Terrain and Imagery Manual For Golf Course Architect Software
By: Brian Zager Introduction
This manual details using elevation data and imagery in creating digital models of golf courses. The courses are used for play on computers and simulators or to create visual renderings. The purpose of this manual is to maximize accuracy in a relatively simple, repeatable process.
There are three major parts to the process in using imagery and elevation data.
Data Sources - Finding and downloading data.
GIS Mapping Software - Working with data in mapping software known as Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
Golf Architect Software - Importing data into specialized golf architect software.
A lot of the research involved in arriving at this process is included in the manual. In particular the manual goes into detail on using GIS software. The primary GIS software program covered is Global Mapper. It is somewhat expensive but allows for greater accuracy with less effort than other tools. Some of this detail is not applicable if you do not have access to Global Mapper or simply do not wish to be as detail oriented about the process. There is a section on using free or less expensive tools for those who do not have Global Mapper.
The manual includes steps designed to stand out for those who already have the background knowledge or do not want to know the reasons behind the decisions made to develop the process. This is not however a process where you follow every step in the manual from beginning to end. Rather it is a guide broken down into sections for doing different processes you may encounter. Not all of these sections are applicable to every project or person. Different projects require different combinations of Data Sources, GIS Software, and Golf Architect Software.
The table below is designed to help you build a step by step process of only what is required for a given project. It contains the sections with instructions on the left and some typical scenarios across the top. The sections used by a scenario are marked.
Sections for Typical Scenarios
(LiDAR, GeoComm, Golf Architect Software, Global Mapper, Free Tools, Red Chain, Headgate)
Elevation Data ()
o 135 LiDAR
o 4 GeoComm
o 2 Golf Architect Software
Imagery (LiDAR, GeoComm, Golf Architect Software) o 12345 SAS.Planet
o Global Mapper
GIS Software (Global Mapper, Rectifying, Free Tools)
o 125 Display Projection
o 2 Rectifying a DXF Mesh
o 125 Gridding Data
o 125 Define the Plot
o 34 3DEM
Golf Architect Software (Red Chain, Headgate)
o 123 Red Chain (CPG / WGC / Simulators)
o 45 Headgate (PGA 2000 / Tiger Woods Series)
1. LiDAR using Global Mapper exporting to Red Chain
2. PGA 2000 Data using Global Mapper exporting to Red Chain
3. LiDAR using free GIS tools exporting to Red Chain
4. NED using free GIS tools exporting to PGA 2000
5. LiDAR using Global Mapper exporting to PGA 2000
Table of Contents
Introduction
o Imagery and Elevation Data
o Scenarios
Chapter 1: Data Sources
o Part 1: Elevation Data
. Quality
. LiDAR
Data Downloading
. DEM
Data
Downloading
o The National Map
o GeoComm
. Golf Architect Software
o Part 2: Imagery
. Quality
. Sources
. Downloading
SAS.Planet
Global Mapper
Map APIs
Chapter 2: GIS Mapping Software
o Part 1: Global Mapper
. Map Projection
. Display Projection
. Projection Distortion
Zero Dimension
Transverse Mercator Projection
Other Projections
Measuring Distortion
o Angular Distance Measurement
. Loading Data Unknown Source Projection
o Rectifying
. Rectifying a DXF Mesh
o Manual Adjustments to a Projection
. Projection Parameters
. Coordinate Transformation Shift
. Measuring an Offset Adjustment
. Gridding Data
. Define the Plot
Input the Size of a Square
Create a Shape from a Source
Freehand Draw
o Part 2: Free Tools
. 3DEM
Chapter 3: Golf Architect Software
o Part 1: Red Chain (CPG / WGC / Simulators)
. Elevations
Elevation Resolution (Global Mapper)
Tile Offsets and Converting to DXF (Global Mapper)
Elevation Data Import
. Imagery
Tile Offsets for Imagery (Global Mapper)
Blueprint Tool
Drawing Shapes
o QCAD . Loading Imagery (Global Mapper)
. Drawing Shapes
Shape Import
o Part 2: Headgate (PGA 2000 / Tiger Woods Series)
. Stuff goes here
Chapter 1: Data Sources
Elevation Data
Elevation data is a digital representation of real world terrain. It is used to generate plot wide elevations for doing real course renditions or fictional courses based on real locations.
Elevation Data Quality
How accurate elevation data is depends on its resolution. It is similar to the resolution of an image. Instead of pixels, elevation data has a grid of measured elevation points. A higher resolution produces sharper detail. The resolution is measured by how far apart the points are. A 1 meter resolution file is higher resolution than 10 meters because each measured point on the grid is separated by only 1 meter instead of 10 meters. It is typically measured in meters although sometimes measured in feet.
The results you can expect from different resolution data are listed below.
< 5 meter – Most elevations come in accurately. Sharp edges get rounded off so things like bunker lips or edges of tees and greens may need fixing.
5 to 30 meter – Good plot scale elevations but manual detail work is needed for things like green contours, mounding, bunker shaping, tee boxes, etc.
> 30 meter – Not very useful unless except for extreme elevation changes.
There is also vertical resolution which indicates how accurate elevation measurements are. This is typically about 0.1 meters. A resolution referred to is typically not the vertical resolution unless it is specifically stated as such.
LiDAR Data
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data is elevation data scanned using lasers. It is similar to radar except it uses laser light instead of radio waves. Using the known speed of light, the timing of the laser beam reflection back to the source is used to determine the distance traveled. Typically for elevation data this is done from an airplane. Reflections of trees, buildings or other objects are tagged so that they can be removed and only the land height data remains. LiDAR in its raw form varies in resolution depending on the amount of obstructions in the scanned area. It is typically high resolution (1 to 3 meter) across most areas though and the in play areas of golf courses typically have minimal obstructions.
LiDAR Downloads
Most of this data is gathered by governments and as a result are in the public domain, available free to download. Currently it is not aggregated on one central site though. There are a few national sites for the US that you can check that have spotty coverage:
http://www.opentopography.org/
http://csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/
http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
The best thing to do however is to Google LiDAR along with the state, county or city of the location you are looking for. For about half of the state of Wisconsin LiDAR data is available at http://relief.ersc.wisc.edu/wisconsinview/form.php (requires creating a free user account).
DEM Data
A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a format for elevation data that multiple sources of data can be put into. LiDAR data you download may already be processed into a DEM file.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has created a National Elevation Dataset (NED) compiled from multiple sources. It primarily uses survey maps but also combines digital photogrammetry and some LiDAR and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) which is a form of scanning using radar. If there is not specific LiDAR available for the area you need this is typically your next best option. Most of the US is available in 10 meter (1/3 arc second) resolution although some areas do have 1 meter (1/9 arc second) resolution and some areas only have 30 meter (1 arc second) resolution.
DEM Downloads
Below is a list of sources you can download DEMs from:
The National Map - Primary source for downloading NED data for Global Mapper.
GeoComm - NED data in a file format then can be opened in free tools. Changes to the NED may not be updated here as often as they are on The National Map.
GeoBase - DEM Coverage of Canada.
NetGIS - DEM coverage of Europe.
This tutorial goes into detail on downloading from the following sources: The National Map - adf, flt, img, all work in global mapper, img is smallest, cancel picking projection for shape, close other shape overlay
GeoComm
Golf Architect Software
Some golf architect software allows you to export elevations as a mesh that can be used as a very high resolution data source. This is useful for transferring manual elevation work to other golf architect software. It saves the need to redo work already done when recreating fictional courses or real courses where high resolution LiDAR data doesn’t exist.
Below are the steps for exporting a mesh from PGA 2000 or the Tiger Woods software.
1. Load the architect file.
2. Push Ctrl + []
3. Enter a name for the export file, choose a location, and save it.
Imagery
Using satellite and other aerial imagery as a transparency over your plot allows you to accurately trace fairways, greens, tees, water, etc. and place objects in the correct location on your plot.
Image Quality
Generally a higher resolution image makes it easier to layout your course. This tutorial explains how to get the highest resolution image from your source. It's not the only factor though. Shadows, the season an image was taken in, how old an image is, etc. can make different parts of your image difficult to use or inaccurate. Because of this it is better to use multiple images if they are available for your location.
Imagery Sources
Below is a list of sources you can download imagery from:
Google Earth/Maps - High resolution color imagery around the world. No complete coverage of any specific area.
Microsoft Virtual Earth - High resolution color imagery around the world. Complete coverage of the US.
USGS Seamless - Black and white imagery and topographic maps covering the entire US. Color Imagery in some areas.
TerraServer - http://msrmaps.com/ Most of the same imagery available from USGS Seamless.
Downloading Imagery There are several programs for downloading imagery.
SAS.Planet http://sasgis.ru/
Terra Incognita http://www.zubak.sk/TerraIncognita/
Global Mapper
Google and Microsoft APIs
This tutorial goes into detail on
SAS.Planet – This program makes downloading imagery from many different sources the easiest.
Global Mapper
Google and Microsoft APIs - Mostly here for historical reasons as a backup plan. I developed this method before programs existed for doing the same task.
Downloading
The NED data can be downloaded from The National Map (http://viewer.nationalmap.gov /)
1. Zoom in to the area you want to download.
2. Click on Download by Bounding Box
3. Draw a box around the area you want to download.
4. Put a check mark next to Elevation and click next.
5. You may also wish to put a check box in US Topo, Orthoimagery and Contours.
6. Put a check next to the best resolution from available (typically 1/3 arc-second). It does not matter which format you pick ArcGrid, IMG, and GridFloat
7. Click the Checkout button.
8. Enter an e-mail address and click the Place Order button.
9. When you receive an e-mail click on the Click here to download link.
GeoComm
GeoComm is an alternate source for downloading NED data. If you do not have Global Mapper this is the best place to download data has it is in a file format that can be opened in the free tools. This is a 3rd party site so changes in the NED may not be updated as often here as on as the USGS’s own site, The National Map. To get started you need to register for a free account on the GeoComm Site. Once you've done that you're ready to start looking for the DEM. Tiles are sorted by state, county and city. If you know the town or city where your course is located try doing a Google search to find the county in which it resides. Another way to find the county is to gradually zoom out in Google Earth until it displays counties.
1. Open the GeoComm Site and select the state your course is located in.
2. Select the county the course is located in.
3. Select the first item on the list "Digital Elevation Models (DEM) - 24K".
4. Select the city or town your course is near and click on the green download button to the right.
5. Depending on your location you may have more than one resolution option to download. Download the highest resolution available. For more on resolutions see the DEM Overview.
SAS.Planet
SAS.Planet is a free program for downloading and stiching together imagery from many sources on the internet including Google and Microsoft. SASGIS http://sasgis.ru/, http://sasgis.org/, http://sasgis.org/sasplaneta/, http://translate.google.com/translate? hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://sasgis.org/sasplaneta/&prev=search is their website and it is in Russian but the program is in English. To help avoid trying to navigate a site in Russian, here is the download page from Bitbucket https://bitbucket.org/sas_team/sas.planet.bin/downloads, http://sasgis.org/download/ works now,
Some data sources restrict the amount of data you can download from them in one day. For example with Google I have run into problems downloading imagery at the highest resolution for more than one course in a day. Google cuts off you downloading and you can’t view new imagery in any application or on the web for 24-48 hours. SAS.Planet caches imagery you’ve already looked at to help avoid hitting caps so you don’t need to download something more then once.
1. Find the area you want to download imagery.
To pan, click and drag with the left mouse button.
To zoom use the mouse wheel or side bar button navigation.
2. Click on the Selected Basemap button on the toolbar.
This is the button that says the name of the data source currently selected. The default is Satellite (Google maps).
3. Select a data source. There are many choices including satellite imagery, street maps, and topo maps. Many of the sources are for specific parts of the world. Some good sources to try for imagery in the US or globally include:
Google > Satellite (Google Maps)
Bing > Bing Maps – Satellite
Bing > Bing Maps - Bird’s Eye North
Yahoo! > Satellite (Yahoo!)
ESRI > ArcGIS.Imagery
4. Find the highest resolution zoom level available.
SAS.Planet does not make it obvious what the highest resolution zoom available is in an area as it just gets a little pixelated when you zoom past the maximum resolution. There is however a process you can use to determine the highest level available.
a. Zoom in to what looks like the closest level before the image starts to pixilate (for Google Maps this is usually in the 20-22 range).
b. Right click on the image and select Show Primary Map Tile. If a tile image opens then imagery is available at this zoom level.
c. Zoom in one level if an image tile opens or zoom out one level if no image tile.
d. Repeat the process of right clicking and select Show Primary Map Tile until you find the highest zoom level that opens a tile image.
5. Click on the Selection Manager button and choose Rectangular Selection.
Selection Manager is second from left on the toolbar.
6. Click one corner of the area you want to download.
The mouse begins drawing a blue box to outline the download area.
7. Click the opposite corner of the area you want to download.
The area that will download is inside the blue box.
The Selection Manager dialog box pops up.
8. On the Download Tab under the Map: choose the source you want to use from the drop down.
9. Under Zoom: choose the highest level zoom level you found earlier. 10. Check Try to re-download missing tiles.
11. Click Start.
SAS.Planet shows a progress bar for downloading.
12. Click the Quit Button when it is finished downloading.
13. Click on the arrow on the right side of the Selection Manager button and select Last Selection.
14. Click on the Stich tab.
15. Set the Output Format to what you want to save the image in.
For Global Mapper –
a. Save it as an ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet) file.
This is an image format designed specifically for large satellite photos to improve compression with emended coordinates.
For free mapping programs -
a. Save it as a regular image file such as JPEG or PNG.
b. Under Create georeferencing file check .kml file.
This saves the coordinates of your image in a separate file.
16. To the right of Save To: click the … button and choose the location you want to save the download.
17. Verify the correct source and highest resolution Zoom level.
18. Set the Quality to 100%
19. Click Start.
When it is finished the file is saved to the location you chose.
Data within Global Mapper
Global Mapper has some sources of data built into it. If you don’t have at least one file with metadata then you need to download something within Global Mapper to use as a reference for where to place the rest of you data.
1. Either click on the Download Free Maps/Imagery from Online Sources button on the Global Mapper start screen or go to File > Download Online Imagery/Topo/Terrain Maps… 2. In the Select Data Source section select the data you want to download. The World Imagery source under Popular Sources or Imagery is good for satellite imagery.
3. In the Select Area to Download section specify a street address or latitude and longitude.
4. Set the Within option to 1 Mile. You can crop the image down to only the area needed later.
Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth APIs
This section is mostly here for historical reasons. I developed this method before programs like SAS.Planet existed to download imagery. If for some reason you can’t download imagery from one of the program that now do this, use this is process as a backup plan.
Both Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth themselves do not provide a way to save imagery at high resolution. The most obvious solution us to use the Print Screen key. Doing this you'll either need to fit the entire plot on screen and have a low resolution image or stitch a bunch of screenshots together in a paint program. The method I developed below is to use the Google Maps or Microsoft Maps API to create an oversized webpage and use a browser plug-in to take a screenshot of the entire webpage.
Location Coordinates
Before you begin you need to find the latitude and longitude coordinates for some points around your location:
Northwest corner of the plot.
Southeast corner of the plot.
Approximate center of the plot.
You can do this is with Google Earth. If you do not already have it, download and install it before proceeding.
1. Open up Google Earth.
2. Go to Tools > Options.
3. Under Show Lat/Long change "Degrees, Minutes, Seconds" to "Degrees" and click OK. This gives the coordinates in decimal degrees.
4. Find the location you want to use. You can do this by panning and zooming the image or by entering a city/address in the "Fly to" field in the upper left.
5. Once you have your location in view double click the N on the compass in the upper right. This rotates the image to ensure north is facing up. 6. Move your mouse to the point you want to use as the northwest corner of your plot. Give plenty of room for the north and west boundaries of your course. If there are land features visible outside the course you may want to include these too.
7. Write down the latitude and longitude shown in the lower left portion of the screen including any negative signs. Negative latitude indicates the Southern Hemisphere and negative longitude indicates the Western Hemisphere.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for southeast corner and the approximate center of the plot.
Displaying and Saving the Image
First you need to download and install the plug-in for your web browser:
Screengrab for Firefox.
iWebshot for Internet Explorer (no need to register, the free version is enough).
Now you're ready to load the image.
1. Download the Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth HTML Files and unzip them to your hard drive.
2. Right click on the desired webpage file, select "Open With" and choose Notepad. If Notepad is not on the list then select "Choose Program", select Notepad, and click OK.
You'll see the HTML code for the page.
1. Find the section that says "Edit the Coordinates for your Map Below".
2. On the first line below change the coordinates to the latitude and longitude coordinates for the approximate center point of your plot. On the second and third lines change the coordinates to the latitude and longitude for northwest corner and southeast corner. See the Location Coordinates Section if you do not know the coordinates.
3. Find the section that says "Edit the Pixel Size for your Map Below". This is where you set the map size. You can leave this unchanged for now but you may have to go back and adjust it if your image doesn't fit in the window.
4. Save changes, close notepad, and open the file in your web browser.
5. Use the browser scroll bars to move around the map and look for the markers. These mark the northwest and south east corners of the plot. If you do not see them –
a. Close the browser and open the file in notepad again.
b. Find the section that says "Edit the Pixel Size for your Map Below". c. Increase the number for width and height.
6. Use the zoom control to zoom to the largest level where you still get and image. If zooming in, again check that you can still see the markers and if not adjust the map's size as in step 5.
7. The image takes awhile to load even on a high speed connection. Once it is fully loaded and you have both markers in view, use the browser plug-in to save a screenshot of the entire map.
a. In IE go to Tools > iWebshot.
b. In Firefox right click anywhere in the window and go to Screengrab > Save > Complete Page/Frame.
8. The plug-in opens and allows you to save the screenshot.
9. Finally open the saved screen shot in a paint program and crop it so the corners of the image are at the points the markers point to. Now your image matches the coordinates of your plot exactly.
10. Save it. To keep the file size down you may want to save it as a JPEG and delete the original image. Chapter 2: GIS Software
Global Mapper
Map Projection
Map projections are used to represent a round world on a flat map. This causes distortion and different map projections have different compromises such as distance or direction/angular distortion.
Generally for an area as small as the size of a typical golf course or a few golf courses, the amount of distortion is minimal with any projection. In experimentation I found common projections with default parameters resulted in anywhere from 1-10 yards of distortion in distance across the entire width or height of the map. This is probably not noticeable to someone playing the course but using a good projection with custom parameters results in only a few inches or less of distortion across the entire map. This is not noticeable at all because it is less than the resolution of the data.
In research I have found the Transverse Mercator map projection with custom parameters is a good map projection to choose for the typical size of land and resolution of data involved. Details about the Transverse Mercator projection can be found in the [] section.Display Projection
Most data that you load has a source projection that it is saved in. Global Mapper converts the source projections of the various files you load into one display projection. The display projection is how everything you load into your project is displayed and exported.
Below are the steps for setting a custom Transverse Mercator projection as your display projection. Custom parameters are calculated in the spreadsheet for various projections. The steps for using other projections are the same except for using different parameters.
1. Draw a shape including the in play and other important features of the course.
This shape is used to find the optimum projection parameters for the area.
2. Name the Shape and Layer
a. Enter a name for the shape.
This is the name that will display on the map.
b. Select
c. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
3. Copy the Metadata of the shape and paste it into the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button and select the layer the shape is on. b. Click the Metadata… button.
c. Click the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Paste in cell A1 of the [] sheet.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Other, enter an equals sign (=) in the field next to other, and click finish.
4. Set the Display Projection in Global Mapper using the parameters from the spreadsheet.
a. Go to Tools > Configure… and select the Projection Tab.
b. Under Projection choose Transverse Mercator.
c. Set the Datum.
If available, choose a datum specific to the area. For example –
NAD83 (WISCONSIN HPGN) - NADCON – For Wisconsin
Otherwise use
NAD83 – For North America
WGS84 – For the World
d. Under Planar Units choose Meters.
e. Next to CENTRAL MERIDIAN enter the central longitude from the spreadsheet [].
f. Next to ORIGIN LATITUDE enter the central latitude from the spreadsheet [].
g. Click OK.
Projection Distortion
A great circle or geodesic is a path that is the largest possible diameter circle on the globe and splits it into halves. On the surface of the globe a great circle is the shortest distance between two points. In a map with no angular distortion, all great circles are straight lines. This is possible with the gnomonic projection but is not practical because it suffers from great distance distortion.
A rhumb line is a line of constant bearing. A rhumb line is only a great circle if it is a line of longitude or the equator. Following a line of latitude other than the equator is still a constant bearing of 90° East or 270° West but it is not a great circle and not the shortest distance between two points. The Mercator projection has all rhumb lines as straight lines. Distortion is measured as the difference between great circles on the globe and straight lines in the projection using the same end points. Distance distortion is the difference in length of these lines. Angular distortion is the difference in angle between a pair of these lines from a fixed point to two other points.
Zero Dimension
In picking a projection the goal is to get under the zero dimension or as close as possible to it. The zero dimension is the point at which distortion differences are less than what’s visible on a map. Once you are below the zero dimension there is no need to improve the projection further.
In digital terms the zero dimension is the resolution of the data. For example, say the resolution of a data source is 5 feet and the distortion across the length of the data is 4 feet. Features may spread across pixels or points differently but any visible change does not represent a reduction in accuracy on average across that distance. The resolution of the original source is not accurate enough to represent the distortion.
Angular distortion can be translated into an angular distance to compare to the zero dimension. The angular distance is the distance between two lines at a given distance from their intersection. In the case of map projection you can think about it as viewing something from a fixed location and determining the distance between where it is seen in the projection due to angular distortion and where it actually is.
Spherical trigonometry, which is trigonometry modified for triangles on the face of a sphere, can be used to calculate the angular distance distortion. The angular distortion is used as a central angle and the length to the end of the map from that point is the distance of two adjacent sides. The calculated third side length is the angular distance at the end of the map and the maximum angular distance distortion in that direction from that point.
Transverse Mercator Projection
The Transverse Mercator projection turns the Mercator projection 90°. The center line of the projection moves from the equator to a line of longitude called the central meridian. Below are some properties of the Transverse Mercator projection. Measurements are based on a 5,000 x 5,000 meter square with a maximum of 2,500 meters from the central meridian. This is enough land cover several courses in the same area.
General
o The central meridian and the equator are the only straight rhumb lines.
o The Mercator property of all straight lines being rhumb lines is lost because of the difference in how lines of longitude and latitude are drawn. o The central meridian and all lines perpendicular to it are great circles and have no distortion.
o As distance from the central meridian increases and/or angle from perpendicular to the central meridian increases, distortion increases.
Distance Distortion
o The greater the length measured the more total distortion.
. About 10.5 mm of distortion over a 5,000 meter distance for a parallel line 2,500 meters from the central meridian.
Angular Distortion
o A straight line parallel to the central meridian on the map curves away from the central meridian over distance on the globe.
o A great circle that is not straight on the map, such as a line of longitude, curves closer to the central meridian over distance.
. About 0.0000089° off of a 90° turn from a perpendicular great circle line to a parallel line at 2,500 meters out from the central meridian.
o The further the distance measured from a fixed location, the greater the angular distance inaccuracy between the great circle and straight line paths.
. About 0.77 mm in angular distance distortion 5,000 meters from the central angle at 2,500 meters out from the central meridian.
o The closest great circle to a line segment parallel to the central meridian is furthest from the central meridian at the midpoint of the line segment. It crosses the central meridian a quarter of the way around the globe above and below that midpoint.
. About 0.19 mm outside the projection at the midpoint of a 5,000 meter parallel straight line, 2,500 meters from the central meridian.
. This is a quarter of the angular distance calculated above for the 90° angle at the end of same line.
Other Projections
If you need a larger piece of land you’ll need to experiment with different projections to find the best results. Some examples where you may need this are –
Golf course architect software that allows you to import a larger surrounding area that needs to be accurate to represent mountains or hills in the distance. Creating a fictional course on a larger piece of land where it is not at a 1:1 scale but you still want to have an accurate representation of the land other than scale.
Good projections to try include:
Transverse Mercator
Hotine Oblique Mercator
Lambert Conformal Conic
Orthographic
Lambert Conformal Conic seems to be a good choice for larger areas of land but I haven’t researched this as much. For more information on projections, ArcGIS has a nice page summarizing their advantages and disadvantages. [http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.2/#/List_of_supported_map_projections/003r00000017 000000/]Measuring Distortion
When trying different projections you’ll need to determine how well they meet your needs and decide which one works best. The spreadsheet calculates distortion from measurements taken in Global Mapper. Set the display projection [link] to the projection you want to test and follow the steps below.
1. Draw a shape covering the area you want to measure for distortion.
2. Copy the coordinates of the shape into the [] sheet in the spreadsheet.
This gives you the dimensions of the feature in the projection and also contains great circle distances. Distance distortion is calculated in cells [] of the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Feature Info Tool button and select the plot shape.
b. Click on the Vertices… button.
c. Click on the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Paste in cell A1 of the [] sheet. This sheet can be copied and renamed for saving measurements of multiple shapes. If using a different sheet name set the sheet name at cell [] before pasting.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, and click finish.
3. Click on the Measure Tool button.
4. Right click on the window. Check all of the following options if they are not already checked. a. Always Display Base Units (Meters or Feet)
b. Display Extra Precision for Measurements
c. Use Great Circle for Distance/Path Display
d. Use Statute Distance Units
e. Use Degree Format for Bearing Display
f. Display Bearing Relative to True North
Using base units and statute distances increases the precision slightly for distance measurements because feet are smaller units than meters.
5. Click on the corner of the feature you want to start your measurement from and move the mouse along to one of the opposite corners.
6. Right click and select Copy the Measure Text to Clipboard.
7. Paste the measurement into the spreadsheet.
a. Paste in column C of the appropriate row for the measurement taken.
b. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
c. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, enter a colon in the field next to other and click finish.
8. Push the Esc to stop a measurement and start from different corner.
9. Repeat measuring each segment in both directions.
Angular distortion is calculated in cells [] of the spreadsheet and angular distance due to distortion in cells []. The distance distortion is also updated in cells [] to use the distance measurements as they are more precise than the great circle distances given with the feature coordinates at the beginning.
Angular Distance Measurement
You can double check the calculation of angular distance if it seems incorrect. This is done by creating a new line in Global Mapper starting the origin of the original line with a bearing adjusted from the original bearing by the amount of angular distortion. The distance measured between the lines at the other end is the angular distance distortion.
1. In the spreadsheet select the origin corner where the angle distortion is measured in cell [] and the end point to measure angular distance at in cell [].
2. Click on the Create Distance/Bearing/COGO Line button in Global Mapper. 3. Click on the origin corner where the angle distortion is measured.
4. Enter the values under Specify Separate Distance and Bearing Values.
a. In the Distance: text box enter the length of the segment you are measuring displayed in cell [] of the spreadsheet.
b. In the Bearing: text box enter the bearing displayed in cell [] of the spreadsheet.
This is the initial bearing of the great circle path for the side you are measuring plus the angular distortion for the corner.
5. Click on the Add Point button and click Done.
6. Name the Shape and Layer.
a. Enter a name for the shape.
This is the name that will display on the map.
b. Select
c. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
7. Click on the Zoom Tool button on the tool bar and drag a box around the corner of the shape opposite the origin of the line that you are measuring angular distance for.
This tool if faster as it zooms in more at one time than using the scroll wheel.
8. Repeat the zooming until you can see the difference between the end point of the line and the corner.
The end of the line represents where the corner of the plot would be in relation to the bottom corner if there were no angular distortion.
9. Click on the Measure Tool button.
10. Right click on the window. Check Display Extra Precision for Measurements and Use Statute Distance Units if they are not already.
Statute distance is slightly more precise because feet are smaller than meters.
10. Measure the distance between the corner of the plot and the end of the line by clicking at one point and moving the mouse to the other point.
11. Right click and select Copy the Measure Text to Clipboard. 12. Push the Esc key to stop the measurement.
13. Paste the measurement into the spreadsheet.
a. Paste in cell [] of the [] sheet.
b. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
c. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, enter a colon in the field next to other and click finish.
Cell [] shows the angular distance distortion. This is in the display units of the [] sheet set in in cell [].
Loading Data
When you load new images or elevation data in your workspace, Global Mapper needs details about how to project it. Metadata contains information about the data file and usually includes the source projection. Metadata can be in a separate file or embedded in the data file. Usually Global Mapper reads the metadata automatically however in some cases you may need look it up and manually choose it when you load the file.
Unknown Source Projection
Sometimes the data you are loading is without metadata so the projection is unspecified or unknown. Examples you may encounter include
Screenshots of Imagery
Scanned Paper Maps
Meshes Created in Programs without Projection (such as other golf architect software like PGA 2000 or the Tiger Woods series)
When you load this data you need to somehow match it up with the rest of your data. There are two ways of doing this.
Rectifying the Data
Making Manual Adjustments to a Projection
Rectifying is a process of placing data using already projected data as a reference. Unless you are fairly certain the data is in a specific projection, rectifying is the best way to go.Rectifying
Rectifying, also called georeferencing, is a process that aligns the data to the same geographic coordinates as the reference data. It involves placing control points on the data and the reference in matching locations. The software then calculates the adjustments that are needed to the original data to make these points match. If there is a relatively close match between the data and reference (low distortion in spacing and angle) you only need a few sets of control points while if there are more varied differences then more coverage is required.
Below are the basic steps for rectifying an image. For rectifying a DXF mesh there are some extra considerations [link]
1. Set the layers you want visible as the reference image in the Overlay Control Center.
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
b. Put a check mark next to layer(s) you want to use as a reference.
c. Uncheck the layer(s) you don’t want in the reference, including the layer you are rectifying.
2. Load the new data and select Manually Rectify Image.
If the data is already loaded right click on the layer you are rectifying and select RECTIFY – Modify Layer Position/Projection (Re-Rectify).
3. Place a set of control points in matching locations.
Use things like the edges of tee boxes, fairway, bunkers and greens as points of reference for your control points. For more precision use multiple things as a reference. For example, find a point on the edge of the green in line with the edge of a bunker using the long cross hair.
a. Click in the center window titled Zoomed View (Click for Pixel Coordinates).
b. Click in the right window titled Reference Images (Load into Main View First).
4. Click the Add Point to List button and click OK.
5. Repeat for as many control points as needed.
After at least two sets of control points are saved you can CTRL + Click one view and the other view updates to the same approximate location
6. If you want to load the control points on the same data again later save a control point file.
a. Go to File > Save Control Points to a File…
b. Give the file a name and save it.
7. Click OK.
Global Mapper uses an algorithm to calculate the required adjustments to the original data to match the control points up as close as possible. 8. Compare the result to the reference in several areas on the plot.
9. Make adjustments if needed by rectifying again.
After rectifying, the control points are adjusted to the coordinates of the rectified data. If you are saving a control point file after it has been rectified it will not match the original source. To avoid this problem when making adjustments, close and reopen the layer and load the saved control points.
a. On the Overlay Control Center select the layer and click the Close Overlay button.
b. Reload the data into Global Mapper.
c. Right click on the layer you are rectifying and Select RECTIFY – Modify Layer Position/Projection (Re-Rectify).
d. Go to File > Load Control Points from a File…
e. Choose the control point file and click OK.
10. Repeat until the data matches the reference image to your satisfaction.
Rectifying a DXF Mesh
When loading a DXF mesh, Global Mapper asks you to provide a source projection. Theoretically it doesn’t matter what you set the source projection because rectifying changes the alignment anyway. There is an issue with rectifying DXF meshes in Global Mapper though. If the source projection is not identical to the display projection, the view refresh rates slow to a crawl for moving or zooming in the rectify dialog box. This means you need identical projection, zone, datum, planar units, and parameters.
Setting the source projection the same as the display projection is the easiest thing to do however sometimes this is not possible. For example the format of the PGA 2000 DXF is in feet so in order to load it properly you need to set planar units to feet. However for export you need the display projection planar units set to meters. The solution is to temporarily set the display projection settings required to match the source projection while rectifying and when done, change it back to what is needed for display and export. This process is outlined in the steps below for a DXF Mesh exported from PGA 2000.
1. Load the DXF file exported from PGA 2000.
A dialog box opens allowing you to specify a source projection.
If the data is already loaded edit the source projection -
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
b. Select the layer the mesh is on click the Options button.
c. Select the Layer Projection tab. 2. Set the source projection identical to the display projection you set earlier with the exception of planar units.
The PGA 2000 format uses feet so set planer units to feet for it to load correctly.
a. Under Projection choose Transverse Mercator.
b. Under Datum choose the datum set in the display projection (either specific to the area, NAD83, or WGS84).
c. Set Planar Units to Feet (International)
d. Set Elevation Units to Feet.
e. Next to CENTRAL MERIDIAN enter the central longitude from the spreadsheet [].
f. Next to ORIGIN LATITUDE enter the central latitude from the spreadsheet [].
g. Click OK.
3. Adjust the Display Projection in Global Mapper as needed.
a. Go to Tools > Configure…
b. Select the Projection Tab.
c. Under Planar Units choose Feet (International).
d. Check that the projection, datum, and parameters are identical to the source projection set when loading the DXF.
4. For the remainder of the process follow the normal steps for rectifying [link].
5. When finished, return the Display Projection to the previous settings.
a. Go to Tools > Configure…
b. Select the Projection Tab.
c. Under Planar Units choose Meters.
d. If needed return the projection, zone, datum, and parameters to the settings for display and export.
e. Click OK.
Manual Adjustments to a Projection Choosing a projection is useful if you know the projection of the data or know maps with a projection were used as a reference to create it. If the projection doesn’t match immediately, manual adjustments are possible using one of the following methods –
Projection Parameters
Coordinate Transformation Shift
Projection parameters are the preferred method to make adjustments. A Coordinate Transformation Shift is only done if the projection you choose is missing the needed projection parameters or does not allow you to change them.
A consistent difference across the entire area of the data is required for successful manual adjustments. Any distortion that is unique to different parts requires rectification. For this reason I do not recommend this method unless you are fairly certain a specific projection is correct.
Projection Parameters
The example below gives steps for choosing a projection and changing the parameters for a DXF mesh exported from PGA 2000. The projection parameters set are saved with the projection and therefore based off the original position of the data.
1. Load the DXF file exported from PGA 2000.
A dialog box opens allowing you to specify a source projection.
If the data is already loaded edit the source projection -
Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
Select the layer the data is on and click the Options button.
Select the Layer Projection tab.
2. Set the source projection, zone (if required), and datum.
3. Set Planar Units to Feet (International) and Elevation Units to Feet.
The PGA 2000 format uses feet for units so
4. Set the projection parameters.
Some examples are given below but you may get different parameters or none at all and some projections do not let you change the parameters. In these cases the adjustments are made outside the projection after it is set.
Scale Factor - Used to increase or decrease proportions. Usually this is fine if the correct planar units were chosen but occasionally minor changes are required. Rotation Angle (About Origin) - Used to correct a rotation adjustment made from the original projection. For example, in central Wisconsin the UTM projection Zone 16 has about a 2° clockwise rotation due to that projection’s distortion in the area. In some cases I rotated my maps to correct for this. If this isn’t accounted for, Global Mapper makes an overcorrection because the correction is already accounted for in my original adjustment.
False Easting (m) and False Northing (m) - Used to offset if the proportions are correct but the position isn’t. Most likely you don’t know if or how much it is off until you measure an offset adjustment.
5. Click OK.
Compare the data to the reference in different areas. If you find the same amount and direction of offset in different areas try measuring the offset and making an adjustment [link]. If it appears there are scale or rotation differences, try these changes as well. Otherwise there is probably inconsistent distortion that requires rectification. [link]
Coordinate Transformation Shift
If the needed projection parameters are not available to change, the steps below show how to make changes outside of the projection with a Coordinate Transformation Shift. Values set for a coordinate transformation shift are not saved so each adjustment starts from the current position.
1. Right click on the layer in the Overlay Control Center and select SHIFT - Shift Selected Layer(s) a Fixed Distance or Transform Coordinates…
2. Choose Coordinate Transformation.
3. Enter a value for the transformation you want to make.
a. Translation East/X Direction and Translation North/Y Direction (units are the same as source projection’s planar units)
b. Scale Factor
c. Rotation Angle (Clockwise)
4. Click OK.
Measuring an Offset Adjustment
Measuring and calculating the offset allows you to avoid the need to guess and check. Other adjustments such as scale or rotation alter the position of the data so do these first if possible to avoid the need to measure more than once. If you don’t want to measure at all, rectifying [link] using only two sets of control points is another way to achieve a simple offset adjustment. Measuring the offset is done by drawing a line between two locations that represent the same point in both the data and the reference. The vertical and horizontal distance is calculated by copying the metadata of the line into the spreadsheet. In order for measurements to be accurate the line needs to be drawn in the same projection as the data you are adjusting. Since features are drawn in the display projection, this requires setting the display projection the same as the source projection.
1. Find the source projection of the data you are adjusting.
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
b. Select the layer the data is on and click the Options button.
c. Select the Layer Projection tab.
d. Make a note of the projection, zone, datum, planar units, and parameters.
2. Verify the Display Projection in Global Mapper matches the source projection.
a. Go to Tools > Configure…
b. Select the Projection Tab.
c. Verify projection, zone, datum, planar units, and parameters are identical to the source projection of the data you are adjusting. Make changes as needed.
3. Find a distinct location that is representative of most of the course, usually near the center.
4. Click on the Create Line Feature (Vertex Mode) tool and draw a line so that one end is at a location in the data being moved and the other end is at the same location on the reference image.
5. Copy the coordinates of this shape into a sheet in the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Feature Info Tool button and select the plot shape.
b. Click on the Vertices… button.
c. Click on the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Paste in cell A1 of the [] sheet.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, and click finish.
6. Enter the name of the sheet at cell [] to use for the offset data.
7. Set the East and North offset to the values in the spreadsheet [][]. If offset projection parameters are available
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
b. Select the layer the mesh is on click the Options button.
c. Select the Layer Projection tab.
d. Change the east and north offsets.
Otherwise open a coordinate transformation shift. [link]
8. Click OK.
9. Return the Display Projection to the previous settings if changed.
a. Go to Tools > Configure…
b. Select the Projection Tab.
c. Return the projection, zone, datum, planar units, and parameters to the settings you want to use for display and export.
d. Click OK.
10. Compare the data to the reference in several areas on the plot.
If the data is too far off in places and it does not appear correctable by scale or rotation adjustments then it is distorted. You need to rectify to fix distortion.
Gridding Data
Most DEM formats contain gridded data. Some formats such as raw LiDAR points (*.las or *.laz files) or a DXF mesh exported from PGA 2000 or Tiger Woods do not. Before you can export these for golf architect software they need to be gridded.
1. Make the layer you want to grid visible on the Overlay Control Center.
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button.
b. Put a check mark next to the layer you want to grid to bring it into view.
2. Go to Analysis > Create Elevation Grid from 3D Vector Data… or right click on the layer and select GRID – Create Elevation Grid from 3D Vector Data…
3. Select the following items in the dialog box.
a. Set Vertical Units to Meters b. Set Grid Method to Triangulation (Grid TIN of Points)
For some data types you may not need to choose this option, for example are no options for a DXF mesh. It is always triangulated when gridding.
c. Select Automatically Determine Optimal Grid Spacing
d. Set the Elevation Grid “No Data” Distance Criteria slider all the way to the right (Loose)
e. Check 3D Line Features as Constraints (i.e. Breaklines) and uncheck all other check boxes.
Define the Plot
Before you begin exporting data you need to define a shape as a reference for what represents the plot in your golf architect software. How you do this depends on what you want to use as a reference for defining it and what restrictions come into play.
Input the Size of a Square – Fill a predefined area dictated by golf architect software.
Create a Shape from a Source – Use the entire area of a data source.
Freehand Draw – No reference used and no relevant restrictions.
Input the Size of a Square
This method creates a square shape based on the size you input. Use this method when you want to fill a predefined area such as the maximum size a golf architect software program allows.
1. Click on the Digitizer Tool button.
2. Right click anywhere in the main window.
3. Go to Create Area/Polygon Features > Create Square Areas of Fixed Ground Area
4. Enter value and select the units.
The maximums are –
Red Chain (WGC)
o No absolute maximum.
o 16777216 sq m (4096 x 4096 meters) for a single terrain import. Requires multiple tiles if larger, otherwise artifacts in terrain import may occur.
Headgate (PGA 2000/TW)
o 225000000 sq ft (5000 x 5000 yards). 5. Click OK and click where you want to place the area.
6. Name the Shape and Layer
a. Enter a name for the shape.
This is the name that will display on the map.
b. Select
c. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
7. Click on the Digitizer Tool button again to exit placing a shape.
Create a Shape from a Source
This method creates a shape around a data source. The shape is created to have vertical and horizontal sides in the display projection. This is required when you export terrain data. If your source data does not fit this shape, include an alternate data source below it to fill in the gaps. Otherwise around the edges there will be a drop off to an elevation of 0 in your exported file.
1. Create the shape to crop the image.
a. Right click on overlay in control center and click BBOX/COVERAGES – Create Area Features from the Selected Layer Bounds/Coverage
b. Select Yes so the shape has vertical and horizontal sides.
2. If the architect software has a maximum size, measure to ensure the width and height does not exceed it.
a. Click on the Measure Tool.
b. Click on one corner of the feature and more the mouse to the other corner.
c. The distance displayed after Seg Len on the status bar is the distance of the line between the last click and the current mouse position.
If the shape exceeds the following maximums you need to create the shape use a different source or different method.
Red Chain (WGC)
o No absolute maximum. o 4096 meters for a single terrain import. Requires multiple tiles if larger, otherwise artifacts in terrain import may occur.
Headgate (PGA 2000/TW)
o 5000 yards
3. Rename the shape and put it on a new layer.
a. Click on the Digitizer Tool
b. Double click on the shape.
c. Enter a name for the shape.
This is the name that will display on the map.
d. Select
e. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
4. Close the default layer created for it.
a. Click on the Overlay Control Center Button
b. Click on the User Created Features [1 Features] layer.
c. Click on the Close Overlay Button.
d. If you are asked to save first choose no.
You do not need to save prior to deleting the extra layer. It may simply ask you if you want to continue. In that case choose yes.
Freehand Draw
This method allows you to freehand draw a box over the area you want to use as the plot. Use this when you do not want to use a source as a size reference and restrictions in size do not come into play.
1. Click on the Create Rectangular/Square Area button.
2. Drag a box over the area you want the plot to cover.
3. Name the Shape and Layer.
a. Enter a name for the shape. This is the name that will display on the map.
b. Select
c. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
4. Measure to ensure the width and height does not exceed the maximums the architect software allows. If it does close the layer and redraw the shape smaller.
a. Click on the Measure Tool.
b. Click on one corner of the feature and more the mouse to the other corner.
c. The distance displayed after Seg Len on the status bar is the distance of the line between the last click and the current mouse position.
If the shape exceeds the following maximums you need to create the shape use a different source or different method.
Red Chain (WGC)
o No absolute maximum.
o 4096 meters for a single terrain import. Requires multiple tiles if larger, otherwise artifacts in terrain import may occur.
Headgate (PGA 2000/TW)
o 5000 yards
Free Tools
If you do not have Global Mapper a free program called 3DEM can be used to trim the DEM if needed and save it to a different format. Before you begin visit the 3DEM Website to download and install it.
1. Open 3DEM and go to File > Load Terrain Model
2. Select the file type your DEM is in.
a. For DEMs downloaded from USGS Seamless select GeoTiff DEM.
b. For DEMs downloaded from GeoComm select USGS DEM. 3. Select the file you want to open. In some cases your course may reside on two or more tiles. To open multiple files in 3DEM, select and hold down the CTRL key. 3DEM assembles all of the selected files together.
4. Go to Operation > Change Projection > Convert to UTM Projection.
5. Select NAD83 and click OK.
The DEM and the image must have the exact same coordinates to match them up the architect software. If they do not, such as when downloading DEM tiles from GeoComm, you'll need to trim the DEM down to same coordinates as your image. If a metadata file was saved with the image, open it up to get the image coordinates. Otherwise use coordinates you noted when saving the image. If any of your coordinates are off the screen in 3DEM you'll need to go back and find the correct tile(s) needed.
1. If you used SAS.Planet to download your image and saved out a .kml metadata file, open the file with a text editor such as notepad.
a. Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad
b. Drag the file onto the open window.
c. The coordinates are contained between noth, south, east, and west tags.
2. In 3DEM go to Operation > F8 Select Smaller Region.
3. Move your mouse cursor until it is precisely at the coordinates of the northwest corner.
4. Click and hold down your left mouse button.
5. Drag downward to the right until you get to the SE coordinates.
6. Release the left mouse button and hit Enter on your keyboard. The full DEM is replaced by the smaller area you selected.
Now you need to save the DEM in a new format.
1. Go to File > Save Terrain Matrix
2. Select ASCII Text String and click OK.
3. Give it a name and save it.
4. Close 3DEM.
Chapter 3: Golf Architect Software
Red Chain / WGC
Data Resolution and Tiles
For the highest quality detail the resolution of the export needs to be the same as the source resolution. This becomes a problem for terrain data because the import function in WGC crashes if the size of the exported file is too large (greater than about 1,300,000 points or 600 MB). It also may import with artifacts in the data when the import is larger than 4096 meters on a side. There is also an issue with imagery that is too large (greater than about 20,000,000 pixels) where it turns into a solid white image.
To get around these limitations the data is either broken into multiple tiles, exported at a lower resolution, or a combination of both. If it takes an unmanageable amount of tiles at full resolution, areas that are out of play or don’t come into prominent view don’t need to be as detailed. For terrain the entire plot can be imported at a lower resolution and then patched with higher resolution data in the important areas. For imagery, to avoid needing to change imagery often, use a lower resolution image to work off of most of the time and use higher resolution imagery patches only when needed.
The spreadsheet helps you determine how many tiles to use and, if necessary, what resolution to use where less detail is needed.
1. Copy the Metadata of the reference shape or data and paste it into the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Open Overlay Control Center button and select the layer the shape or data is on.
b. Click the Metadata… button.
c. Click the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Paste in cell A1 of the Geographic sheet.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Other, enter an equals sign (=) in the field next to other, and click finish.
2. Go to the [] sheet.
There is a sheet for terrain and a sheet for imagery by default. Changing the type of data at cell [] switches the sheet between doing terrain and imagery calculations. If needed, you can also create multiple copies of these sheets.
3. Set display units at cell [] to the planar units of the display projection.
4. If desired, change the resolution proportion type at cell [] By default resolution proportion is square for terrain and non-square for imagery. Terrain losses quality when it is imported in WGC with non-square pixels. This is not a problem with imagery however and can save some file space and allow you to load larger images.
5. Enter the name of the sheet with the metadata at cell []
6. Enter the resolution the source data is in at cells [] and [] and the units at cell [].
If the metadata incudes a resolution this is automatically filled in but can be overwritten with whatever you want to use. If using a square resolution only one resolution need to be entered. If there are two, the spreadsheet uses the smaller (higher resolution) of the two. The spreadsheet converts all calculations from these source units to the display units in cell [].
7. The number of tiles required for the size and resolution of the plot is displayed using several different calculations in rows [] and [] of columns [] through [].
Exact – Exact calculation of fewest tiles possible. For reference only. Results in partial tiles when calculation does not come out even.
Square – As close to an even number of rows and columns as possible
Dimensions – Row and Columns are as close to the dimensions of the plot as possible, keeping the tiles as close to square as possible.
Borders – The shortest length of borders possible, minimizing seam lines. Seam lines are not an issue if you export the tiles with an overlap.
Tiles – The fewest tiles possible.
8. Choose the calculation of tiles you want to use at cell [].
Details of the array chosen are calculated along with a visual matrix of approximate center offsets. The offsets are for reference only, using them for export results in seam lines. For terrain, the number of tiles in a dimension is also increased to avoid the length of a tile side exceeding 4096 meters. The adjusted number and maximum is shaded in gray when this occurs.
9. If all of the choices have more tiles then you want, set the number of tiles you want at cell [].
Cells [] and [] display the highest X and Y resolution you can export at for the number of tiles entered and size plot you are loading.
10. Export the data. [link]
High Resolution Data Patching 1. Enter the resolution you want to use at cells [] and [] and the units at cell [].
a. Use the source resolution to maximize detail.
2. The maximum acreage a tile can be at this resolution is displayed at cell []
3. Click on the Create Rectangular/Square Area button.
4. Drag a box over the area you want to patch.
As you are dragging, the number of acres the shape covers is displayed on the lower left status bar. Keep this under the maximum from the spreadsheet.
5. Name the Shape and Layer
a. Enter a name for the shape.
This is the name that will display on the map.
b. Select
c. Enter a name for the layer and click OK.
This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
6. Repeat if multiple shapes are needed for patching.
7. Export the patch areas. [link]
Exporting Data
Terrain Data
1. Click on the Digitize Tool and select the feature.
2. Go to File > Export > Export Elevation Grid Format
3. Select Arc ASCII Grid from the drop down.
4. Go to the Export Bounds tab and select Crop to Selected Area Feature(s)
5. If exporting as more than one tile
a. Go to Tiling tab.
b. Under Tile Layout select Specify Number of Rows and Columns.
c. In the Rows and Columns text boxes enter the rows and columns from the spreadsheet in cells [] []. d. Under Tile Overlap enter 1 in the Overlap Tile by text box and select Pixels/Samples from the drop down box.
6. Go to the General tab.
7. Set Vertical Units to Meters and put a check next to Generate PRJ (Projection) File.
8. If needed enter the resolution next to X-axis and Y-axis under Sample Spacing.
By default the textboxes contain the highest resolution found within the source data.
9. Click OK.
Imagery
1. Click on the Digitize Tool and select the shape you created.
2. Go to File > Export > Export Raster/Image Format…
3. Select JPG from the drop down.
You can also choose PNG instead. This creates a larger file but is useful if your imagery has localized transparency.
4. Go to the Export Bounds Tab.
5. Select Crop to Selected Area Feature(s).
6. Go to the General Tab.
7. If needed enter the resolution next to X-axis and Y-axis under Sample Spacing.
By default the textboxes contain the highest resolution found within the source data.
8. Uncheck Always Generate Square Pixels.
This saves some file size in some cases and WGC can adjust for non-square pixels.
9. Set the Image Quality to 3 8-bit Bands and set the Image Quality/Size slider to 100%.
For a smaller file size the Image Quality/Size lower however I recommended not going lower than 85% due to increased artifacts in the image.
10. Under metadata select Generate PRJ (Projection) File. Uncheck all other metadata formats.
11. Click OK.
Tile Offsets The tiles need to be offset so that they load in the correct position in WGC. The spreadsheet is used to calculate those offsets.
Metadata coordinates in Global Mapper are always based on the outer edges of the source, including the width of pixels or points. However, when a shape is used to create or crop data, the output pixels or points are centered on the boundary of the shape. Since a shape has no resolution and no pixels or points, there is no outside width to include. As a result, the dimensions of a shape verses the data output are shorter by the width of 1 pixel or point in the data (half on each side).
To get accurate coordinates form Global Mapper metadata for calculating offsets, you need to reload the exported data rather than using the original source or a shape it was created from. Failure to do so results in seam lines.
1. Load the exported tiles back into Global Mapper.
2. Copy and paste the metadata of the newly loaded tiles into new sheets in the spreadsheet.
a. In the spreadsheet right click on the sheets, select Insert… and click OK.
b. Double click on the new sheet name and name it.
c. In Global Mapper click on the Open Overlay Control Center button and select the layer the newly loaded tile is on.
d. Click the Metadata… button.
e. Click the Copy to Clipboard button.
f. Paste in cell A1 of the new sheet you created.
g. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
h. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Other, enter an equals sign (=) in the field next to other, and click finish.
i. Repeat for all tiles loaded.
3. On the [] sheet enter the names of the sheets you pasted metadata in the open title cells.
For terrain data use row []
For imagery use row []
The spreadsheet calculates the following offsets –
Terrain Lower Left Corner – Use with AccuTrans 3D, a program for setting the coordinates and converting to the final format needed for WGC import. [link]
Imagery
Center - Use with WGC Blueprint Tool to line up the image. [link]
Lower Left Corner - Use with QCAD, a program for drawing shapes, to place the image. [link]
Converting to DXF and Setting Coordinates
AccuTrans 3D
WGC requires a specific DXF format for importing the elevations that Global Mapper cannot export. AccuTrans 3D is an inexpensive program that is used to convert to this format and set the offsets.
1. Load the tiles into AccuTrans 3D
a. Go to File > Open DEM As > ArcInfo ASCII Grid (*.asc)
b. Chose the exported tile file and click Open.
c. Verify cell Size and Height are set to Meters and click OK.
d. Go to Dem > Convert to 3D (less water)
e. Under Vertex Interval select 1 and click OK.
2. Export the tiles as DXF files.
a. Go to File > Save With Options…
b. Under Save File Type select DXF (*.dxf) from the drop down.
c. Under Flags put a check next to Point Cloud, Lines and AutoCAD and Lightscape. Uncheck all others.
The first time running it Quads is checked by default and needs to be unchecked.
d. Click on the DXF tab and choose Output As 3D Face.
e. Click on the Output Scale Factor tab.
f. Under Center Point put a check next to Adjust.
g. In the text boxes next to X, Y, and Z enter the values located in rows [] of the spreadsheet under the offset heading for the tile you are exporting.
h. Under Scaled Object click the Update button. i. Under Action click the Save button, name it and click save.
j. Under Action click the Close button.
k. Repeat for all tiles.
Elevation Data Import
The WGC DXF Import dialog box doesn’t let you see above the WGC resources directory so before you load WGC put the files to import somewhere under this directory. The default install location of this directory is
Windows newer than XP - C:\ProgramData\RCGPortal\Resources
Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\RCGPortal\Resources
Load up WGC and create a new course or load an existing plot. If loading a plot with existing elevations, all elevations over the area of the mesh are replaced by the mesh.
1. Go to Tools > DXF
2. Find the DXF file and click OK.
3. The location the mesh to import is displayed in the background.
WGC crashes if the plot is much smaller than the mesh. At what point the plot is close enough to the mesh to avoid a crash is unclear so to be safe make the plot includes the entire mesh. This can be done by dragging the corners of the plot in the background behind the dialog box while the mesh is on screen. Once the mesh is imported the plot can be resized to any size you want.
4. On the DXF Dialog box under Meshes click on the name of the mesh.
5. Click on the Import Mesh button.
6. Click OK when it is finished.
7. Go to the height layer and move look around to see that the newly imported elevations look OK.
In some cases when the data crosses a boundary, such as 2048 or 4096 meters from the center, not all of the elevations import. If this happens
a. Reopen the DXF Import tool and click on Import Mesh again. The second time it brings in the rest of the elevation data.
If you are importing multiple tiles –
8. Go to File > Save, pick a location, name it and click OK. WGC is susceptible to crashing while importing elevations so it is best to save between imports to avoid the risk of needing to start over from the beginning.
9. Go to Tools > DXF and click the clear button.
This removes the previous mesh. Failure to dos o can result in WGC crashing.
10. Repeat the steps above.
Once everything is imported and looks good in the height layer you are finished with the elevation data.
Blueprint Tool
The WGC Blueprint Tool dialog box doesn’t let you see above the WGC texture directory so before you load WGC put images somewhere under this directory. The default install location of this directory is
Windows newer than XP - C:\ProgramData\RCGPortal\Resources\Textures
Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\RCGPortal\Resources\Textures
Load up WGC and create a new course or load an existing plot.
1. Go to Tools > Blueprint Tool
2. Check the Enabled check box.
3. Click on the Change button, find the image file exported from Global Mapper and click OK.
4. Verify the Lock Aspect Ratio checkbox is set correctly for the image based on the outlining in the spreadsheet.
The outlining is on rows () of the spreadsheet under the dimensions heading for the image.
Put a check in it if only one of the rows, X or Y, are outlined.
This means the resolutions are the same for both and the pixels are square.
Uncheck it if both the X and Y dimensions are outlined.
This means the resolutions of the dimensions are different and the pixels are not square.
5. Set the sliders for Dimensions X and Z (WGC calls the Y coordinate Z) to the outlined dimensions. Use the rounded value on the right. In the case of square pixels only the larger of the two is changed. The other dimension automatically updates based on the proportion of the image and matches the value in the spreadsheet.
6. Set the sliders for Offset X and Z (WGC calls the Y coordinate Z) to the X and Y values from the spreadsheet.
Offsets are located in rows [] of the spreadsheet under the center offset for the image. Use the rounded offsets.
7. Set the Transparency value.
The transparency value is reversed on the surface layer vs the height layer, a higher number is more transparent on surface layer and less transparent on height layer. I recommend 60 - 70% for more transparency while working with shapes and more opaque while working in height layer.
8. Click OK.
Check that the image is in the correct location on the surface and height layers.Drawing Shapes
QCAD
QCAD is a program used for drawing shapes. It allows you to save the shapes in a standardized format for import. This has the advantage of not locking your shapes into one golf architect software program.
Loading Imagery
1. Load QCAD
2. Click on the Add Layer [YN] button
3. Name the layer and click OK.
Layers are in alphabetical order and cannot be reordered. So that all image layers group together at the top start the name with [Images].
4. Click on the Insert Bitmap [IM] button.
5. Find the image file and click Open.
6. Verify the Keep proportions button in QCAD (between width and height text boxes at the top) is set correctly for the image based on the outlining the spreadsheet.
The Keep proportions button is between width and height text boxes at the top. The outlining is on rows () of the spreadsheet under the dimensions heading for the image. Active it (pressed in and highlighted with linked chain) if only one of the rows, X or Y, are outlined.
This means the resolutions are the same for both and the pixels are square.
Deactivate it (not pressed in and same color as background with broken chain) if both the X and Y dimensions are outlined.
This means the resolutions of the dimensions are different and the pixels are not square.
7. Copy the outlined dimensions and paste them in the corresponding Width: or Height: text box at the top in QCAD (X is width, Y is height).
Use the non-rounded value on the left. In the case of square pixels only the larger of the two is copied and pasted. The other dimension automatically updates based on the proportion of the image and matches the value in the spreadsheet.
8. In the Command: text box at the bottom of the screen copy and paste the coordinates from the spreadsheet.
The coordinates are located in rows [] of the spreadsheet under the lower left corner offset coordinates for the image.
9. Press Enter.
The image is placed on the coordinate grid.
10. Press Esc to exit the tool.
11. Repeat for other images.
Drawing Shapes
Shapes for each surface such as greens, fairways, tees, etc. need to be on separate layers. When shapes are imported in WGC each layer is assigned a template.
1. Navigate to the location you want to draw a shape.
Hold the scroll button down and drag to pan.
Use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out on the area the mouse cursor is located at.
2. Click on the layer you want to draw on in the Layer List.
Create a new layer if needed.
3. Click on the Spline Tools [WN] button. 4. Click on the Spline (Control Points) [SP] button.
5. Click on the Free [SF] button.
6. Set the Degree: drop down to 3.
7. Click on the image to set control points.
The outline of the shape will begin to show after 3 control points are placed.
If a mistake is made click on the Undo Last Control Point button to remove the last control point
8. Right click to complete the shape.
Leave the shape slightly open at the end. If you want to redo the shape just created click the Undo Button or push Ctrl + Z to remove it.
9. Repeat for all shapes.
Save it as in the R15 (2000/LT2000) DXF Drawing (dxflib) (*.dxf) format. This format can be imported into WGC or loaded in QCAD for further changes later.
Importing Shapes
Due to the way WGC assigns control points, shapes will not match the splines from QCAD exactly. Free hand drawing in WGC results in similar problems.
1. Go to Tools > DXF
2. Click on the Open DXF button.
3. Find the DXF file and click OK.
4. Set CP distance to 0.00.
This allows the maximum number of control points to be imported for the shapes.
5. Under Shapes choose the layer to import.
6. Click on the Template button.
7. Choose a template for the shapes and click OK.
8. Repeat for the other layers you want to import.
9. Click OK when finished.
10. Make adjustments to control points for each shape using a blueprint tool image as a reference. You may also need to add or double control points in some cases.
------Scratch Notes ------
This tutorial goes into detail on exporting elevation data the following golf architect software:
Headgate (PGA 2000 and the Tiger Woods Series)
1. Create a line along the plot edge.
2. Copy bearing from feature info.
3. Shorten it to the shortest possible length by changing a vertex (copy same vertex of other point and add one to least significant digit)
4. Copy bearing from Edit button.
5. Take the difference in angle and find distance off. and uncheck any others. Choose any units you’d like for distance and area. Use Rhumb Lines Always Display Base Units (Meters or Feet)
Transverse Mercator Distortion Calculations:
Angular Distortion
As distance from central meridian or angle off perpendicular increases Great Circle straight line inaccuracy increases.
Proportion of angle distortion keeps local angles correct. More distance increases the location accuracy due to the angle inaccuracy.
All lines perpendicular to central meridian are great circles, no angular distortion.
At 2048 m out (half of 4096) parallel to central meridian, location inaccuracy amounts to 1.25 m over 4096 m, about 8 inches over a long par 5, and 4 inches over a drive.
A great circle pulls closer to central meridian, while a straight line parallel to the central meridian in the projection actually curves away from the central meridian.
Hotine Oblique Projection does not seem to work in Global Mapper at this scale, in testing actually makes it about 8 mm worse
Distance Distortion
The further from central meridian the worse. About 8 mm at 2048 m out over 4096 m distance
Naming a Shape and Layer
1. Enter a name for the shape. This is the name that will display on the map.
2. Select
3. Enter a name for the layer and click OK. This is the name that will display on the Overlay Control Center.
Creating Central Meridian Line
1. Click on the Create Distance/Bearing/COGO Line button.
2. Click a little below the plot.
3. Click the Set Start Position button.
4. Under Global Projection (Transverse Mercator – meters) enter 0 in the X Coordinate: text box and click OK.
5. Under Specify Separate Distance and Bearing Values in the Distance: text box enter a distance a little longer than the height of the plot so that the line will cross it completely. 5000 works well on a 4096 plot.
6. Click the Add Point button. If the line does not cross the plot completely click the Remove Last Point button and increase the distance.
7. Click the Done button and name the shape - Central Meridian recommended name
a. Substeps for naming shape
Export the plot
a. Click on the Digitize Tool and select the box.
b. Go to File > Export > Export Elevation Grid Format
c. Select Arc ASCII Grid from the drop down.
d. Go to the Export Bounds tab and select Crop to Selected Area Feature(s)
e. Go to the General tab .
f. Set Vertical Units to Meters and put a check next to Generate PRJ (Projection) File g. Click OK.
Load the exported file back into Global Mapper
Create a shape around the exported grid.
a. Right click on overlay in control center and click BBOX/COVERAGES – Create Area Features from the Selected Layer Bounds/Coverage
b. Select Yes so shape rotation is straight.
Copy the coordinates of the shape and paste them into the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Feature Info Tool button and select the plot shape.
b. Click on the Vertices… button.
c. Click on the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Paste in cell A1 of the Plot sheet.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard…
f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, and click finish.
Determine the tiles and their coordinates for importing elevation data. The import function in WGC crashes if the size of the DXF file is too large (About 1,300,000 points or 600 MB) To get around this, break up the import into tiles or export. The spread sheet helps find the optimum sizes.
1. Set the units for width and height to meters (the units used by the display projection chosen)
2. Enter the resolution and set the units. Can be any units, they will be converted.
a. The minimum number of tiles required to import is displayed. [Cell]
3. If you do not wish to make the entire plot the full resolution of the LiDAR data, delete or leave resolution blank and enter the number of tiles you want to use.
a. The maximum resolution for the specified number of tiles is displayed. [Cell]
4. Suggested arrays for rows and columns are displayed. Choose one or enter custom numbers.
a. Exact – Exact calculations for an even number of tiles. Results in partial tiles on the ends when calculation does not come out even. (not available)
b. Square – As close to and even number of rows and columns as possible
c. Dimensions – Row and Columns are as close to the dimensions of the plot as possible. (keeping the tiles as close to square as possible) d. Borders – The shortest length of borders possible, minimizing seam lines. Usually this is the most practical choice.
e. Tiles – The fewest tiles possible.
5. The array below gives the coordinates required for each tile.
6. AccuTrans3D
7. WGC
Patching to remove seams or increase resolution in important areas in play or in view on the course.
1. Enter the resolution and set the units.
a. The maximum tile size in acres is displayed at [Cell]. The units displayed in are changeable if desired. [Cell]
1. Draw a shape with an area than or equal to the in Global Mapper that minimizes the borders cutting across important in play or in view areas on the course. (Show area as you draw in Global Mapper?)
2. Export the plot
a. Click on the Digitize Tool and select the box.
b. Go to File > Export > ASCII ArcGrid
c. Set the Resolution
d. Set the export to selection
3. Load the exported file back into Global Mapper
4. Create a shape around the exported grid. Right click on overlay in control center and click BBOX/COVERAGES – Create Area Features from the Selected Layer Bounds/Coverage
5. Copy the coordinates of the shape and paste them into the spreadsheet.
a. Click on the Feature Info Tool button and select the plot shape.
b. Click on the Vertices… button.
c. Click on the Copy to Clipboard button.
d. Create a new sheet in the spreadsheet, name it, and Paste to cell A1.
e. Click on the paste icon (Ctrl) and select Use Text Import Wizard… f. Click Next, then uncheck Space, check Comma, and click finish.
6. Get the coordinates from the spreadsheet for the lower left corner of the box.
a. Use one of the available calculators from the top row to calculate
b. Enter the name of the new sheet you created in the top row.
c. Under offset the coordinates are given for the lower left corner of the box.
7. AccuTrans3D
8. WGC