Vector Theme

The Vector Theme object visualizes 2D or 3D GIS vector data. Data (feature) geometries are points, polylines and polygons. Currently features may be imported from the ESRI Shape File Format, and MapInfo Tab File Format file through a Vector Theme Dataset.

Points are show as in the XYZ Points Object

Lines are extruded vertically to produce fences or curtains. May be fitted to a fixed elevation or a surface.

Polygons are extruded vertically with or without closed tops and bottoms. Polygon tops and bottoms are horizontal. Polygons may also be show as lines fitted to a surface. This is relevant for large regional polygons.

In most respects vector data features are treated as points. Therefore the Vector Theme Object has many settings in common with the XYZ Points Object. Below the settings that are unique to the Vector Theme Object are described.

Polygons and polylines corresponds to the extrusion and freeform point types in the XYZ Points Object When the data source contains points you may select the point geometry. When the source contains polygons or polylines the geometry can not be changed.

NOTE: The “Refresh Data” button must be pressed to refresh the data from source. The “Apply” button will only affect the visual appearance.

Name: Object name as seen in the Object Manager
Visible: Show/Hide the object
Visible Distance: Points beyond this distance will not be visible

3D Objects (slower)
Slower 3D performance
Visible: If unchecked the points are not visible. This option should only be used when lines are visible.
Point Type: Selects the point type or geometry. For some point types the number of slices can be changed. Note: Complex point types especially spheres may have great impact on performance if the dataset contains many points. Point types are cube, cone, dodecahedron, icosahedron, plane, disk, extrusion solid, and freeform. Most object geometries are self explanatory. However, see the description of extrusion solid and freeform below.

Extrusion Solid Point Type
The Extrusion solid geometry point type makes is possible to show an extruded polygon at every data point position. The polygon node coordinates should be entered in counter-clockwise order.

Freeform Point Type
With the Freeform geometry point type an imported geometry as in the Freeform Object can be shown from a Freeform Dataset at every data point position. This could be any object, e.g., trees. Beware that complex objects have great impact on performance.

Simple Dots (faster)
Faster 3D performance
Visible: If checked the points are visible as simple dots.
Size (pixels): Size of dots in pixels

Dataset: The Vector Theme object visualizes a Vector Theme Dataset.

See also:
XYZ Points Object