6.2 Define Attributes
This function allows the user to define attribute names for the current GOF.
Attributes can be used to help
further define or describe graphics elements. For example, a polygon GOF
may have the attributes class and site defined. For each
polygon selected by the user, these attributes may optionally be given
corresponding values. A maximum of 35 attributes may be defined for each
type of GOF.
Attributes may be defined before, during, or after a graphics element has
been selected. Attributes may also be defined while editing a graphics
element.
The ascii, integer, and real radio buttons allow the user
to select a data type for the value of the attribute. This data type is
used for some basic type checking when the attribute is given a value.
- Ascii:
- The attribute is treated as a character string.
- Integer:
- The attribute is treated as integer data.
- Real:
- The attribute is treated as floating point or real data.
- Attribute Name:
- Enter the attribute name to be defined. The attribute name may contain
up to eight characters and each GOF may contain a maximum of 35 unique
attributes. The user does not need to press enter after specifying
the attribute name. The attribute name is accepted when the user selects
the OK button.
- OK:
- Write the specified attribute name to the GOF. An error message will be
displayed if the attribute name contains too many characters, if the
attribute name is not unique, or if no attribute name was specified.
- Dismiss:
- Close the define attributes panel.