Introduction Getting started Tree properties Tools RPA Crown Shadows

Using the tools

The program contains three map tools.

Pan and zoom

To zoom, click, hold down and drag to draw a box. When you release the mouse button, the map will zoom in to the extent of the box.

The other way to zoom is to select any tool and right click the mouse button. A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to zoom to a specified scale or to return to the previous view.

To pan simply click on any spot on the map. The map will be re-centred on the selected location. Or navigate using the "pan frame", the border around the map indicated by green arrows pointing outwards. When you move the cursor within the pan frame you will see the bearing and amount of movement that will occur if you click on that spot.

 In the example above the map will be moved on a bearing of 279 degrees by an amount equivalent to 44% of the width of the map at its current scale.

Tape measure

The tape measure tool allows you to measure both distance and areas. Select the tape measure tool and click anywhere on the map. Move the cursor and the distance will be shown. Click again to create a corner in the line. Press the backspace key to remove the last corner. Right click to remove the tape.

To measure an area, select the tape and run it around the area. A small red circle will appear to confirm that you have reached your starting place. When you click the mouse button a pop-up box will  display the area in square metres.

The "star" tape measure allows you to measure simultaneously from several points to a single point. It is used, for example, to position a tree at an equal distance from three barriers. Place the tape measure tool on one of your barriers and press the "Control" key while you click once - you can now release the Control key. Move the cursor to the second barrier and click the mouse button a second time. Then move to the third barrier and click. You will now be able to drag the three measuring tapes to the central point at which they are all of equal length. You can continue to select as many points on the periphery as you wish. Right click to delete the star.

Add Tree

Generally you will add trees to your map by importing a data file. The "Add Tree" tool allows you to do this manually. At a later stage, if need be, you can alter the coordinates by editing the settings of the tree.

Markers

At any time when you are using the tools you can press the "M" key on the keyboard and place a "marker" on the map. The markers are small sequentially numbered flags. Like pegs in the ground these markers are intended as temporary reference points. Clear the markers by right clicking the mouse button to display the navigation menu. Then click on "Clear markers" at the bottom of the menu.