Snap mode

A Snap status property can be applied to any or all display layers. This ensures that those functions that use snapping (for example, the Measure tool ) can be applied in any layer and not just the active layer. Note however, that a Snap mode can only be applied to those layers with a snappable snap status.

A Snap mode can be selected from the Snapping Mode tool menu on the Strings | Edit toolbar. When you click on the Snapping Mode tool (or use the S shortcut key) the current snap mode is toggled on and off. A drop-down menu offers a range of Snap modes:

You can also change the Snap mode by selecting an option from the Snapping toolbar:

It is a good idea to float the toolbar in the Vizex display if you intend to explicitly change snapping mode frequently. Alternatively, you can cycle through the snapping options use the SHIFT + S keyboard shortcut.

Snap to Object

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest object using a point, intersection, line, surface object precedence. In some scenarios objects may not snap as expected and you may need to select an explicit Snap mode (see below).

Snap to Point

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest point. When a point is snapped, the rubber band line is changed to a DASH style and the snapped point is shown slightly larger.

If you want to join one line to another, pick-up the line closer to the point you want to snap, and drag it to its join position. Note that the line won’t snap until the cursor is over the snap point. If you try to match the ends up, it won't snap!

Snap to Line

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest line. A point is inserted at the shortest perpendicular distance from the position of the mouse to the line.

If both the Gradient tool and Snap to Line are turned on, you can digitise a line from one level to the next at a particular gradient. The point where the line snaps will be the point that gives you the correct gradient.

Snap to Grid

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest display grid intersection. If no coordinate grid is displayed, the Snap to Grid menu option is disabled.

Snap to Intersection

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest line intersection.

When the gradient control is active and Snap to Point or Snap to Line, or Snap to Intersection is selected, the snap function will snap to a point that satisfies the gradient condition.

The snapping keyboard shortcuts should toggle the current snapping mode on and off.

Snap to Surface

If this option is selected, the cursor snaps to the nearest point on a surface. This mode applies to Wireframe objects drawn in 3D mode, or to Grid objects drawn in 3D or 2D Image mode.

Since a Grid layer is not snappable by default, you will need to right-click on the layer in the Display Pane and select Snappable from the right-click menu.

Snap Perpendicular

Snap to a point which forms a perpendicular with a reference line.

Digitise the first point of the new string, hover near the reference line until you see the dotted perpendicular line. Click to digitise the perpendicular point.

Gradient

If both Snapping mode and Gradient Control mode are enabled, you can still snap. However, if there is no snap point, the gradient is applied.

If Snap to Line and the Gradient tool modes are enabled, a check is made that the points of the currently hit segment have the correct gradient, before the nearest valid point is snapped to. A normal Snap to Line occurs if there isn't a valid point.

Move and Copy

When you copy or move a line or polygon, the cursor will snap to the nearest point, line, grid intersection, or line intersection (depending on the active Snapping mode).

Follow

If Snap Mode is enabled you can follow one or more strings when digitising a new string or polygon. See: Follow String or Polygon