Level Files - Contour

For contour maps, .LVL level files contain information about contour levels, including the line properties, color fill, label frequency, and hachure information. The level file contains all the information contained on the Levels page in the advanced contour map Levels for Map dialog. After defining custom contour levels and colors on a map, you can save the level and color information in a level file. A level file can be recalled for any other contour map or 3D wireframe. Not all of the information in a level file can be used in a 3D wireframe. If you use a level file created in the contour map properties dialog in a wireframe, the color fill, contour label, and hachure information are ignored.

Creating Level Files

The easiest way to create a level file is from the advanced contour map properties or 3D wireframe properties dialogs. You can also create a level file in the worksheet or in an ASCII editor, using the .LVL file format.

To create a .LVL level file containing contour level information in the advanced contour map level properties:

  1. Click once on a contour map to select it. The contour map properties will be shown in the Properties window.

  2. Click on the Levels tab. Change the Level method to Advanced.

  3. Click the Edit Levels button next to Contour levels. The Levels for Map dialog opens.

  4. Change any of the contour parameters, including the contour levels, line properties, fill properties, contour labels, and hachure information.

  5. After changing the settings, click Save.

  6. In the Save As dialog, type the name of the level file and click the Save button. The level file is saved with a .LVL extension.

  7. Click OK to close the dialog.

Using Level Files

To use an existing .LVL file with any contour map:

  1. Click once on a contour map to select it. The contour map properties will be shown in the Properties window.

  2. Click on the Levels tab. Change the Level method to Advanced.

  3. Click the Edit Levels button next to Contour levels. The Levels for Map dialog opens.

  4. Click Load.

  5. Select the .LVL file and click Open.

  6. Click OK and the contour map updates.

Note: All contour maps using the level file must have comparable Z data ranges, otherwise contour lines and fill will not appear on the map.

See Also

Contour Map Properties Dialog

Levels Page

General Page

Level File Format

Creating Level Files in the Worksheet

Level Files - 3D Wireframe