Question about exporting an inserting images
Question,
1st:
How do I use coordinates to export a portion of the map that is a specific shape & size (exact square) to an image (such as a PNG)?
2nd:
How do I then insert that image into the exact same coordinates on another map at the exact same shape & size?
Thanks,
Charles W. Robinson
1st:
How do I use coordinates to export a portion of the map that is a specific shape & size (exact square) to an image (such as a PNG)?
2nd:
How do I then insert that image into the exact same coordinates on another map at the exact same shape & size?
Thanks,
Charles W. Robinson
Comments
Try this:
- Move the cursor to the lower-left corner of the area you want to export. Note the coordinates in the status bar (upper left).
- Select File>Save As from the menu bar.
- Choose one of the Rectangular section options from the Save as type drop-down list.
- Set the File name and Options as desired, and then click Save.
- Type the coordinates for the bottom-left corner, using the format X, Y, and then press Enter.
- Type the coordinates for the upper-right corner, and then press Enter.
Yikes! I have to run to a lunch meeting. If no one else tackles the import part of your question before I get back, I'll give it a shot then.You'll need these for, both, the export and the import. If desired, do the same for the upper-right corner, but this is unnecessary if you know the length of the sides for area you want.
Note: Be sure the coordinates in the status bar are the absolute coordinates. They should begin with T: and not some variation, such as @T: or >T:. Click the coordinates in the status bar to toggle the format, if necessary.
The Save As dialog box displays.
The dialog closes, the cursor changes to a cross-hair, and the Command line reads, Pick first corner.
The Command Line changes to read, Opposite corner:
Note: The second set of coordinates for a square of n length per side will be X+n, Y+n because 0,0 is the lower left corner of the map.
CC3 saves the exported image.
Cheers,
~Dogtag
But here is what I do.
1) I mark off the area I want to export with a hollow rectangle/square.
I place text inside th square that gives the dimensions.
2) I save as rectangular png and use the hollow square/rectangle as a guide. Snap can help with this.
3) Start a new map with a template size the same as the export.
4) I create a bmp layer and sheet. Insert the png with that layer and sheet active.
5) Click on upper right corner, just past the edge of the map border. Hold down the Ctrl key so the inserted file will go where yu want it to. Click on the lower left corner, just past the edge of the map border. Mae sure ortho and snap are off for this.
6) You now have the inserted file on top of the new background.
As I make the new map, I hide the bmp layer so I can check on prgress as everytime you refresh, what you have done disappears behind the file you imported.
Try this:
- Ensure the coordinates in the status bar are the absolute coordinates. If necessary, click the coordinates in the status bar to toggle the format.
- Make sure the correct sheet and correct layer are active.
- Select Draw>Insert File from the menu bar.
- Navigate to the location of the file you want to import.
- Click the file you want to import and then click Open.
- The cursor changes to a cross-hair, and the Command line reads, First corner.
- Type the coordinates for the bottom-left corner, using the format X, Y, and then press Enter.
- Type the coordinates for the upper-right corner, and then press Enter.
This works for me in a quick test, but I've never used coordinates to export or import (other than just using 0,0 as a universal reference). As Jim pointed out, though, there are other ways to export and import files, but the procedures above, using coordinates, worked for me in a quick test.The Insert file dialog box displays.
If desired, click Bitmap options and choose transparency and file reference options.
The dialog closes. CC3 may display a message asking for path information. If so, choose the option you want and then click OK.
A thumbnail of the file you're importing displays at the location you just entered. The Command Line changes to read, Second corner (SHIFT - rotate, CTRL - allow distortion).
Remember: The second set of coordinates for a square of n length per side will be X+n, Y+n.
CC3 resizes the image so the upper right extends to the second corner you just entered.
Cheers,
~Dogtag
If you're going to continue with this strategy, then you may want to keep a record of the coordinates you've used/exported, and which areas they apply to, so you know or can determine the coordinates for adjacent squares.
Cheers,
~Dogtag
Are you talking about a global map? Made up of regional maps, each 8,000 x 8,000 pixels?
Think patchwork quilt.
What I posted was one square in that quilt.
It is a way to get around some limitations in making a very large map.