Mapping Non-Plant Objects with the BG-Map Total Station Interface and GPS Interface

BG-Map Surveying Tip

Updated 6/4/06

This document explains how to use BG-Map for the automated mapping of non-plant objects.

About Non-Plant Objects

BG-Map allows you to map certain objects other than plants using the Total Station Interface or GPS Interface. These "Non-Plant Objects" (NPO's) are entered into the palmtop computer or GPS data collector using codes to identify the type of object plus a specific ID number for each object.

When the field data is converted, the non-plant objects are automatically inserted into the basemap.

Entering Non-Plant Objects into the Palmtop Computer or GPS Data Collector

The following 3-letter codes are used to identify non-plant objects:

               ELE     Electrical boxes, outlets, etc

               FEN     Points along a fence line

               HYD     Fire hydrants

               IRR     Irrigation devices

               LAM     Lampposts

               MAN     Manholes

               MAR     Ground markers, monuments

               NPO     General symbol for non-plant objects

               PAT     Points along a path

               POL     Utility poles

               ROA     Points along a road

               SPI     Spigots

               TEL     Telephone

               UNA     Unaccessioned Plants

               VAL     Valves

Each NPO is entered into using the following format:

Code * ID Number

So, for example, to enter a hydrant and have it identified on the map as hydrant number 12345, key in the following into the palmtop or data collector as the plant "Accession Number":

HYD*12345

To enter manhole number NW27, key in:

MAN*NW27

NPO's are always entered as "Single Plants".

Placing Non-Plant Objects into the BaseMap

Important!

If you are accessing your basemap through a network: Before Proceeding, make certain that your basemap is not opened in "read-only" mode. That would prevent you from being able to save your symbols.

It is also a good idea to print out the raw field data containing the NPO's before proceeding. This will provide you with a backup of their locations should something go wrong.

Determining the Layers on Which the Symbols Will Be Inserted

You can use the "NPO Layers" function in the Setup Menu of the BG-Map Window to determine which layers the NPO symbols will be inserted on. Otherwise, all symbols will be inserted on the NPO layer by default

Uploading the Data

Upload the field data containing the NPO's. Print it out as a backup.

Make certain that your basemap is open with read-write rights and that AutoCAD is at the Command prompt.

Convert the field data (Field Data Menu/Convert). The NPO symbols will be automatically inserted into the basemap. You will be prompted to save the basemap.