New Features in TNTgis 2015

  Highlights Only

  Updated: 08 Jan 2016

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Highlight Features

  • Run TNTgis software in Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
  • Compute Rational Polynomial (RPC) model for orthorectification in the Georeference process from image 3D control points.
  • The Auto-Register operation in Georeference automatically assigns Z values for new 3D control points from a DEM using the Default Z from Surface option.
  • Faster RPC orthorectification in the Image Resample process using the Image Processing Pipeline.
  • New multi-band raster image layer allows RGB display using any set of three bands from the image; the display band choice can be changed at any time in the Layer Controls.
  • Mosaic grayscale, RGB, or multi-band images with contrast matching to an input image or separate reference image.
  • The Raster Calculation process includes a new Vegetation Indices category allowing computation of of many broadband vegetation indices from multi-band images.
  • The Geometric Buffer Zone process provides many new features including options to merge buffer polygons, the option to buffer vector nodes, and new polygon buffer options: Expand, Shrink, Outer Ring, Inner Ring, and Border.
  • The Database Table Properties window has been redesigned for easier use.

Processes redesigned with added capabilities:

  • Image Spatial Filtering, Raster Calculation, Buffer Zone Generation.
  • Image Statistics by Geometric Element, Image Statistics by Category Raster.
  • Surface Properties by Geometric Element, Geometric Element Statistics, Polygon Shape Properties.

Full Feature List

System

  • Run TNTgis software in Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
  • Allow user to specify interface language during first use.
  • When user changes language, a message encourages adding interface fonts to provide required characters.
  • Enlarge Controls option in General System Preferences for use with small touch screen tablets.
  • Access License Configuration window via the TNTmips Help menu or Tools / System menu.
  • Add '2D vector to 3D vector' process to Terrain menu.

File/Object Selection Window

  • Typing text auto-scrolls to first matching item in list.
  • Time included with date in Created and Modified columns.
  • Assigns auto-name default when click in field to manually assign name.

Job Manager

  • Schedule window redesigned to provide more intuitive controls.TechGuide
  • Schedule window provides option to perform the job once at a particular date and time in addition to repeat scheduling.

File Manager

  • Object information for linked tables shows link info: server name, IP address, and database.

Project File Recovery

  • Added option to save the original file with a backup name and use the original name for the output.
  • Provides a default output file name.

Color Palette Editor

  • Added ability to import a color palette from a text or CSV file.
  • Added "Uniform Perceptual Contrast" palettes provided by the Centre for Exploration Targeting in Australia.
  • When a standard palette is selected to save with a spatial object, the palette name is offered as the default color map subobject name.
  • Palette selection window shows preview of each palette.
  • Added palettes for USGS recommended geologic map colors.

Spatial Display

View Window

  • Set sidebar to be on either left or right side of View window (Options / View Options from Display Manager).

Layer Info Window

  • Layer Info Window (formerly View Extents) redesigned with expandable sections showing layer info and extents, coordinate reference system, object information, and georeference details.TechGuide
  • Cell size is shown in arcsec for rasters with geographic georeferencing.
  • Row and column labels added for raster dimensions and cell size.

Raster Layer

  • Allow RGB display of rasters with different cell sizes and extents.TechGuide
  • New multi-band raster image layer allows RGB display using any set of three bands and changing display choice at any time.TechGuide
  • Use Add Objects to select any number of image bands for display with choice of adding as separate layers, as RGB layer, or as multi-band layer.TechGuide
  • Explicitly add multiband image layer from Add Raster menu.
  • (multi-band)" is automatically appended to the default layer name for multi-band layers.
  • Options setting provided for adding named Red, Green, and Blue objects automatically as RGB layer from Add button.

Vector Layer

  • Optionally show line/polygon vertex locations and choose symbol.
  • Line vertices are not shown in the Locator.
  • Option to hide nodes in the Locator.

Mark by Attribute

  • Add option to mark elements that share records in the table specified.

GeoFormula Layer

  • DataTips are now available for GeoFormula layers.
  • Option to apply auto-contrast to the output display for RGB and numeric GeoFormulas.
  • Option to apply color spread of your choice to the output display for numeric GeoFormulas.
  • GeoFormula Layer Controls window redesigned, uses icon buttons for script actions.

Web Tileset Layer

  • Copyright is shown as part of the DataTip in the View and in the Object Selection window.
  • The Tileset Layer Controls window includes a Terms of Use button.
  • Web tilesets accessed through an HTTPS URL are supported.

Dynamic Labels

  • Trailing 0s are automatically stripped from decimal values.

Annotate Tool

  • Added choice of color palettes on color-selection control.

GeoToolbox

  • Save a region as a vector object from the GeoToolbox Region panel.
  • A Hide Crosshairs option has been added to the Show menu in the Profile View.

KML Layer

  • Option on Layer Controls to override label styles embedded in the KML file.

DataTips

  • Set DataTip Options for 3D Views via the View window's Options menu.

Printing

  • A warning message is shown if print size is changed to be different than set for the layout.

Render to

  • KML: Choice to exclude elements from output if they don't have a DataTip attribute set.
  • KML: NAME and DESCRIPTION tags restricted to elements with DataTip set.
  • KML: Option to render 3D extruded elements.
  • SVG: NAME and DESCRIPTION tags restricted to elements with DataTip set.
  • PDF: Provide option to not render hidden layers.
  • PDF: Include background color when rendering a display layout.

ToolScripts and MacroScripts

  • Method provided for a display script to prevent showing error messages while drawing layers.

Database Tables / Operations

  • DataTip shows full-precision value for floating point fields set to display fewer decimal places.
  • Edit computed field expression from tables using right-mouse button menu on the field name.
  • Use Populate Existing Records operation to assign sequential values automatically in new Auto-Increment field.

Single Record View

  • Fields in new record initially show default values or are blank.
  • Field labels apply to single-record views in addition to tabular views.

Tabular View

  • Right mouse-button option on field to select all records that have same value.
  • Field menu options to move column all the way to the left or right.
  • With one record per element attachment, only show warning about changing record attachment once per session.
  • Create and attach new records with or without the option to populate fields.TechGuide
  • Show field name and description as tooltip over column heading.
  • Allow sorting on multiple fields with mixed ascending and descending order.
  • Create new record using Record / New menu option or using New Record icon button.

Database Table Properties Window

  • Table Properties window redesigned for easier use.
  • Create auto-increment numeric fields.
  • Set default value for logical and string fields in addition to numeric fields.
  • Computed" and "String Expression" fields are now termed "Computed Numeric" and "Computed Text".
  • Set Text and Numeric field properties (e.g., integer type, floating point) first with option to set as Computed.
  • Choose "Simple Computed" field type for field that returns value of a field in another table.
  • Set Date and Date/Time fields to auto-update when record is changed by setting Record Modification Timestamp usage option.
  • Set size of text fields (maximum number of characters allowed).
  • Allow changing field type among compatible types (32-bit integer, date, and auto-increment) for existing fields.
  • Unit type automatically set to "Date" when create Date field.

GeoTagged Image Database Creation

  • Allow opening the Display Manager from the Database Pinmap View window.

Editor

  • Line/Polygon tool: ability to extend line by distance and bearing in manual mode.
  • Snap operation: added preview option to step through the gaps with choice to snap or skip.TechGuide
  • Snap operation: arc-wedge graphic shows and allows control of snap distance/snap-back angle.
  • Snap operation: ability to mark dangling nodes when preview snap.
  • Added option to Remove Excess Nodes operation to Ignore Z Values for 3D vector.
  • A line being edited is allowed to cross another line.
  • A line being edited can be snapped to another element.
  • When snapping to another element while adding or editing a line, the prospective snap point is indicated by an X symbol.
  • The Automatic line editing mode switches to Add Start if the end node is out of the View window extents.
  • In Automatic line editing, use "/" hotkey to switch between Add End and Add Start.
  • The Line tool start or end node is highlighted in color in Add Start and Add End modes.
  • The Line/Polygon tool now has additional icons for Stretch mode with different angle constraint settings (Stretch, Stretch + Constrain Angle, Stretch + Constrain Angle to Last Segment).

Georeferencing

  • Compute Rational Polynomial (RPC) model for orthorectification from image 3D control points.TechGuide
  • Auto-Register operation automatically assigns Z values for new points from DEM when the Default Z from Surface option is set.
  • Default coordinate reference system set from reference image.
  • Use Model button to open Select Model dialog with listing and description of all coordinate transformation models.
  • Supports RPC coefficient file format for KOMPsat-2 images.

Geometric Object Operations

Buffer Zone Generation

  • Buffer Zone Generation window redesigned to show all process parameters on one panel.
  • Use icon buttons to select the available input element type(s) to buffer and (for polygons) the type of buffer to produce.TechGuide
  • New polygon buffer options: Expand, Shrink, Outer Ring (Expand - Original), Inner Ring (Original - Shrink), and Border (Outer Ring + Inner Ring).TechGuide
  • Option to buffer vector nodes, including By Attribute and By Script.
  • Options to merge buffer polygons (all or by attribute).
  • Merging buffers is mandatory when output is a region object.
  • Option to assign buffer distance by attribute.TechGuide
  • Set Multiple Equal Distance buffers by specifying start distance, interval (buffer width), and number of buffers.TechGuide
  • An attribute is automatically assigned to indicate if an output polygon is part of a buffer area.
  • For single buffers the buffer distance is automatically included in the default output object name and description.
  • A Buffer table with buffer distance record is created for single-distance buffer output (in addition to multiple distance output).
  • A "Keep saved result" preference setting allows keeping or saving previous results in View.

Geometric Extract

  • Allows setting up extraction by attribute one time for all inputs.TechGuide
  • Optionally save the manually drawn extraction area as region.TechGuide
  • When select the Region option in Define Region window, the sidebar Region Manager is automatically activated.

Geometric Filters

  • Add Layer icon button added to View window.

Geometric Element Statistics by Polygon (formerly Polygon Properties)

  • Process renamed and window redesigned.TechGuide
  • Use any geometric object type as source (vector, CAD, shape).
  • Use database pinmap as source of points.
  • Find statistics for source lines (as well as polygons and points).
  • Optionally create the output tables for a copy of the "Destination" vector/CAD object or as CSV text file.
  • Summarize statistics for any numeric field and table with any record attachment type.
  • When summarize "by attribute", create either fields in one record or separate records for each attribute.
  • Option to choose field to provide element name/ID in each table record.

Polygon Shape Properties (formerly Fuzzy Properties)

  • Process window redesigned, providing a choice of statistics to compute and new shape measures.
  • Compute shape properties for elements in CAD and shape objects in addition to vector objects.
  • Optionally create the output table as CSV text file.
  • Object in geographic coordinates is converted to orthographic projection centered on object when properties are computed.
  • Option to choose field to provide element name/ID in each table record.
  • Add Reock compactness/circularity measure.
  • Add Convex Hull compactness measure.

Image Statistics and Surface Properties by Geometric Element

Image Statistics by Geometric Element (formerly Geometric Raster Properties)

  • Process window redesigned, providing new statistics and a choice of which to compute.
  • Option to compute texture Gray Level Co-occurrence statistics by polyon.
  • Choice of element type to use, now including lines in addition to polygons and points.
  • Options to output results in tables in input object, to a copy of the input object, or to CSV text file.
  • When using multiple rasters, statistics tables are automatically named using the raster name.
  • Option to put statistics of multiple rasters into one table.
  • Compute raster properties for elements in CAD and shape objects in addition to vector objects.
  • Option to summarize statistics "by attribute" to create a separate record for each attribute.
  • Compute statistics for all elements of the selected type or only those marked in the View.
  • Compute statistics from bands in hyperspectral object.
  • Option to choose field to provide element name/ID in each table record.
  • Option to use TNTmips Job Processing.

Surface Properties by Geometric Element

  • Process window redesigned, providing new statistics and a choice of which to compute.
  • Compute surface properties for elements in CAD and shape objects in addition to vector objects.
  • Optionally create the output tables for a copy of the "Destination" vector/CAD object or as CSV text file.
  • Option to choose field to provide element name/ID in each table record.
  • Option to use TNTmips Job Processing.
  • Compute measures of surface roughness: 3D/2D area ratio, elevation standard deviation.
  • Added "All" option for quickly choosing all surface statistics.

Image and Raster Operations

Image Extraction

  • Range and Manual extraction modes have mutually-exclusive tool sets for clearer operation (use Select menu to switch).
  • Region form added to Manual method.

Feature Mapping

  • Date format in reports set automatically to format used to enter the processing date.

Mosaic

  • Match contrast to any reference image (doesn't need to be part of the mosaic).
  • Specify contrast option for source image set as reference for contrast matching.TechGuide
  • Contrast-match grayscale, RGB, and multi-band images with 8-bit and 16-bit image bands.
  • Apply previously-saved contrast or auto-contrast to input images during mosaic assembly.
  • Apply contrast after mosaic assembly.
  • Linear contrast table is automatically created for the mosaic when contrast is applied.
  • Mosaic RGB separates to either RGB composite or RGB separates.TechGuide
  • Set user-defined extents in View using Output Extents rectangle tool.TechGuide
  • Apply scale and offset when different for various input rasters (such as DEMs in different elevation units).
  • Progress percentage value shown as part of progress bar in status field.
  • When mosaic to tileset the total number of tiles created is shown in status and in log.
  • Select RGB bands for multiband source images via toolbar icon button or Parameters panel pushbutton.
  • Access provided to Layer Controls for styling "Output Region" layer outline.

Morphological Operations

  • Preview window is non-modal.
  • View-in-View tool added to Preview window.

Progressive Transformation

  • Control window redesigned to include feature statistics and an arrow icon button to step through creation of the transformation components.
  • Open the Image Band Correlation window from the Progressive Transformation window.
  • Process rasters of all numeric data types.
  • View displays a color-composite from your choice of three input bands.
  • DataTips shown in View for all layers by default.

Raster Calculation

  • Added Vegetation Indices category with many broadband indices.TechGuide
  • Allow 16-bit signed/unsigned output for "indices" group.TechGuide

Raster Combination Statistics

  • Raster combination statistics moved from Raster Calculation to separate process (Image / Combine / Statistics).

Raster Contrast Matching

  • Option to copy contrast table from reference also copies display parameters so contrast table is used by default.

Resample/Reproject

  • Faster RPC orthorectification using Image Processing Pipeline.
  • RPC orthorectification automatically ignores nominal control points provided with ALOS PRISM scenes.
  • File/Object Name for the current image is included in the progress message.
  • Null masks are supported for source and target images when using the RPC model.

Spatial Filtering

  • Spatial Filter control window updated with easier-to-use controls and resizeable display of filter kernels.TechGuide
  • All filters allow variable blending of source and filter result to create output image.
  • Select from predefined filter window sizes (up to 21 x 21) or edit the size field to set a custom size.
  • Added family of Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix Texture filters (Contrast, Dissimilarity, Homogeneity, Entropy, and others).TechGuide
  • Added a Gaussian smoothing filter.TechGuide
  • Added a damping factor to the Frost filter for radar images.
  • Import/export a filter kernel from/to a text file.
  • Option to repeat a filter operation a specified number of times.
  • Optionally apply contrast (auto-contrast or saved table) to grayscale or RGB input before filtering.
  • If contrast is not applied, input contrast tables are automatically copied to the filter result.
  • Single View and tool set for restricting filtering to a designated image area for output or for testing.TechGuide
  • Define output or test area by drawing, by selecting a region object, or selecting a binary mask raster object.
  • Region manager control in View sidebar allows saving the specified area as a region object.
  • Indexed-color composite images are automatically filtered by color rather than by arbitrary raster value.
  • Allows adding input rasters to the list without reselecting previous inputs.
  • When filter kernel weights are edited, the filter name automatically switches to "User Defined".
  • Specify the number of decimal places to show for weights in the filter kernel.
  • Input raster list includes image type, cell size, and row-column dimensions for each input raster.

Statistics by Category Raster

  • Process window redesigned, providing new statistics and a choice of which to compute.
  • Optionally create the output table as CSV text file.
  • Option to put statistics of multiple rasters into one table.
  • Select field to provide category name/ID in each record in table.
  • Compute statistics from bands in hyperspectral object.
  • Option to use TNTmips Job Processing.

Image Thresholding

  • Updated View window includes icon button to open Layer Manager window.

Terrain Operations

Extract Points or Mesh

  • Added option to extract regularly-spaced 3D points from input raster.
  • Added option to output as CAD object.
  • Regular mesh created with network topology to speed processing.

LIDAR Manager

  • Check to ensure there is enough space for output.
  • Provide method to adjust point X, Y, and Z values by fixed amount.

Import/Export

  • Updated to use GDAL 1.11.
  • Export to AutoCAD 2013-2015 DWG file format.
  • Import and Export Arc Floating Point raster format.
  • GeoTIFF import/link automatically recognizes and ingests an RPC coefficient file and stores the parameters as part of the georeference.
  • 3D geometric coordinates preserved when export to GML.
  • Allow user selection of element types to be exported to GML.
  • Enable export of labels to GML.
  • Export geometric objects to Well Known Text (WKT).
  • Export SVG and KML: NAME and DESCRIPTION tags restricted to elements with DataTip set.
  • Export vector tractor track lines to SHP in Trimble AgGPS Autopilot structure.
  • Import Raster: Added crop and/or sample option for single and multiband image files.TechGuide
  • Import Raster: crop and/or sample to Basic or Free license limits.
  • Import Raster: crop/sample interface detects separate input image files with same dimensions and treats as one image.
  • Import Raster: when using crop/sample interface, option to specify range by column/line numbers.
  • Allow import of JPEG2000 files with .jpf extension (from Photoshop).
  • Import TEXT-X Y Z to raster: Added Custom (One Cell per Line) option to set import to skip column of input file.
  • Import TEXT-X Y Z to raster: Comma is now the default delimiter.
  • Import ALOS PALSAR level 1.1 data.

Export Geometric Tileset

  • Create geometric tilesets from CAD or Shape input.
  • Preview HTML options include None and Open Layers in addition to Google Maps.
  • Google Earth Tilesets: Allow specifying Z values for output for 3D extruded elements or as surface.

Export Terrain Tileset

  • Supports tiled comma-separated text format used by Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI).

Assemble Geomashup

  • Sidebar search box to find map features by text contained in name or description (Google Maps and Open Layers).
  • Choose shape of legend samples (rectangle or polygon) for geometric tilesets (Google Maps and Open Layers).
  • Provide option to make a layer not clickable, so no info balloons.
  • Sidebar legend element entries sorted alphabetically for KML layers (Google Maps and Open Layers).
  • View zooms and pans to elements selected in sidebar legend (Google Maps and Open Layers).
  • Choose color used to highlight geometric tileset elements selected via legend sample.
  • Option to show KML sidebar legend element entries only if element is in view.
  • When previewing with KML layer, pop up message warning of restrictions on displaying local files.
  • Dim preview button for any browser not installed.
  • Allow selection of Google Fusion Table via table ID.
  • Overview map is set by default to open.
  • Adding image tilesets to an existing group does not open the Group Settings window.
  • Provide choice of Bing Maps base layers (hybrid, roads, aerial) in Open Layers geomashups.

GeoFormula Object Combinations

  • GeoFormula window redesigned, uses icon buttons for script actions.
  • New option on Output panel to match cell grid to a reference raster without matching extents.
  • Open a preview of the result using the Preview icon button.
  • Input objects can be reselected, added, or removed while editing a GeoFormula.
  • Duplicate output object names are automatically incremented by adding a number at the end.
  • The name of the selected GeoFormula file is shown in the window title bar.
  • All Output Panel settings are saved in the GeoFormula file.
  • Output Panel settings are automatically reset to default values when a new formula is created via the Wizard.
  • Specify text encoding option when saving the GeoFormula file.
  • GeoFormulas can create output rasters with rectangular cells (unequal row and column cell sizes).
  • Open the GeoFormula process from Image / Combine / GeoFormula or Script / GeoFormula.

Geospatial Scripting

Script Editor Window

  • Text in SML Editor console window can be selected and copied.
  • Text in Script Reference window can be selected and copied.

Functions and Classes

  • Ability to add a region layer to a display created by script.
  • Add Write methods to RVC_NULLMASK class.
  • Added function to create a raster by specifying the RVC_OBJITEM of parent (e.g., a folder in an RVC file); (Raster / Create RasterInParent).
  • Added function to compute image statistics by category (Raster / ComputeImageStatsByCategory).
  • Added function to find the closest polygon to the specified polygon (Vector / FindClosestPolyToPoly ).
  • Added method to POLYLINE class to compute distance to a specified POLYLINE (ComputeDistance).
  • Added function to convert Vector object to CAD object (Object Conversion / ConvertVectorToCAD).
  • Added function to merge CAD objects (CAD / CADmerge).
  • Added function to compute raster properties for a CAD object (Raster / ComputeRasterPropertiesCAD).
  • Search method added to STRING class.
  • Improved support for regular expressions used in searching/matching character strings.
  • Class method added to unzip a ZIPFILE.
  • Class method added to specify a datum transformation for a coordinate reference system.
  • Round function now allows rounding a floating point value to the specified number of digits.
  • Added functions to extract surface points or mesh.
  • Added support for image contrast matching.
  • Added methods to STRING class to remove and add quotes around strings.

Script Reference

  • All classes are organized into categories that can be expanded/contracted in list.
  • Class members (variables) and methods (functions) are listed in separate categories.
  • Class method listings show parameter lists and all variants of the methods.
  • Functions/methods with "index" parameter show whether indexing starts at 0 or 1.

New Coordinate Reference Systems and Components

  • Support NTv2 datum transformation method using national grid shift files.
  • Added NTv2 datum transformation between OSGB36 (British National Grid) and WGS84/ETRS89.
  • Added NTv2 transformation for Ireland.
  • Added NTv2 transformation for Germany, DHDN to ETRS89/WGS84.
  • Added NTv2 transformations for Australia and New Zealand.
  • Added NTv2 transformations for Spain and Portugal.
  • Added NTv2 transformations for Austria, France, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.
  • Added NTv2 transformations for Canada, Brazil, and Venezuela.
  • Added Democratic Republic of Congo Datum.
  • Added Laos 1997 datum.

Interface Translation (Localization) Utility

  • Ability to mark entries as not needing translation and to hide these items.
  • Option to check translation for missing string substitution fields.
  • Window provides line numbers for text items.
  • Option to "go to" the specified line number.
  • Option to move to the next empty translation item.
  • Button to copy English text to translation area, including HTML tags for Help sections.
  • Indicator if entry is changed wince the previous version.
  • Options to show only General, Help, or Error items.

TNTatlas

  • Access Contact Support form from the Help menu.
  • Added ability to open a saved display group.
  • Set TNTatlas X Server preferences separate from TNTmips.

TNTedit and TNTview

  • Help menu provides options to browse and search documentation as in TNTmips.