Database obects are 2D or 3D feature objects of area, line, point or sounding type. These objects are saved to the database and displayed through a database filter layer specific to the feature types. When selected, coverage data can be associated with a database object.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to create database objects.
• Database objects can be generated automatically when adding a coverage to a database. See Add Coverage to Database for more information on this process.
• Existing feature objects on a feature layer can be selected and imported into a database as an empty polygon. See Import Selected Objects to Database for information on this process.
• New database objects can be digitized directly on a database filter layer. This process is explained below.
To digitize database objects, you must have a database filter layer selected. The feature types associated with this layer will determine the type of features that can be created on the selected layer. For example, if the filter expression of the selected layer is specific to coverage area (cvrage) objects, only the New Area Feature command is enabled in the New Feature commands list. All features created on this layer would be created with the cvrage feature acronym. If the filter expression allows more than one type of feature, a feature acronym must be selected.
The feature is digitized using the standard digitizing tools availabe in the application. See Create and Digitize for information on digitizing new features. Like other feature objects, database objects can also be edited using the feature editing tools. See Edit for more information on editing feature objects. For 3D lines, areas and points, Z values are entered in the Coordinates window.
Once digitized, the Set Coverage command can be used to associate a coverage to the database object. See Set Coverage for more information on this process.
Relationships can also be created between database objects, associating child objects with parent objects. This is done using the Create Relationships command. See Create Relationships for more information on this process. The relationships available for database objects is controlled by the catalogue of the database where the objects are being added. The database object relationship settings in a catalogue are defined using Catalogue Editor. Changes made to the catalogue are uploaded to the database using the Bathy DataBASE Administration Tools. Refer to the documentation for these applications for more information. Relationships can be selected and/or edited once created. Refer to Edit Relationships in a Database and Edit Relationships for more information.