Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery System
1) Raster Graphics: Raster graphics are particularly well suited for
processes where quick capture of existing hard copy drawings to a digital
form is required. Once captured digitally, the drawings can be archived,
distributed or converted to a vector format.
2) Vector Graphics: Vector graphics are most useful in processes where
drawing development and modification is extensive, and true 2- and 3-
dimensional accuracy is required. Vector graphics are also required for
data to be intelligent for database attribute assignment.
The NCS requires that all new project design development be created with
vector graphics and in a 3-dimensional data format.
Each design file contains 63 levels (or layers) for storing information. These
levels are analogous to overlays in systems drafting. Elements created in
graphics should be separated by levels according to discipline and function.
For example, in a gravesite layout drawing, basic gravesite is on level
number 51, gravesite numbering on level number 55, and monumentation on
level number 58.
Design files also have the ability to be referenced to other design files.
Referencing allows one drawing to be overlaid by another, yet remain
independent of that drawing. Reference files are useful for information
common to several different drawings. Examples of reference drawings
would be site plans, floor plans, index sheets, and border sheets.
Graphical elements can contain linkages to non-graphical database
information as described below in Non-graphic Concepts.
IV. Non-graphic Concepts
Each platform which Intergraph's Modular GIS Environment (MGE) software
operates on supports a different database. There are linkages within the
graphic elements to connect the design file to records in the database.
While the different platforms will directly exchange design files without
translation, they do not all support the same databases. It is important to
note that while these databases behave similarly, they are not necessarily
compatible with one another unless translated.
NCS CADD Standards Manual
August 1995
6
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