CC3: Starting and Scaling

[netgeist]

I know what you mean, Jaerd, and you're right about the philosophical questions. I posted in software because I'm new to CC3 and don't know how well it supports scaling either way. As a newb, I'd rather take the approach that's easier for a newb!

For example, Neon, when you zoom in to a region, are you just using the zoom tool in the program? Can you then save that zoom as a seperate file so you can 'blow-up' your regions? Does it scale automatically? What do you do about the actual scale symbol on the new blown-up map?

I'm sorry if these questions are rudimentary but I've looked all over and with no manual, it's kind of hard to piece together.

- netgeist

[NeonKnight]

I know what you mean, Jaerd, and you're right about the philosophical questions. I posted in software because I'm new to CC3 and don't know how well it supports scaling either way. As a newb, I'd rather take the approach that's easier for a newb!

For example, Neon, when you zoom in to a region, are you just using the zoom tool in the program? Can you then save that zoom as a seperate file so you can 'blow-up' your regions? Does it scale automatically? What do you do about the actual scale symbol on the new blown-up map?

I'm sorry if these questions are rudimentary but I've looked all over and with no manual, it's kind of hard to piece together.

- netgeist

Not really, no (and not many do).

What I do, is I zoom to an area that I want to make 'BIGGER', and then do the following:

1: Turn my snap on to a known quantity (say a 100 mile snap to make a closer region, or even 50 or 10 mile depending on scale I need).

2: Choose SAVE AS and select rectangular BMP

3: Select the area I want to save as a BMP image.

4: Start a new map, and set my snaps. For ease I then make a colored box the same size as the area I save in Step 3. If I save an area 200 miles by 400 miles I make a 200 Mile x 400 Mile box.

5: Choose DRAW and then INSERT FILE. I paste the BMP image inside the box, and then I start maping from there.

Probably an easier way to do it, but it is the method I have used for going on 5+ years.

[Richardb]

The challenge is inherent in how CAD programs work. Either scaling up, or down, you will have to deal with a few things:
1. YOu will have to explode your poly's, draw in the new contour extensions, and then make sure your new poly's are all properly closed, or else you will get some really crazy things happening as you move around your newly filled objects. Just make sure to properly close your shapes using the trim commands, then multipoly the whole thing.
2. In general, you will have to re-do your text and your symbols to make it look right.

It will be a lot of work. I find that simply saving as a BMP and overlaying it and starting over can be easier at times when going up in size.

I always start from the lowest level of detail (the world map) and work down, it has saved me a lot of time over the years.