This topic explains how the keyboard is used to perform particular actions in the system.
It does not cover typical Windows mouse operations and you should refer to the Windows documentation regarding these.
The keyboard operation topics covered are:
Valid Point Identifier Characters
Run Help
You may run the help system at any time by pressing the F1 key. This will take you to the appropriate Help topic. Refer to the Utilities/Help topic in the manual for further information about help.
Select a Range
Many dialog box edit fields allow the entry of a range of point identifiers, line numbers or polygon numbers to which an operation is to be carried out. The range may be keyed in by separating the first and last of the required point numbers with two dots. For example, keying in 1..10 in the Point Identifier field of the Delete Points dialog box selects the points between 1 and 10 for deletion. Multiple ranges and individual object identifiers can also be entered. These are separated by a 'space'. For example, keying in 1..10 12 14 20..30 in the Line Number field of the Delete Lines dialog box selects the lines between 1 and 10, line 12, line 14 and lines between 20 and 30 for deletion.
Select a reference line
Many dialog box edit fields allow the entry of two point numbers separated by a double minus sign to specify a reference line which is to be used to compute the field's value. For example, keying in 1- -10 in the Bearing field of the Create Point by Radiation dialog box nominates that the bearing between points 1 and 10 will be used in the point creation process.
Select all
Many dialog box edit fields use a blank field to select all relevant objects defined by a block. For example, if a block is active, then leaving the point number field blank in the Delete Points dialog box will select all points defined by the block for deletion. Whereas, keying in a point number or range of point numbers will select only those points that are in the range and defined by the block.
Valid Point Identifier Characters
As indicated above, - - (double minus keys) and .. (double dot keys) have special significance in specifying ranges and reference lines. Therefore, do not use these characters twice in a row in a point identifier, or at the start or end of a point identifier.
Also, the * and ? characters should not be used as they are reserved for other purposes.
In summary, do not use the following characters as part of a point identifier.
- at start or end of identifier
. at start or end of identifier
-- anywhere in identifier
.. anywhere in identifier
* anywhere in identifier
? anywhere in identifier
ESC key
Some of the functionality in the long and cross section windows operates without a dialog box active. Cursor icons and the prompt line are used to show the particular function is currently active. Such functions can be terminated at any stage by pressing the ESC key, or by selecting a new function, or by toggling the active tool off.