at levels
'jabove it.
i
\ User access location. Serve users who are resource
{specialists, clerks, line and staff people with avail-
able services from user sites; districts, state offices
-service center and headquarters. Users mustjiot be
'required to have programming skills.
Estimate of cost. The kind of service desired and
number and size of data base themes should be entered
and formulas used for estimating cost and time to
accomplish 'the service under different priority levels.
User specification of priority and type of processing
can then be done.
Processing type and priority. Cost and immediacy of
of user need will influence user specification a
processing method.
Interactive on-line processing of the data including
manipulations in Sections 12-24 and output Section 25.
This is appropriate for most small areas (Resource Area
or Planning Unit) and/or simpler data sets over larger
areas .
Remote job entry of a jcb for off-line batch proces--
s.ia g-T^i~h_jjiie.r-a£^.i ve^jn - 1 i r.e_s_e.t. _up_£>.f_ . the pnos.es.siRg - .
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
11.6
11.6.1
11.6.1,
job(s). This is appropriate for complex map composit-
ing, summaries, etc., requiring long processing times.
Alternative levels of user interface and system
prompting response should be provided for infrequent
users and frequent users.
I
i 11.6.1.
Keyboard entered commands with English-like phrases
■ Command syntax should follow a uniform format
such as:
(label) (verb) (positional parameters)
(label) (verb) (keyword = parameters)
Saving of user-defined command sequences for
Subsequent use as procedures composed of system defined
(Commands. (Sec S««.ti»o 2&S")
11.6.1.35
Abort processing command to interrupt processing
[the previous command and return the system to a known
status such as a return to the command monitor (to
receive a new user command) .
I
11.6.2
t
I
Command entrv bv selection of action from menu can
e used when a few fixed options or functions are avail-
able. Menus may be slower than keyboard commands but
they may give more prompting and guidance about options
to users.
11.6.2.1 Used in lieu of keyboard command entry by users
preferring menus .
11.6.2,
11.7
11. 7.1
Menu may appear on screen for use in choosing
commands by using graphic crosshairs, typing a name
(from a list), indicating choice with a graphic tablet
cursor (electronic pointer), by number key, by pressure
sensitive points on a tablet, light pen (electronic
pointer) etc.
System request for user response should be uniform
and include:
Audible sound signal used to indicate readiness for
another command.
(
0
)
J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLK INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1375
Number | Description
11.7.2
Prompt symbol on the user device (CRT screen) such
as a flashing light .
.
1
94
;a re vie::. 1137 or options, criteria and itotes ?:?. geographic
(HAP) LA'.' A HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
3lm :::?,;-:: at i on system
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1375
Description
D.2. 0-5
12.0
Entry of change (update/correction) data (input)
.interactively on-line and from user- site
I Entry of change data to update or correct an existing
|data base should accomodate input data from user site
^devices (which should therefore have suitable resolu-
tion for map input). Change is done for only one data
;theme map at a time. Map and attribute changes are to
!be completed for a map entity under a computer prompt
Isequence leading the user through the process . Map
^changes should be shown on the CRT screen in refresh
slines not fixed until acceptable edit has been achiev-
ied. Old and changed attributes (data elements) are to
!be listedCedited until OK.
12.1
i
Entry at geographic (map) data Similar methods to
112.1.1
12.1.2
12.1.2.1
{section on new (initial) data entry (2.1, 2.1.1) with
equal or greater accuracy plus map entity addition,
deletion, or partial change.
Map registration points in both the initial data
base and the change data are required in the data. This
is required for computerized fitting the change input
imap to existing data for the data theme (cited in data
revision section).
Computerized integration of change data into ex-
isting data Change data must be added to, deleted
jfrom or existing data modified by the computer.
Insertion of revised line and area perimeter data
12.2
into the data base must be provided and fragments and
remainders of lines (or areas) of the theme properly
redefined and associated with their related data ele-.
ments and revised map statistics (area, envelope length
etc.) calculated. Include deletion of resulting
sliver areas and their disposition to either retention
as an entity or merging into an adjacent area.'
I Entry of map attribute change (data elements) Entry
of alpha/numeric data for the changed map entities and/
or changed data for an unchanged map entity (points,
lines, or areas in a data theme) would be the same as
described in section 2.2
95
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A REVIEW1 LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAFHIC
(MA?) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BUS INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
12.2.1
12.3
|12.4
I
12,
Description
i Addition and deletion of data elements for all
pap entities must be possible (will require coordina-
tion with database manager).
Methods of associating data Map and map attribute
•data must be provided when their data inputs are
{separated in time, location or technique of data entry.
r
A cursor (cross hairs or other electronic pointer de-
vice could meet this requirement . )
Data formats must conform or be convertible to the
existing data base.
l
i Visible highlighting of change data both attribute
jand map changes until editing is complete.
i
96
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES CF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
i
Descrin tion
12.6-11
12.5
12.7
12.7.1
12.7.2
12.7.3
12.7.4
12.7.5
12.3
12.3.1
12.3.2
Insert data, do verification and edit of change data
;( error detection) interactively on-line and from user-
'site
i
Data verification for change input data by both
(manual and computer methods is required. Some data
'checking may be done concurrently and interactively
[with data entry, other phases of editing may best be
idone by batch processing. Both map and map attribute
| data must be verified and edited. Medium volume daily
(file maintenance from the user site, interactive and
| on-line 3 rather than infrequent, high volume changes
[are treated in this section.
Edit of geographic (map) data. Computer edit of
imap data is required to test for:
I
| Complete coverage and proper integration of re-
: vised line and area perimeter data must be verified,
i Small remainder lines and areas will have to be re-
gained or merged with an adjacent map entity on user
| defined specifications.
}
Redundant coverage edit of line, area perimeters,
identify for removal (unless inconsistent with section
9.1)
Area closure edit
Line edit overrun, underrun (-4-, — \ )
Automatic moving of a map entity to a new location
specified by the user: east, west, north, south, ro-
tate.
Edit of data elements . Computer edit of this des-
criptive map attribute data by data theme , and in some
cases multiple data themes.
Edit of each attribute for valid codes
Edit for logical value/ code relationships by
applying cross attribute logic tests (tnis is user
application software).
(
w
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A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Nunyaer
Description
.2.9 ; Verification of map entity-map attribute linkage;
test for a complete match of each and no missing or
redundant matches.
12.10 Write out report on CRT of deviations from accep-
table level for operator/user revision for both map
and map attributes)
12.11 Visual inspection of map CRT plotback and data
listing.
V
)
J
98
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC i
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD j
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM j
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
i
Description
12.12-16. Revision of change data after edit (error correction'
interactively on-line and from user-site
12.12
12.12.1
12.12.2
12.12.3
12.13
12. ia
12.15
Revision of change data. Correction of invalid
change data may be by both batch and interactive
processes .
Computer 'only ''adjustment of data. Same as 4-.1.
Manual "only" adjustment of data . Same as M- . 2 .
Interactive man-computer adjustment of data . S ame
jas ^.3.
Match map data and map attribute data. Apply sec-
jtions 8.2 and 8.3 to resolve any multiple matches of
idata for a map entity, vice versa or no match.
i
Conversion and compaction of data to standard format .
Complete edit. Users will be required to ;
a 12.15.1 J Complete all map and/or attribute changes and edit
3 i until acceptable, or
112.15.2 Abort the change and accept the initial condition,,
12.15 Maintenance of change record files. Maintain archi-
i
val files of before, change and after change. Include
data, type of change, (update or correction of map, or
attribute data or both)
K
99
o
J
J
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
•Number
Description
13.1-5
13.1
13.*
13.2.1
I 13.2.2
j
t
\ 13.2.3
13.3
; 13.4
13.5
I Enter new data for creation of an initial data base
jfor a data theme (input) interactively on-line and
from user- site
Entrv of new data from user site interactively and
■
on-line . Users must have the capability to create
relatively simple new data themes from the user termi-
nal using a map input device and source document of
acceptance accuracy for the intended use . Similar to
Section 2 but done from user -site.. new data themes
m«v be special study area boundaries 7 an evolving
Management Framework Plan (MFP) areas, etc".- Coordi-
nation with data base manager is required to obtain
file space.
Registration of map to be entered to existing refer-
ence base map in the data base. Designate equivalent
[points to:
\
Register the map and provide the basis for
| computer fitting of the new map the stored map and
Correction of shrinkage or distortion in the incut
i
i map , and
3asis for converting incut coordinates to the
'standard coordinates of the data base.
Entry of the new map by manual digitizing at the
user using a device like a graphic data tablet. New
map entry'displayed on a CRT as data is entered (over
other themes ) .
Definition of map attributes , existing or new to be
associated with the data theme being created. Coor-
dinate this activity with data base manager to avoid
redundancy and get space
Entry of attribute data for the new map. The data
elements associated with the new map theme must be
entered and associated with each map entity.
100
iA REVIEW ' LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES EC?. GEOGRAPHIC
j(I!AP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OE A STANDARD
3LM INEOENATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1375
(
DescriDtion
13.6
13.6
Enter new data for creation of an initial data base
]for a data theme (input) interactively on-line and
jfrom user site, con't.
Verification and edit of new data by visual examina-
tion of the map image and data elements listed on a
;CRT and by computer methods .
i
[13.6.1
jp.3.6.1,
113.6.1.
13.6.1.
13.5.1,
13.6.2
13.6.2.1
Edit of ~ geographic (map) data. Computer edit of
imap data is required to test for:
1
Complete coverage (area data only) no omissions
2 Redundant coverage , identify multiple entry same
jentity
Area closure
Line edit for overruns (e.g., ^T~) , underruns
<(e.g.,-/)
i
Edit of data elements. Computer edit of this des-
criptive map attribute data by dara theme , and in some
leases multiDle themes.
i
i
}
Edit each attribute (data element) for valid
jcodes
13.6.2.2
13.7
id.;
13,9
Edit for logical value/ code relationships by
applying cross attribute logic tests (e.g., an accep-
table age-weight relationships and tolerance). Logi-
cal edit programs are application based rather than
graphics .
Verification of map entity and map attribute linkage
test- for, a complete match for each enxity , no redun-
dant matches .
Write out report of deviations from acceptable level
for operator/user revision
Visual inspection of map display and data listing.
101
)
A REVIEW. LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC j
(MA?) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Number
Description
13.10 ; Revision of new initial data after edit (error
j correction)
i
13.10 Revision of new data. Correction of invalid initial
input data may be by computer or manual method (or
j both) and utilize both batch and interactive processes
jThis revision specifically designed to facilitate
creation of initial data bases.
13.10.1 Computer only adjustment of data. Computer detec-
tion of erroneous, inconsistent, missing or redundant
| data to be followed by computer correction in cases
! where user judgment is not required. Output report of
edit errors and actions to us***i
13.10.1.1 Map registration, that is computerized fitting
of an inpur map to existing data on the basis of user
selected reference points. This corrects map errors
and distortion
13
,10.1.1
13.10.2
Map registration to standard reference
j coordinate system
i '
!
i
j Manual "only" adjustment of data. Manual correc-
tion of computer or manually detected errors. Ccm-
13.10.3
13.10.1+
j outer error findings should isolate Droblems and indi-
icate their nature and if appropriate correction op-
itions. Manually redigitize, keypunch, etc., the revi-
sion.
..... Interactive man-computer adjustment of data. On-
line map and/or alpha-numeric data revision should be
provided by the system through a cathode-ray tube.
Addition deletion and changes of point, line, area
perimeter, and map data must be provided for high
volume production operations .
Match map data and map attribute data. Apply sec-
tions M-.2 or 4.3 to resolve multiple matches of data
for a map entity, vice versa or no match.
102
i a review list 0" options, criteria and notes for geographic
!u1a?) data handling and graphics capabilities cp a standard
blm information system
Graphics Study Team, December 13, 1975
v,,_-_ -^
Description
14.
14.1
|14.2
i
Reformation of data variables : data elements
attributes and data nor related to maps) and map
[statistics
I Variable reformation. The user must be able to
[specify data element manipulations necessary to put
•the data for each map entity into the best form for
juse in responding to his need. For example, if volume
of wood on each mapped area is needed the user should
Ibe able to form and use a composite variable for area
{volume : . ,
Data element x map statistic -V* S^ *<*> ^v*- «-lcu*eKr
Wood volume per acre x Acres £o«- a.*ce- v/*Vu.*v\€
i
1
Reformation methods
{must include addition, subtraction
jplication, exponentiation, etc.
Arithmetic reformation methods
division, multi-
J
i
103
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lA REVISE LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES TOR GEOGRAPHIC
I (MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES CP A STANDARD
J3LM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1375
Description
15.
15.1
.15.2
3
115.2.1
1
15.2.2
!
:
i
j 15.2.3
115.2.4
15.3
Do conversions of map data format and coordinates.
Purpose of map conversion. For high speed and/or
jlower cost map compositing or map display output in a
different map projection (e.g., a Lambert Conic Con-
formal projection to a Universal Tranverse Mercator
[projection) it is required that the information system
ibe capable of doing map conversion. The system would
'assume the standard case unless a user specified
[Otherwise.
{ Map, form conversions
i_ _
•< _ Area polygons to cells of user specifiable size
] (e.g., 1 mile by 1 mile, 1 meter by 1 meter, 10 ft
!by 10 ft).
1 Lines to cells containing part of the line.
I
!cell.
Points to cell containing point, point count per
Cell data to points, line and area data
MaD oroiection conversions. To simolify and reduce
cost of data storage map data would be stored in one
standard projection such as Universal Transverse Mer-
cator. Input data from other projections would be
converted to the standard for storage and output maps
requiring a different projection would be converted
prior to drawing of the map .
104
iA REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
I (MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
|BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
!
wuniper
Description
16
15.1
16.1.1
Perform data retrieval, users at user-site terminal
i
Retrieval of locational data. Users must be able to
ispecify retrieval and output map display or tabular
lists of map entity data on the basis of a data ele-
■ment and/or geographic location parameters .
|
Retrieval on data element map statistic data bases .
(Use any combination of map attribute data elements,
'and/or map statistics or reformed data (see Sect. 14-)
[to do this selective retrieval. For example: select
jand write or display only entities which are: color =
| green, age greater than, 35 and less than 4-6, etc.
I
16.1.2 | Retrieval on locational relationships . Select on
f basis of points within an area, lines within an area,
jareas within an area. For example wells in a resource
'area, roads in a district, critical water's hed in a
116.1.3
t
I 16. 1.3.1
township .
Retrieval on location basis, geographic window.
Any arbitrary area may be used as a retrieval and/or
display basis. Windowing capability options for
defining an area for processing or map display follow
Automatic scaling. Computer calculation of the
scale which will just fit the area to be displayed
orf\ the DaDer or screen area available.
16.1.3.2 Window in is a command "zooms in" enlarging a
user defined subarea on an existing display to a
smaller area (results in a larger but unspecified map
scale).
16.1.3.3
16.1.3.4
Window out is command which "zooms out" reducing
the existing display area map scale and displaying a
larger scale and displaying a larger area (results in
a smaller but unspecified map scale).
Window with specified scale. A fixed map scale
and poinx (e.g., center of desired display) may be
used to designate a window area for display.
105
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A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
16.1.3.5! Window to an area defined by named entities
(e.g., townships) at the outer corners of a desired
display (e.g., a set of 16 Master Title Plats)
16.1.3.6
16.1.3.7
16.1.3.8
16.1.3.9
15.1.4
16.1.5
16.1.6
Window to specified coordinates. Window to and
do processing or display on the basis of user speci-
fied coordinates for corners of the area.
Window save. The user must be able to define
and save any arbitrary area for future use in speci-
fying processing or map display. For example an area
containing a planning unit, study area, etc. might be
specified.
Window to saved area. Users must be able to
designate a saved area (see 16.1.3.7) during subse-
quent work.
Deletion of saved window. Saved named windows
must be subject to user deletion when they are no
longer needed.
Map entity selection. Users must be able to select
an individual map entity (point line or area) from a
data theme by a graphic pointer (movable crosshair or
other electronic pointer). Once selected the user may
switch from a map to a listing of data elements for
the area, revise its shape, delete it, etc.
Proximity selection. Users should be able to
retrieve entities within a user specified distance
frpnL points, _or- lines, or areas having given charac-
teristics .
Select on basis of edge characteristics. Retrieve
data for processing or display on the basis of an edge
characteristic (e.g., all areas bordering on elk
wintering areas ) .
106
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MA?) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
16.2
16.2.1
15.2.1.
16.2.1,
16.2.1,
16.2.1.4
16.2.2
Retrieve location. The user should be able to find
out what area is displayed if use has been interrupted,
• Find and label the display of map or data listing
with the area covered.
Window name
Coordinates for corners of the display
Township Range reference for whole map or map
corners
Coordinates of a point indicated by the user witl
an electronic pointer .
Find and display coordinates of line intersection.
Compute and display location of the intersection of
two designated lines (in one or different data themes).
107
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:A review list of options, criteria and notes for geographic
[(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
jBLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
1 HT
i Nunib*
~ i
i^7
il7.1
17.2
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.5
Description
Do mathematical manipulations
Arithmetic manipulation Users must be able to spec-
ify arithmetic manipulations on data including re-
formation of data (section 140 and sorts, sort sum-
maries, application of logical operations, limited
statistical operations and formula application.
Data sorting The user must be able to specify
criteria and do sorting into multilevel strata. Mul-
tiple sort levels (e.g. up to 9) need to be provided.
For example, sort by District, planning unit, vegeta-
tion class, vegetation age, and slope.
Data summation The user must be able to summarize
data in selected data elements and map statistics for
all data in an area and by sorted levels. For example
sort vegetation by resource area and age, class and
sum acres by each age class (1, 10, 20 etc.) The user
must also be able to specify the output, location and
device (e.g. user site cathode-ray tube). Other ex-
amples: map entity counts, sums of data elements and
sums of reformed variables .
Apply logical operators Users must be able to speci-
fy the application of logic to individual map entities
for data retrieval and other manupilations . For ex-
ample retrieve and display areas with no vegetation
and which have slopes over 90 percent. Logical opera-
tors include MID, OR, NOT EQUAL, EQUAL, GREATER THAN,
ETC.
Limited statistical capabilities Users should be
able to apply simple statistical procedures to data
without shifting to a full statistical capability
program. Users should be able to
sum data
count entities
calculate means
calculate standard deviations
Apply formulas including weighting functions Do area
calculations, grade calculations, distance calculations
etc.
108
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
IBLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
! Number
18
13.1
18.2
Description
Apply other ADP capabilities
Other ADP capabilities Automatic data processing
capabilities with geographic data include mapping, map
compositing and other map data handling- Other ADP
capabilities described under the Strategic Plan should
also be accessible to the user from his location and
provided with a self help guide to users . Text pro-
cessing such as composition, update. and special pro-
cesses such as time series analysis and simulation
model processing should also be provided through the
user-site terminal.
Access to nongraphic processing An effort will be
made to make nongraphic processing available to user
sites and non programmer users., Such processing would
be set up so the computer prompted the user and guided
his use of the computer.
109
V
A
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3
A RE VIE".;. LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR 'GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
lumzir
19
19.1
19.2
119.3
19.4
19.5
19.5
19.7
Description
Process topographic information
i .
! Topographic data ToDograDhic data storage may be in
the form of contours or in positional coordinates with
[elevation data.
Do contouring The geographic-graphic system should
(convert data to required contour interval and display
'the data.
Calculate seen area The system should process ter-
rain data to find the area which can be seen from a
{point, or a series of points along a line. For ex-
iample: what area can be seen from points along a wild
land scenic waterway.
I Calculate slope aspect areas Calculate from terrain
(data (x, y coordinates and elevations) map area entity
|which have slopes within user defined intervals. For
.'example: define areas which are homogeneous for slope
jpercent classes such as : 0 , 1-5, 5-25, 26-55,56-76, 76+.
r
1 Calculate a profile along a line Develop a cross
section profile between designated points. For ex-
ample: a road, profile, pipeline profile, cable log-
ging profile etc.
Perspective view Calculate and prepare for output
to paper or CRT a perspective view of a terrain model
from a user specified location and elevation.
Surface presentation of data Display in perspective
nontopcgraphic data such as volume per acre, population
density, traffic use (tons per mile per year) etc. as
a third (elevation) axis. The third dimension could
be used like elevation to show a surface.
no
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLn INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
20
20.1
20.2.1
i
!20 . 2 . 2
20.2.3
20.2.4
Description
Do graphics for non-gecgraphic data
Do nongeographic graphics : Calculate sums and
P1
proportions of geographic and nongeographic data.
20.2 i Display nongeographic output Draw to user specified
(Size.
s
!
Pie charts
Bar charts
Line graphs
Plot results of other ADP capability processing
je.g. linear regression graphs
.
;
•
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A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES 0? A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Nunbe:
21.
21.1
21.2
21.2.1
21.2.2
Description
Interactive user analysis of graphic image
User interaction with graphic image . The user fre-
quently needs to calculate and know limited measure-
ments about a map so limited direct user analysis
should be provided.
User quantification. Map statistic data should be
available for each map entity in a data theme in the
data base . Area and length measures should be avail-
able to the users for the superimposed themes in any
cathode-ray tube map display. Other interactive
changes should also be possible for cosmetic adjust-
ment prior to copying or plotting.
Area computation using an electronic pointer to
define an area in a CRT display.
Perimeter and/or length computation of a line or
area or between rwo designated points.
21.2.3
Label adjustment, repositioning, so that annota-
tion will nox overlaD other annotation.
112
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
3LM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
22
22.1
22
.1
,1
22
» ate
.2
22
.1
.3
22
,1
A
22
.1
5
22
.1
,6
22
.2
22.2.1
22.2.2
22.2.3
22.3
Description
Create composite map and map attribute data themes
(overlay)
Data compositing. Data compositing in the merging
of two or more data themes (map and attribute data)
to create a new data theme. Separate maps mathemati-
cally combined to create the new map and a merged set
of data elements associated with each of the new map
entities. This process is sometimes called map over-
lay and it is like but more than the physical overlay
of different themes. .New map statistics are calcu-
lated for the map entities in the composite. Data
theme composites of the following kinds are required.
Area and area, e.g., Soil and vegetation
Area and line patch, e.g., soil and road
Area and point, e.g., spotted owl nests and vege-
tation
Line and line , e.g., road and waterway
Line and point , uncommon, may not be necessary
Point and point, uncommon s may not be necessary
Apply logical operations . The user must be able to
make inquiries on the composites using logical opera-
tions (Boolean algebra).
Intersection (I), e.g., soil P and vegetation S
Union (U) , e.g., either soil P or vegetation S
Remainder (R), e.g., soil P but not vegetation S
Apply logical operations to different composite
types . Combinations of 22.1 and 22.2 should include
the following:
112
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A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) .DATA. HANDLING. AND. GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
22.4
22.5
22.6
:
22.6.1
22.6.2
2^.6.-3- <*
22,7
Operation
Intersection
Union
Remainder
Area S Area
P and S
either
P or S
P £ not S
Composite Type
Area S Line
P and S
Not
applicable
P S not S
Area S Point
P and S
Not
aDDlicable
P and not S
Apply map composite procedures to data in a cell for
mat. For approximations and economy data may be first
converted to cell format (see section 15.2) prior to
compositing.
Change data prior to composite. Prior to a compo-
site operation it may be desirable to create a simpli-
fied data theme(s). Selective retrieval could be used
to isolate the parts of the map and data applicable to
the users problem. The purpose would be to make the
results clearer, or reduce the time and cost for pro-
cessing, (see section 16 on retrieval).
Set up by user. The user interface must provide for
user specifications which tailor the composite to his
needs-. Interactive on-line, ^c'\o setup from the users
location for later off-line processing requires that
the user specify:
Area to be composited (e.g., District x, planning
unit y-, window- -currently displayed on the cathcde-ray
tube, etc.)
Data themes to be composited- (e .g. , soils, lands,
planning unit, selected vegetation).
Disposition" of- composited file.. The user should -
designate the length of time that the file should be
saved.
Do data file housekeeping;.
—
c -■ ~ "Maintai^r file lists the system should enter the
composite file name into data lists for subsequent
use or user housecleaning elimination (coordinate with
section 10 and data base.)
114
;a re viz;." list of options, criteria and notes
GE03RAPH2C
| (MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES CE A STANDARD
BLM INFOPJIATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
22.7.2
""^
Descriotion
Calculate map statistics. Map statistics such as
.area length, etc", should be calculated for each map
I entity and these stored with the file, (coordinate
with section 9 on data compaction).
)
J
115
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A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAE) JDATA .HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD ~
3LM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
^umoer
23.
23.1
23.1.1
23.1.2
23.2
Description
Aggregate like areas as defined by users
Aggregate similar areas. The user should be able to
define less complex maps by entering specifications
for combining areas of similar characteristics. Two
purposes are:
Scale reduction: A map with great detail and
suitable at a large scale (1 inch = 1000 ft) may be
needed at a smaller scale (such as 1/2 inch = 1 mile)
for generalization of „ a data theme. If the map was
originally stored with soil type and slope the user
may wish to aggregate to only sets of many soil types
and ignoring slope .
Data simplification: Generalized data may be
needed even without a scale change (see 23.1.1 for
example) .
Disolve unnecessary lines : Internal lines in an
aggregated area should not be drawn on a map output.
116
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
3LM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10,. 1975
Nunber
24.
24.1
24.1.1
24.1.2
24.2
24.3
24.3.1
24.3.2
24.3.3
24.3.4
24.4
24.4.1
24.4.2
24.4.3
Descriotion
Do utility functions
Keep data secure
Limit access . The system should provide ways to
limit who will have access or who will not have access
to look at data (map and/or some or all attribute
data). For example archeological data, personnel data
and fiscal data may need to be wholy or partially
restricted.
Limit data changing. Users may need to limit who
is authorized to actually modify the data. For
example users in Arizona should not change data in
Wyoming and perhaps soil scientists should not change
wildlife data without coordination with the wildlife
man.
Save work ccpy of a file. The system should provide
a user command to create a copy of a file and save it.
For example an evolving action plan or an evolving
revision of a Management Framework Plan needs to be
saved and be separate from a current official file .
Keep a use record. The system should provide users
with a record of use :
Who used it
What functions used
Data themes used
Data elements used
Help the user. . The system should help the user by
providing geographic and graphic data handling op-
tions (coordinate with section 11 and user assistance
section 18).
Direcxcrv of capabilities
Directorv of data themes
Director"/ of data elements
»
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117
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Number
Description
21.4.4
24.4.5
24.4.6
24.5
24.5.1
24.5.2
24.6
Directory of geographic windows
Directory of map symbols
Etc.
24.6.1
24.6.2
24.6.3
24.6.4
Save a set of user commands ♦ Users should be able
to save a complex set of commands which have been
generated to manipulate and/or display data. Reuse
of a command set permits.
Easy generation of standard outputs such as maps
or reports on a repetitive basis tyt
User addition of current parameters such as :
display area, date, map scale, data themes, etc. may
need to be provided for in the saved command set.
Create svmbols. Users should be able to inter-
actively design and create symbols required for map
'annotation where these do not exist in a symbol file,
j These must be*.
Entered
Edited
Revised
Designated for incorporation into maD outDut
24.7
24.7.1
24.7.2
24.7.3
Create areas around Doints , lines, or areas. The
system must be able to generate areas around points ,
lines or areas. Area creation is on the basis of:
Data element (s) having user specified values and/oi
User specified map entities, designated indivi-
dually with an electronic pointer while the entity
is displayed on a CRT,
Purposes of area creation are to use the created a
as part of a new data theme (e.g . , creation of a buff ei
zone along a road or waterway in the development of a
land use (MFP) plan. Map compositing of created areas
re<
113
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
Number
Description
24. 7. ^
would permit quantification _( e.g. , what and how much
vegetation is in areas created around eagle nests).
. Sizing of created area would be controlled by user
specifying width of area. Areas around map entities
are illustrated below; .v
Point; ( • }
Line
Area
-.'
119
o
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
25.
25.1
25.1.1
25.1,
25.1,
25.1,
25.1,
25
25
25
1.5
1.7
2
25.3
25.3.1
25.3.2
— — *-^_«_— _• C —
Specification of output by users
Put output on desired device. Users should be able
to specify the output device. Available options need
to include ;
Cathode-ray tube (CRT) terminal screen at the
user- site
CRT paper copier (called a hard copy device)
Printer
Alpha-numeric terminal
Flatbed map plotter
File storage
Etc.,
Default output. If the user does not define ex-
plicitly the device , scale , title or content the
system should, have a fallback assumption for output,
e.g., CRT, automatic scaling window related to termi-
nal location, etc. If insufficient information is
given the system should make inquiries of the user.
Specify map output
Define map content. Users should be able to
specify the data themes and apply selective criteria
(data element, window, etc. see section 16). For J
example : the user may want a map of land status
(all), roads (all) and forage (but only forage areas
of a high production , class ) .
Define map area. The user should be able to
specify the map area and/or scale_ of output map_._
section 16.1 for these retrieval capabilities.
See
..-Specify line tyoes for drawing macs. The user--
should be able to customize the output map by picking
line types (dashed, dotted, solid, etc.) while remain-
ing within some standard line use pattern.
_
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1975
.ur^e
bpr<
Description
25.3.3.1
- _ :-- JTT" _ vc
25.3.4
25.3.4.1
25.3.4.2
25.3.4.3
25.4.1
Instruct system to draw an offset line. Display
of a congruent boundary of an area (multiple boundaries
along the same line) may require a slight offset to
distinguish different lines as separate and distinct
(e.g., master title plat line codes).
Specify map annotation (labeling) . Users should
have control of wha~ annotation is put on each map
entity displayed.
Specify map attribute (s) labeling, one or multi-
ple, for each map entity to be put on the map (e.g.,
section number of the section area).
Specify map statistic labeling for the map (e.g.
map acres for each soil area) .
Specify map symbols for the output map . Users
should be able to define map symbols to be used on a
[map. For example: put well symbols at each well
jlocation.
Define maD outDut cosmetics. The user should be
-
able to specify the map and have the system output on
the map the following:
25.4.1.1
25
25
25
25.4.1.5
,4.1.2
,4.1.3
.4.1.4
25.4.1.6
Title
User name
Data and time
Legend of line types and symbols
Location of title, legend, etc. , on non CRT map
output-with-interaetive moving of these on a CRT pre-
view of the plot , also interactive moving of annota-
tions to a clear area if they overlap. (Up, down, left,
right and rotate).
Scale of the map on CRT, paper copy of CRT,
plotter-, etc- »- include bar and numeric scale (e.g.,
either 1" = 1 mile or 1:63,360), include a bar scale.
121
Cs.
J : .
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLM INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
25.5
25.5.1
25.5.2
25.6
25.6.1
25.6.2
25.6.3
25. 6. if
25.6.5
25.7
25.7.1
25.7.1.
25.7.1.
25.7.1.
25.7.1,
Instruction for shading or cross hatching map or
graph. The user should be able to set two kinds of
shading.
Fixed shading/hatching of areas (or along lines)
having a user specified attribute (e.g., critical
elk winterfeed).
Propertional shading or hatching according to
class intervals defined by the user. For example:
light if age 0-20, medium if age 21-80, dark if over
age 80.
Set up graphs . The user must define graph output by
Picking data axis for data elements to be graphed
Selecting scaling units for each axis .
Labeling pie charts, bar graphs, etc.
Shading pie and bar charts
Draw graphs on CRT and/or plotter
Specify alpha-numeric output > Display alpha-numeric
data element data as annotation on maps (see section
25. 3. 4). Also display lists of data elements for a
given geographic entity.
Write data element lists . Display a list of "data
elements about a map entity in response to a users
designation of the entity by name or electronic
pointer. The user should be able to command
All- attributes in a data theme, o«~
i a
A user selected subset of attributes o.a<J
Specify the "Output Device such as:
25.7.1.3
ill - An adjacent monitor CRT screen which would not
require erasing the main CRT map display.
Ar. adjacent alnha-numeric (typewriter-like)
122
A REVIEW LIST OF OPTIONS, CRITERIA AND NOTES FOR GEOGRAPHIC
(MAP) DATA HANDLING AND GRAPHICS CAPABILITIES OF A STANDARD
BLK INFORMATION SYSTEM
Graphics Study Team, December 10, 1976
Number
Description
25.7.1.3
25.7.1.3
25.7.2
3 The main CRT terminal by replacing the map
display with the data list and subject to redisplay
of the map ) .
4 By using a part of the CRT terminal screen for
the data listing and retaining part of the map (per-
haps all at a smaller scale).
Tabular data lists. Users must be able to set up
tabular reports such as the sort and summary and
statistical data (see section 17). The user must be
able to specify columns, e.g., sort levels of selected
data elements (if rows are individual map entities,
and various summations of data elements, e.g., acres,
number of areas, etc. Rows in the tabular report
might be individual map entities , or whole strata
levels of a summation.
^
3
123
'
o
Minimum Technical Design Criteria for a Mapping and Graphics
Capability
Bureau of Land Management
Interactive Graphics Study Team
November 19, 1976
A minimum set of design criteria set forth in technical terms
follows. These technical criteria are the fundamental basis for
the capabilities set out in the list of options for geographic
and graphics capabilities.
Zt
f
r)
Minimum Technical Design Criteria
Number Description
1. User Interface Command Design
1.1 A command interpreter should serve as a central
control, level for invoking system functions. The
interpreter would be responsible for checking the
command for valid syntax and valid verbs . The in-
terpreter would then invoke the system function
associated with the verb, and also pass the related
parameters to that , function through a standard area
(core or disk file). When errors are encountered,
the interpreter should provide complete error diag-
nostics.
1.2 A discipline for error handling, diagnostic genera-
tion, control traceback, and breakpoint interrupt
handling should be adopted across all system functions
requiring these facilities. It should be possible
under this discipline for interrupt of a function
at one lever to be detected at the levels above it.
1.3 Keyboard entered commands
1.3.1 One unique key (such as "cntl C") should be defined
as an interrupt or break to return the system to
a known status such as a return to the command
monitor.
1.3.2 Command syntax should follow a uniform format
possibly of form:
(lable) (verb) (positional parameters)
(label) (verb) (keyword=parameters)
1.3.3 User-defined commands act as procedures composed
of system-defined commands.
1.4 Menu entered commands
1.4.1 Used when there are a few fixed options or functions
to choose from
1.4.2 Used in lieu of keyboard commands for users pre-
ferring menus
1.4.3 Menu may appear on screen for making a choice
1.4.3.1 by graphic crosshair
1.4.3.2 by typing a name
1.4.3.3 by using the tablet cursor
2!
_ . _. ^Minimum Technical Design Criteria_
Number _. ! Description
1.4.3.4 by number key
1.4.4 Menu may be positioned on tablet for choosing with
tablet cursor
1.4.5 Cursor or crosshair picking may be by
1.4.5.1 pointing to the choice name
1.4.5.2 pointing to a box by the choice
1.5 System should signal request for user response with
a signal uniform for all user inputs
1.5.1 audible signal
1.5.2 prompt signal on screen
>
1?F
I
Number
2.
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.7.1
2.7.1.1
2.7.1.2
2.7,2
2.7.2.1
2.7.2.2
2.8
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Description
Geograpnic Database Design, Management and DBMS Interface
Partition the data base
geographically and
hierarchically for retrieval of any data at any
scale for any arbitrary area nationwide.
Define a local coordinate storage scheme for themes
within a partition
Convert input themes from digitizer (input coordinates)
to geographic and database coordinates; intersect in-
put themes with partitions for storage
Store for each partition as many separate themes
(overlays) as are required to define all single and
multiple attribute thematic (polygon, choropleth)
maps for the partition.
Store for each partition the composites of separate
themes which are frequently recalculated
Examine data within partitions by individual themes
input from separate source maps covering adjacent
areas in each partition to preclude cospatial en-
coding of a single theme (tautological overlay)
Further refine the data structure to interface with
the DBMS to permit
Data retrieval by
logical and
relational associations of attributes
within both
a partition and
an arbitrarily shaped user defined area which may
span more than one partition.
Provide- thirmed- (weeded) data for these retrievals;
merge partitions for these retrievals; provide gen-
eralized data for these retrievals when display is
reauested at smaller scale for larger areas
127
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
i
Number Description
2.9 Insure that the DBMS is properly instructed to up-
date each of the pointer files used for retrieval
when updates to coordinate data are received from
authorized terminals
3
L
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Number
3.
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.1.1
3.1.1.2
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1,3.1
3.1.3,2
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3-2. 5_
3.2.5
3.2.6.1
3.2.6.2
3.2.6.3
3.2.6.4
3.2.6.5
3.2.6.5
3.2.7
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Description
Database Creation
Data formats
Conventional maps
Arc, polygon, point
cellular format
Tabular attribute information
Other
Bearing distance
Field surveys and inventories
Data verification and topologic edits
Computer verification of polygon closure
Computer verification or assignment of polygon
attribute linkage - node adjustment
Computer verification through area cross checks of
map completeness
Computer verification of data consistency
(internal)
Interactive editing of text information
Interactive a editing of arc, polygon, point
Delete an arc
Add an arc
Delete a point •
Add a point
Move a point
etc.
Map registration (computerized fit of map input
to existing base map. )
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA -\
m
Number Description
3.2.7.1 Standard reference systems (accepted - converted
to std for storage)
Latitude/ longitude
State plane coordinates
Universal Transverse Mercator e^a.
3.2.7.2 User selected reference points for adjustment
3.2.7.3 Map distortion (adjustment by computer paper
stretchy e-ic. 3
)
C
~n
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Number Description
4. Database Update. Function same as data base creation;
repeat numbering beginning with 4 instead of 3.
)
121
MiA/iNVUNl TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Number Description
5. Manipulation/Analysis/Utilities
5.1 Locational retrievals
5.1.1 point in polygon
5.1.2 polygons within a user defined window '(polygon)
(retrieval area)
5.1.3 cursor selection of a line or point feature
5.1. ^ proximity selection (everything within a given
distance of a point, line or polygon)
5.1.5 select on edge characteristics (all areas border-
ing urban development)
5.2 Overlays (utilizing all boolean operations)
5.2.1 polygon overlay with area, length perimeter calcs
5.2.2 cellular overlay with area, length perimeter calcs
5.3 Reclassification of variables reformation and com-
bination of variables to be new attribute new code
for an attribute
5 . 4 Mathematical aggregation of variables
5.4.1 summation
5.4.2 statistics
5.4.3 formulas , including weighting functions
5,5 Conversion of cellular data to polygon
5.5 Conversion of polygons to cells
5»7 Conversion from std map projection to another pro-
jection for display
5,3 Interactive design and creation of symbols /symbol
sets
5,9 User interaction with the graphic image
5.9.1 area comcu-aticn
id
C
J
C)
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Number Description
5.9.2 perimeter/length computation
5.9.3 label adjustment
5.10 Shading/ crosshatching
132
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Number Description
6. Graphic and Alpha Display (output) and input.
6.1 Be able to obtain current location of graphic beam
6.1.1 in absolute screen coordinates
6.1.2 in verbal screen coordinates
6.2 Be able to move graphic beam to a given location
6.2.1 Direct move
6.2.1.1 absolute coordinates
6c 2.1.2 virtual coordinates
6.2.2 Relative move
6.2.1.1 absolute increment
6.2.1.2 virtual increment
6.3 Be able to draw from current graphic beam location
to another location
6.3.1 Direct draw
6.3.1.1 absolute coordinates
6.3.1.2 virtual coordinates
6.3.2 Relative draw
6.3.2.1 absolute increment
6.3.2.2 virtual increment
6.M- Be able to set bounds of screen window
6. 4,1 absolute coordinates
6.M-.2 virtual coordinates
6.5 Must have several distince line types for drawing
vectors
6.6 Be able to obtain location of a graphic crosshair on
screen
f o
MINIMUM TECHNICAL DESIGN CRITERIA
Number Description
6.6.1 absolute coordinates
6.6.2 virtual coordinates
6.7 Graphic tablet support
5.7.1 obtain absolute coordinates of tablet pen or cursor
when pressed
6.8 Character and symbol output
6.8.1 Hardware characters
6.8.1.1 Full ASCII character set
6.8.1.2 multiple sizes
6.8.1.3 output horizontally from current alpha cursor
position
6.8.1.4- line-full and page-full handling
6.8.2 Software character/symbol
6.8.2.1 generation from symbol definition table
6.8.2.2 scalable based on virtual window
6.8.2.3 slantable
6.8.2.4 rotatable
6.8.3 Move alpha cursor position to a location
6.9 Character input
6.9.1 full ASCII keyboard
6.9.2 obtain position of alpha cursor
"v.
135
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1. BATCH PROCESSING
A method whereby items are coded and collected into groups and
then processed sequentially.
2. BAUD
For practical purposes it is now used interchangeably with
"bits per second" as a unit of measure of data flow, i.e.,
9600 Baud equals about 900 characters per second.
3. BYTE
Group of consecutive binary digits operated upon as a unit and
usually shorter than a computer word (e.g. a 6-bit or 8-bit byte).
4. CELL
The smallest region in a grid.
5. CHOROPLETH MAP
Map showing discrete areas such as states or counties. These
units are considered uniform with respect to the statistics
collected within them.
6. CONGRUENCING
The digital transformation of images so that their geometric
properties can be related.
7. CONTOUR
Line joining points of equal vertical distance above or below
a datum.
8. CRT
An electronic vacuum tube containing a screen on which information
may be stored by means of a multigrid modulated beam of electrons
from the thermionic emitter storage effected by means of charged
or uncharged spots.
9. CURSOR
Aiming device, such as a lens with crosshairs, on a digitizer.
10. DATA BANK
An information store usually in digital form organized in such
a manner that retrieval and updating can be done on a selective
basis and in an efficient manner.
11. DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
A systematic approach to storing, updating and retrieval of
information stored as data items, usually in the form of records
in a file, where many users, or even many remote installations
will use common data banks.
13;
12. DATA ELEMENT
Discrete defined information variables are known as Data Element
Map atribute Data Elements which describe a map entity are known
as map attributes.
13. DATA TABLET
A flat tablet which will output the digital position of a pointer
placed at any position on its surface .
14. DATA THEME
A user delineated data category consisting of a map and map
attribute (s) will be known as a data theme. A theme will
contain only one type of map entity (points or line paths,
or areas).
15. DENSITOMETER
Device used to measure the density of a small area on a film.
Density measurement is calibrated against a standard opaqueness.
16. DIGITAL IMAGE
A two-dimensional matrix which represents an area on a photograph.
Each position of the array is assigned a grey level, which may be
limited to two. Synonym: Digitized Image, Digital Picture Function.
17. DIGITIZER
A device that converts an analog measurement into digital form.
18. DIGITIZATION, MANUAL
The process of conversion of analogue or graphic data into digital
form by an operator with or without mechanical or computer aids.
19. DIGITIZER, GRAPHIC
Machine that changes graphic cartographic information into a
digital format for computer input.
20. DIGITIZER, LINE-FOLLOWING
Device which automatically tracks an individual line and at
selected intervals digitally records its position with respect
to an arbitrary coordinate system.
Synonym: Automatic Line-Following, A.L.F.
21. DIGITIZER, POINT
A manually controlled cursor senses position, usually by
electromechanical means. An operator must activate the
recording of positional elements or other information.
22. DISPLAY
Any graphic presentation in hard-copy or as a transient image or
A device (usually CRT) attached to a computer for the rapid dis
of selectable information in map or list form.
137
0
23. DISPLAY, ALPHANUMERIC
A display system usually CRT, which produces lists, texts, or
spaced alphanumerics on a screen, the alphanumeric shapes
being produced wither by hardware or software generators.
24. DISPLAY, INTERACTIVE
Display with a facility for an operator to modify the data by
designating locations.
25. DISPLAY, LINE DRAWING
A display system (usually CRT) which produces an image from
lines drawn as a series of dots or vectors on a screen.
26. EDGE
Exact term for the division between two mapped areas which is
exterior to the subset being bounded.
Synonym: Boundary.
27. EDITING
Detection and correction of the data obtained in graphic data
reduction.
28. FEATURE
A cartographic type e.g. coastline, or
A cartographic type in digital form appearing as part of the
descriptor in coded form (Feature Code)
29. FIRMWARE
Logic circuits in read-only memory that may be achieved by the
software under certain circumstances.
30. GEODETIC COORDINATES
Latitude and longitude with reference to a standard spheroid.
31. GRAPHIC
. -Symbol produced by hand or machine drawing, or by printing, or
Completed map or chart produced as in the above definition.
32. GRAPHIC FORM
A physical or pictorial representation of data such as printing
plotting output or CRT drawings.
33. GRID COORDINATES
Euclidean coordinate system in which points are described by
perpendicular distances from an arbitrary origin.
34. HARD-COPY
•_. --Any map, -chart or-graphic presentation recorded on a sheet in such
a manner that it may be stored or transported.
Synonym: Descriptor, Identifier, Label.
128
<
35 . HARDWARE
The mechanical, magnetic, electrical and electronic devices or
components of a computer.
36. HEURISTIC
Helping to discover, learn, or to inspire inventigation. An
unstructured approach to problem solving.
37. HILL SHADING
Shading employed to create a three-dimensional impression of relief.
38. INTERACTIVE
Man-machine conversational interaction with the user giving an
instruction and the computer doing the task and responding. Response
ration is less than 100.
39. INTERACTIVE POSITIONING DEVICE
A device which is operated manually to locate a specified position,
usually on a CRT display screen. The location will be identified
on the screen and will be recorded by the computer. Devices used
may be a tablet, joystick, 'mouse', tracking ball, or lightpen.
See also Data Tablet.
40. INTERSECTION
Region containing all the points common to two other regions.
41. ISLAND
Single-line boundary within a polygon.
42. JOIN
The process of joining 2 pieces of data in digital form when
joining may require interpolation or clipping of data points.
If the join situation is not exact and has to be modified
requiring data erasure with interpolation, the operation is
then usually referred to as merge.
43. JOYSTICK
A small control lever which can be moved in any angular direction.
It may output an analog or digital value proportional to position or
a value proportional to direction but with a rate signal dependent
on deflection. In the former case the joystick will remain at any
set position, but in the latter automatically returns to center.
or
See Interactive Positioning Device.
44. LABEL
Descriptor of an item being digitized.
45. LETTERING (CARTOGRAPHIC)
All names, letters and figures appearing on the face of a map.'
139
o
46. LIGHT PEN
It is a high speed, photosensitive device with which the "operator"
can cause the computer to change or modify the display on the
cathoderay tube.
47. LINE CLOSING
Making tv/o lines, or the two ends of one line, to have a common
node.
Synonym: Line Joining, Line Merging.
48. MAP, BASE DETAIL
Map used as a primary source for compilation or as a framework
on which new detail is printed.
49. MAP ENTITY
Each separately identified geographic entity can have different
descriptive attributes associated with it. Three types of
geographic (map) entities will be recognized; points line paths,
and areas. Map entities are delineated by applying user defined
criteria and the resultant entities are assumed to be homogeneous
within some standard.
50. MAP, PLANIMETRIC
Map showing only the horizontal location of detail.
51. MAP, THEMATIC
Map designed to demonstrate particular features or concepts. In
conventional use this term excludes topographic maps.
52. MAP, TOPOGRAPHIC
Map whose principal purpose is to portray and identify the features
of the earth's surface as faithfully as possible within the
limitations imposed by scale.
53. MICRON
A unit of length equal to one thousandth of a millimeter, i.e.,
one millionth of a meter or 39 millionths of an inch.
54. MINICOMPUTER
A low cost computer with limited core capacity. Widely used for
device and system control and data handling when large computations
are not involved.
55. ON-LINE
Discriptive of a system and peripheral equipment or devices in a
system in which the operation of such equipment is under control
of the central processor.
56. 0RTH0PH0T0GRAPH
Copy of a perspective photograph from which distortion due to tilt
and relief have been removed.
140
57. OVERLAY
Map of an area to be superimposed on one or more maps of the sail
area. The purpose is to find data combinations, or more exactly
intersections and unions.
or
Digital image of areas as in definition one above.
58. POLYGON
Plan figure consisting of three or more vertices (points)
connected by line segments or sides. The plane region bounded
by the sides of the polygon is the interior of the polygon.
59. RASTER SCAN
A line-by-line sweep across a display surface to generate or
record an image.
60. REAL-TIME PROCESSING
Processing which appears instantaneous to the person or device
controlling a computation.
61. REGISTERING
The alignment process by which two or more map or chart overlay
sheets are made coincident for color printing purposes.
62. RELIEF REPRESENTATION
Any technique used to depict the configuration of the surface
of the earth (or other heavenly body) on a map, e.g. contouring,
hill shading, layer tinting.
63. RESOLUTION
Measure of the ability of an imaging system to separate the
images of closely adjacent objects. The units might be, cycles
or lines per mm., least separation in mm., least separation in
radians.
64. RESPONSE RATIO
Ratio of elapsed time to computer processor execution time. Batch,
interactive and real-time systems (and processing) differ primarily
with respect to response ratio.
65. RESPONCE RATIO - BATCH
The response ratio is large, typically being over 100. Complex
procedures such as a sort-summary for a whole planning unit
could use this slower mode.
66. RESPONCE RATION - REAL-TIME
The response ratio for this processing is less than 5. The BLM
Strategic Plan will probably not require real-time processing.
1
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67. SCANNER
Any device which systematically breaks up an image into picture
elements (or pixels) and records some attribute of each picture
element. .
68. SEGMENT
Subset of consecutive polygon points.
Synonym: Link, Arc.
69. SMOOTHING
Filling a line of observed data points by a continuous line.
70. SOFTWARE
The internal programs or routines professionally prepared to
direct a computer in its operation.
71 . TELEPROCESSING
A term denoting systems that transmit data from one point to
another in the course of processing.
72. THINNING
Removal of redundant points composing a line, in order to
reduce storage requirements.
Synonym: Culling.
73. UNION
Region containing all of the points in either of two other regions
74. WINDOWING
A method of designating and separating out a particular area of
map data for presentation on a display.
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