Features (object data)

2. If required, change the Layer setting by selecting from the drop-down list. The default layer where the object is placed is the layer for the feature type. For example, a new railway is put on a layer called Railway and a new river is put on a layer called River.

3. From the Earth moving drop-down list, select the impact of the feature on earthmoving. Options for earthmoving are in the table below. Transport costs are calculated only as far as the feature that provides access to the dump site or borrow pit. Quantm Desktop allows you to create Earthmoving features within the study area to more accurately define the earthmoving tasks within the study area. For more detailed explanations of the use of the earth moving feature functions, refer to Earth Moving.

• • No effect - The default. Most features have no effect on earthmoving.

  • Export - Material is required for some external purpose, such as an overpass ramp, but is provided at no cost. The material is sourced and transported as part of the overall earthmoving task. This material is automatically required to be usable. Enter a volume in the usable field.

  • Import - Material from some external source is acquired at no cost. The material must be transported, and used or dumped, as part of the overall earthmoving task. Enter the two volumes that must be handled: Usable material and Unusable material.

  • Borrow pit - The feature provides access to a borrow pit where extra material can be acquired if necessary. Borrow is normally obtained from the closest borrow pit. However, if a balancing section does not contain a borrow pit, any borrow required is assumed to be hauled from the nearest end or barrier.

  • Dump site - The feature provides access to a dump site where unusable material or surplus fill can be dumped if necessary. Dump is normally disposed of at the closest dump site. However, if a balancing section does not contain a dump site, any material to be dumped is assumed to be hauled to the nearest end or barrier.

  • Barrier - The feature (for example, an unbridged river) forms a barrier that prevents material from being hauled past. If an alignment encounters no barriers to movement, cut and fill will be balanced as closely as possible between the start and the finish. Otherwise, it will be balanced between the start and the first barrier, then between the first and second barriers, and so on, until the last barrier and the finish.

4. In the Crossing type field, specify the nature of the construction.

If the crossing type is… You can select …

Bridge a choice of Bridge types

Underpass a choice of Bridge types

Structure (feature) choice of Bridge types

Culvert a choice of Culvert types, and the number of cells

5. For any crossing type except Culvert, specify the crossing Clearance required:

a. Specify the reference altitude (frame of reference) from which clearances are measured. The reference altitude (in the Ref. alt. field) sets the frame of reference for specifying vertical clearances at the point where the feature and alignment cross. Select whether the vertical clearance is relative to:

• the centerline joining successive x,y,z coordinates of the vertices defining the feature

• mean sea level

• the natural surface at the point of intersection

b. In the Crossing Clearance dialog, specify the numeric values for the clearance. The vertical clearance for a crossing can be:

• below a set height

• within a set range

• outside a set range

• above a set height

• At grade. Grade is maintained as current.

• Unspecified. Select this option, for example, when a new railway needs a grade-separated crossing of an existing road, but the road is too minor to be considered as a factor when determining the height of the railway.

c. Click OK.

6. For a crossing type of Culvet enter the no of cells and select the Culvert type.

7. In the Feature dialog, click OK.

8. Trace the path of the feature on the plan view. Click where you want to generate a vertex (the z coordinate is generated from the natural surface). Double-click to end the trace.

Note: To edit the properties of the new feature, use the Feature Properties window.

Delete a feature

To delete a feature do one of the following:

• Right-click the feature to be deleted in the Plan View and select Delete from the context menu.

• In the Scenario Explorer (Layer View tab ), expand the layer that contains the feature. Right-click the feature to be deleted and then select Delete.

Edit linear features

The properties of a linear feature can be edited, providing it has not been used in an alignment optimization. Edit the linear features in the Scenario Explorer (Layer view tab), the Properties window, or the Plan View.

Scenario Explorer (Edit Linear features)

Use the Scenario Explorer (Layer view tab) to

• edit the layer of the feature

• edit the name of the feature

• enable or disable the feature (activity)

• change the color of the feature

• display or hide labels for the feature

• control the visibility of the feature

See Layer View tab.

Properties Window (Edit Linear features)

Use the Feature Properties window to:

• edit the nature of the linear feature (This only affects how the feature is drawn in the Plan view).

• edit the linear features layer

• enable or disable the linear feature (activity)

• edit the display properties of the linear feature (the nature of a feature determines its default color)

• edit the position of the linear features label

• edit the vertices of the linear features

• edit the effect of the feature on earthmoving

• edit the crossing type and the structure used for the crossing.

• edit the reference altitude and clearance

• edit the number of cells and the culvert type

Edit a linear feature in the Properties window

1. In the Scenario Explorer select the Layer view tab. Select the linear feature to edit. Alternatively, select the linear feature in the Plan view.

2. Click the Feature Properties icon. The Feature Properties window appears.

Tip: When viewing the properties of a selected object, the cells of the table are highlighted in either white or light gray. Only those cells highlighted white can be edited.

3. Click the field you want to edit.

Plan View (Edit Linear features)

In the Plan view you can:

• edit the position of the vertex

• add a vertex

• delete a vertex

• split a linear feature

• join two linear features

Split a feature

1. If objects are locked, click Lock Feature Points to unlock, and then click Break Linear Feature from the Edit tab.

2. Click the vertex where the change is to occur. As you move the cursor over the desired vertex it will change to a square with two lines approaching from either side with a / dividing them.

The selected vertex is automatically duplicated and becomes the end of one feature and the start of the other:

Naming is automatic. For example, if you split the “Little Creek” feature, the two new rivers are automatically named “Little Creek1” and “Little Creek2”.

Join two features

1. If objects are locked, click Lock Feature Points to unlock, and then click Join Linear Feature from the Edit tab.

2. Click the first vertex.

3. Click the second vertex

The first vertex is joined to the second by a straight line, and the combined feature adopts the name and properties of the first feature.

If the two features are of different types or have different properties, a warning message appears. Click Yes to proceed, click No, to cancel the join.