Templot Club Archive 2007-2020                             

topic: 119Background scans
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posted: 1 Aug 2007 16:29

from:

Norman Saunders
 
 

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I'm having problems with background scans. I've scanned a map to use for a layout design and have stored it as a bitmac image but when I go into Templot to try and retreive to use as a background for the layout design nothing happens, I can't open the file. What am I doing wrong? 

posted: 1 Aug 2007 17:12

from:

Alan Turner
 
Dudley - United Kingdom

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First off the file must be in the SHAPE folder.

Second you have to create a .bgs file. You do this by bringing in the picture via the Background shapes on the File menu. Go to pictures in the background shapes box and answer the questions relating to scale and scan resolution. This will create the .bgs file.

You will then be able to load the picture.

 

Alan

posted: 1 Aug 2007 17:15

from:

Martin Wynne
 
West Of The Severn - United Kingdom

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Norman Saunders wrote:
I'm having problems with background scans. I've scanned a map to use for a layout design and have stored it as a bitmap image but when I go into Templot to try and retreive to use as a background for the layout design nothing happens, I can't open the file. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Norman,

See this message on Yahoo for some details about using background scans:

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/templot/message/6217

If you are still having trouble, please ask again.

regards,

Martin.


posted: 1 Aug 2007 18:54

from:

Paul Boyd
 
Loughborough - United Kingdom

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Hi Martin

This is possibly one of the problems that comes up most often.  I wonder if the process can be made simpler somehow?  I'm not quite sure how, I must admit, but it seems that separating the bitmap image from the background shapes is what causes the problem, so could saving the shapes file automatically save the bitmap image at the same time?

I'm sure you didn't have anything else to do :)

posted: 1 Aug 2007 19:52

from:

Martin Wynne
 
West Of The Severn - United Kingdom

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Paul Boyd wrote:
This is possibly one of the problems that comes up most often.
Hi Paul,

Yes, I know. I think perhaps a video is needed, but it won't be before next week now.

One thing which I know is confusing is the label enter dimensions on the button. Several times I have tried to come up with something else, but that does actually describe the function of the button (in contradistinction to the add clicked shape button, where the dimensions are taken from prior clicks on the pad).
I wonder if the process can be made simpler somehow?
I'm thinking Templot needs some "wizards" which lead new users through these functions with a sequence of simple yes/no questions and answers.

Something I've learned from off-group messages is how little basic Windows knowledge some users have. How to navigate to C:\TEMPLOT\SHAPE-FILES for example and save an image there, rather than in My Pictures say,  where the scanner normally dumps everything. But with the best will in the world I can't find time to write a Windows primer in the Templot docs.
could saving the shapes file automatically save the bitmap image at the same time?
I will look at this if the bitmap was loaded from somewhere other than the folder being used to save the shapes file. But by the time you are saving the shapes file the bitmap file should be already loaded, so this doesn't solve the initial problem of finding it and loading it.

In truth the entire Background Shapes function needs an overhaul. It has grown piecemeal from the original intention of simply creating baseboard outlines. I have been looking for a ready-made simple CAD component which I could slot in its place, but so far I haven't found anything suitable.

Perhaps splitting out the Picture Shapes as an entirely separate function would be the best option. It may also be better to get the image visible first, say at A4 paper size as a default, and then do the scaling functions afterwards.

regards,

Martin.

posted: 1 Aug 2007 21:05

from:

Alan Turner
 
Dudley - United Kingdom

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Martin,

I agree it would be better to split it out. I suggest a button under the file menu which said "import background image". This should import the image to the shape folder and then ask the questions to create the .bgs file.

Whilst on the subject of background images could not the choice of having the grid lines in front of the image be put on the pad drop down with all the other choices for grids?

Alan

posted: 1 Aug 2007 21:49

from:

Paul Boyd
 
Loughborough - United Kingdom

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Alan Turner wrote:
Whilst on the subject of background images could not the choice of having the grid lines in front of the image be put on the pad drop down with all the other choices for grids?
Actually, yes please - this would be far more useful than anything else related to the pictures right now :)

Martin - as far as basic Windows operations go, I really do feel that you shouldn't have to teach this.  Your product is Templot; Windows is Microsoft's.  You provide very good support for Templot, and Microsoft provide...

...actually, there are plenty of third party books on how to work Windows.  The "Idiot's Guide to..." series and the "...for Dummies" series are actually very good references despite their titles.  I'm trying to think of an analogy, and the nearest I can come up with is someone walking into a Ford showroom and expecting the salesman to teach them how to drive a car.

posted: 1 Aug 2007 22:47

from:

Martin Wynne
 
West Of The Severn - United Kingdom

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Paul Boyd wrote:
Alan Turner wrote:
Whilst on the subject of background images could not the choice of having the grid lines in front of the image be put on the pad drop down with all the other choices for grids?
Actually, yes please - this would be far more useful than anything else related to the pictures right now :)
Hi Alan, Paul,

Ok, that's easy. Would anyone like this as the default setting?

With something like this, could I ask you to copy it as a single request in the "I wish it would..." forum? That gives me somewhere to refer to as a reminder when coding, and gives everyone a chance to agree or disagree without being part of a more involved topic.
Martin - as far as basic Windows operations go, I really do feel that you shouldn't have to teach this. Your product is Templot; Windows is Microsoft's. You provide very good support for Templot, and Microsoft provide...
I know, but when someone asks for help, what do you say?

Thanks for some ideas. I will see what can be done in the next Pug.

regards,

Martin.

posted: 2 Aug 2007 12:35

from:

Alan Turner
 
Dudley - United Kingdom

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Martin Wynne wrote:
With something like this, could I ask you to copy it as a single request in the "I wish it would..." forum? That gives me somewhere to refer to as a reminder when coding, and gives everyone a chance to agree or disagree without being part of a more involved topic.

done as requested.

Alan


posted: 24 May 2008 02:17

from:

andyjoneszz
 
Durham - United Kingdom

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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/templot/message/6217 is the business — from frustration to fixed in about 20 seconds.  Many thanks!

The way the software automatically scales the image is seriously neat, btw.
Last edited on 24 May 2008 02:36 by andyjoneszz
posted: 24 May 2008 02:32

from:

Martin Wynne
 
West Of The Severn - United Kingdom

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andyjoneszz wrote:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/templot/message/6217 is the business — from frustration to fixed in about 20 seconds.  Many thanks!
Hi Andy,

You're welcome. :)

Note that there is also a video available showing all that in action. Go to the video list at:

http://www.templot.com/martweb/video_list.htm

Read the notes, then scroll down to the "picture shape -- display a scanned track plan as a background guide" item.

regards,

Martin.



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