Index

1InstalLATION

1.1. Introduction

gvSIG Desktop (gvSIG henceforth) set up it is very simple. There are available (installable) binary to gvSIG for:

• Linux 32 bits

• Linux 64 bits

• Windows 32 bits (compatible with Windows 64 bits)

There are portable versions of gvSIG for each of these three options. The portable versions don't require setting up, just download and unzip them to run gvSIG and begin to use it.

You can find binary and portable version in this link:

http://www.gvSIG.com/en/products/gvSIG-desktop/downloads

1.2. Installation step by step

The set up process is similar in both Linux and Windows

Step 1: Select the installation language

When executing the set up file a pop up window will appear which allows us to select the installation language (Spanish or English). Select language and click “OK”

Then another dialog window will ask us if we want to install gvSIG. Click “Yes”

Step 2: Acceptance of licence

At the beginning of the set up process a welcome message appears. Click “Next”

It shows the gvSIG licence (GNU/GPL v.3). Click in “Agree to the terms of use”

Step 3: Select the Java Virtual Machine

gvSIG requires a Java Virtual Machine to work. We must select:

• Select Java installation found in the system at:...

• Select another Java installation to use

• Install a new Java Runtime Environment (available by default in the installation)

After selecting the option, click on “Next”

Step 4: Select location

Then we must indicate the destination folder where gvSIG will be installed. By default the program creates “User Home”. If we click on “Examine...” we can modify the folder location.

Once the location option is confirmed, click on “Next”

Step 5: Start set up

The installer will show us a set up start message.

Click on “Next” and a progress bar window shows us that gvSIG is being installed. The basic gvSIG is being installed. In the following steps we can personalize the gvSIG set up, installing plug-ins or add-ons.

Step : Personalize the set up

A first dialog window inform us that we can install plugins and add-ons in gvSIG

• Standard installation (own binary installation). Our downloaded set up file has a lot of plug-ins, some of wich are not installed by default but they are available to install. No internet connection is needed during the installation procedure.

• Installation from file. We can have a file with add-ons ready to be intalled in gvSIG.

• Installation from URL. With an internet connection we can get all the plug-ins and add-ons availables on the gvSIG server and install all we need. The only difference with the first option is that there may be add-ons or plugin updates newer than our gvSIG version.

Click on “Next” and a new dialog window appears to select the add-ons installation source. Select one and click on “Next”

The next dialog window shows us two options:

• Typical installation. This option installs the plug-ins by default. It does not allow add any add-on during the installation process.

• Advanced Installation. This option allows the “Add-ons Manager” access, select the add-ons that we want to add in a typicall installation. (For more information read “Add-on Manager”section.

Once we select the plug-ins or the “Typical installation” we must click on “Next”

Step 7: Completing the installation

A new pop up window informs us about the installation progress, and it indicates the number of add-ons (package) that are being installed. Once the process is finished click on Finish

The last pop up window informs us about the completion of the installation process and shows us three check boxes:

• View Readme

• Launch gvSIG Desktop

• Create Desktop Shortcup

Click on “Finish”

Then we can start to work with gvSIG Desktop

2Addons Manager

2.1. Interface and behaviour

The Addons Manager is a function which allowsus to personalize gvSIG installing new addons, functional or otherwise (symbols libraries)

We can execute it from “Tools>Addons Manager”. It is accesible during the installation progress.

The “Add-on Manager” interface is divided into four parts:

1. List of available add-ons. The plug-in name, version, and type are indicated. The verifcation check boxes allow to distiguish between available (white) or already installed add-ons (green).

2. Information area concerning the selected plug-in (1)

3. Area that shows the “Categories” and “Types” in which the plug-in is classified.

   When we choose a category or type from the list, a filter that runs on “1” shows only the plug-ins related to this category or type.

4. Fast filter. Enables a filter from a text string entered by the user.

2.2. Introduction

In the add-ons list we can see several icons that we should know.

3INTRODUCTION

gvSIG Desktop (gvSIG from this point forward) is a Geographical Information System in free software, that is, a computer application aimed to represent, edit, analyze and manage information from the point of view of spatial relations.

The gvSIG licence is GNU/GPL v.3 which gives the user the rights of free use, study, improvement and distribution.

The gvSIG firts version was born in 2004 within a project that consisted in a full migration of the information technology systems of the Generalitat Valenciana in Spain (Valencian Regional Government). Since 2010, the project is managed by gvSIG Association.

Developed under the values of collaboration and sharing knowledge, gvSIG has evolved very quickly and in a few years it has become one of the most used applications to manage the geographical information.

Welcome to gvSIG!

3.1. What can we do with gvSIG Desktop?

gvSIG is a sophisticated Geographical Information System and, as such, it is used to do every kind of work related to the territory management.

If you are curious about the different gvSIG uses, don't hesitate to visit the website for cases of use.

http://outreach.gvSIG.org/case-studies

The most common tasks to do with gvSIG are:

• To represent data spatially. gvSIG allows you to open all format types (vector and raster; archives, databases and remote services) and represent them spatially in the different coordinate systems. You can apply all kind of legends and labels to represent your data.

• To design maps to print, gvSIG has tools to easily design maps, allowing you to add all type of cartographic elements and offering different options to print and export your new map.

• Edition. It offers a huge range of tools to edit either cartographic data or alphanumeric.

• Analysis. gvSIG has tools to facilitate the analysis of the existent data, either cartographic or alphanumeric data. More than 300 geoporcessing tools ara avaliable in gvSIG.

• To customize gvSIG. Apart from having the option to extend the funcionality of gvSIG through Java, it has a scripting module using Python

4finding out about gvSIG

gvSIG allows to work with different types of documents. These documents allow to work with data from different points of view: data as a map, as a alphanumeric table, as graphics... Each document has a serie of menus and buttons.

When we save a session or project in gvSIG, this is saved in a file with a “.gvsproj” extension.

4.1. Interface

Let's see the main components of the gvSIG interface.

1. Menu bar.

2. Buttons bar

3. Project manager. It allows to manage all the documents which make a project.

4. Work area. In this space we will be able to have the different project documents opened and work with them.

5. Status bar. The status bar provides information about coordinates, distances, etc. to the user.

4.2. Types of documents

In gvSIG there are the following documents:

• Views: It allows to work with geographical data. The geographical information is represented as a set of layers.

• Tables: It allows to work with alphanumeric data

• Maps: It allows to design maps with the different cartographic elements which make a map (View, legend, escale...) to print it or export it as a PDF. ca.

4.3. Vocabulary used in gvSIG?

It is advisable that the gvSIG user gets familiar with the following terms:

5PROJECTs

5.1. Project tools

gvSIG projects have .gvsproj extension. In "File" menu are the main tools related to the project. We also have the corresponding button bar.

Let see every tools available:

5.2. Save project changes

When a work session in gvSIG closes, a window asking if you want to save changes to the project appears.

By default gvSIG have all fields activated about changes that have occurred in the project and then can be saved. These changes also make reference to the project, show the layers and tables that were in edit mode before trying to close the project.

The "Select all" and "Clear selection" buttons allow to enable and disable the check boxes.

The available options are:

• Ok: saves the changes of the elements that are activated.

• Discard changes: no changes are saved, regardless of whether or not the elements activated.

• Cancel: closes the window and return to the workshop.

5.3. Change resource folder

gvSIG stores the paths of the various data sources used in the project. It may be happen that some of the routes to a particular data source has been modified since last session. For example, you may have changed the name of a folder where one of the layers used was located.

In this case gvSIG warns that this problem exists.

If select "Yes" it will be displayed in a new window that allow you to locate the current location of the file. If "No" is selected, the project is opened, whether to display information on the layer not found.

Once selected, the project will open, accessing the layer information from its new location.

6PROJECT MANAGER

6.1. Interface

Project manager is the window where all documents that are part of a gvSIG project are organized.

Project manager window consists of four main areas:

1. Session properties. It is reported the main session data (name, location and .gvsproj file creation date).

   Button "Properties" gives access to a new window where you configure the properties of the session.

1. Type documents. Shows the documents available in gvSIG. The typical installation of gvSIG shows four types of documents (View, Chart, Map and Graphic); some compplements can add new types of documents.

   Clicking on the icon of one of these documents, change its lighting, indicating that it is the active document, activating the 3^rd and 4^th areas for this type of document. By default, when you create a new project, the View document is active.

   

2. Document list. Displays the list of existing documents on the selected document type. If, for example, the View document is selected, all views created in the project appears. If no element is created the box stay blank.

3. Toolbar. It contains tools to create, open, rename, delete and access the properties of each type of document.

   
   
   

7preferencES

7.1. Introduction

In “Preferences” window you can set certain preferences in gvSIG configuration. These preferences apply to all sessions of gvSIG.

To open the "Preferences" dialog you can use the "Display/Settings" menu or the corresponding button.

This dialog box includes several sections organized in a tree. Each section corresponds to specific settings.

7.2. Settings

Here are the different preferences that can be configured in gvSIG

8VIEW DOCUMENT

8.1. Create a view

To create a new View in a gvSIG project from the “Project manager”:

1. Select the View icon.

2. Choose the button “New”, then automatically the View is open.

A new view with the name “Untitled” appears by default. You can change it by clicking the button “Rename” from the project manager (The View that we want to rename should be selected). Then a dialog box appears where we can type the new name:

With the “Delete” button from the project manager you can delete the selected Views.

With the “Open” button from the project manager you can open the selected Views.

8.2. View properties

You can open the View properties configuration window trough:

• An open View document , in the “View/Properties” menu.

• From the “Project Manager” and having the View selected, click the “Properties” button.

The configuration options from the View properties window are:

• Name: The View’s name. You can rename the View.

• Creation date: Date created of the View.

• Creator: this is optional, to specify the creator of the View.

• Map units, measures and areas: dropdown box where you can choose the measure units for your work (meters, miles, yards,...).

• Background color. White is the color by default. But you can change the View background color. A new window with tabs for the different options of color selection will be displayed.

• Current projection: The default projection is EPSG:4326. You can select another projection. It will display a new window (see “coordinate system” topic).

• Comments: You can add comments about the View.

9COORDINATE SYSTEM

9.1. Change the View Coordinate System

Each View uses a coordinate system to visualize the data properly. It determines the map projection of the View.

The gvSIG Views uses the “EPSG:4326” projection by default. From the View “Properties” we can change the coordinate system of a View and make geographic transformations.

When you open the projection dialog box named “New CRS” from Coordinate Reference System, it will display a list of coordinate systems used recently.

Using the dropdown “Type” you can access the rest of options that gvSIG provides to select a coordinate system: EPSG, CRS, ESRI, IAU2000 and CRS user. EPSG contains the official coordinate systems more used.

Select the type “EPSG” from the dropdown box and it will display the following options to find a coordinate system.

1. Indicate the Search criteria (code, name or area).

2. Write the text string you want to search, either a code, name or geographical area.

3. Click the “Search” button. The list of coordinate system containing the text string will be displayed.

4. From the list select the CRS that you want to apply to the View and click OK.

9.2. Define a User’s CRS.

It allows the definition of user’s CRS. When you select “User CRS” type, in the “New CRS” window, the following options are displayed:

• Choose a previously created CRS, you just need to select it from the list with the different user’s CRS available y click OK.

• Choose the “Edit” button to modify an existing user’s CRS.

• Choose the “Remove” button to delete an existing user’s CRS.

• Choose the “New” button to create a new CRS. This option will open a new dialog box with three tabs.

  • User CRS

  • Datum

  • Coordinate System.

Let’s see each of them:

The user CRS tab lets you Select from three options to create the CRS.

• From user definitions. You can put manually all information. By selecting this option the “Datum” and “Coordinate system” panel tabs are shown empty.

• From an existing CRS. You can choose a CRS from EPSG pressing the “...” button and upload you “Datum” and “Coordinate system” data, being able to create the new CRS from these data.

• From a wkt string. Similar to the previous option, upload “Datum” and “Coordinate system” data from CRS defined by the wkt string entered.

The data contained in the “Datum” and “Coordinate system” panel are shown in the following images:

After defining the several parameters, click the “Finish” button, on the “Coordinate system” panel and the new user’s CRS will be created.

9.3. Reprojecting a layer

When adding layers to a View with different CRS, we have the option of reprojecting them. To do this simply indicates the projection of the layer and if necessary a geographic transformation.

The window for reprojecting a layer is similar to the “New CRS” window, adding the function of applying a geographic transformation.

For more information see the “Add layer” topic.

10VIEW InterfaCE

10.1. View Interface

The Views are the gvSIG document that constitute the main working area of the geographical information. In a view you can display different layers of information (hydrography, road networks, administrative boundaries, contours, etc.).

When you open a View from the project manager, a new window composed of the following sections appears:

1. Menu toolbar.

2. Buttons bar.

3. Table of contents (ToC): All the layers containing in the View and the Legend representing the simbology of each layer are listed.

4. Locator. Displays the current frame in the total work area.

5. Visualization area. Workspace where the geographical information is displayed and the main work is taken place (navigation, selection, edition, etc.).

6. Status Bar. Displays information of the View coordinate system, scale, coordinates and units. The information resulting from the use of certain tools is shown in the status bar.

The 3, 4 and 5 components are resizables, dragging its edge to the right/left and for the Locator and the TOC from up/down.

11adding layers

11.1. Introduction

A layer is a dataset with geographical information which might be stored in different formats: vectorial or raster files, remote services, databases... (See “Supported formats”).

There are different options to add a layer to a gvSIG View:

• With “Add layer”, clicking on the “Add layer” button or in the menu “View/Add layer”.

• Copy/Cut a layer from another View. With a right-click on the layer you can access to the contextual menu with options to “Copy” or “Cut” a layer. With a right-click on the View's TOC where we want to paste it, we access to the option “Paste”.

• Drag and drop a layer from a file browser to the gvSIG View.

When the layer is added a window with different tabs is opened.

Each tab belongs to a different datum:

• File: data stored in files (shp., dxf., tiff., asc...)

• Acces services to remote data according to OGC, WMS, WCS, WFS, WMTS standards.

• GeoDB: Vectorial data in spatial databases.

• OSM: Access services to OpenStreetMap images (tiles).

• PostGIS Raster: Raster data stored in a PostGIS database.

11.2. Adding a file

In the “File” tab, if we click on “Add” a new window appears. In here we can search the file we want to add.

Once the file is added it appears a list where the file name is indicated and its CRS. By default gvSIG interprets that the CRS is the same as the View, To modify the CRS the layer must be selected in the list and we click on “Properties”.

A new window is opened where there are two tabs “Basic” y “Advanced”. Between all the properties available the most used is “CRS”.

Once we defined the CRS, clicking on “OK” the layers will be added to the View.

Clicking the “...” button of CRS we will be able to access to a window where we can select the reference system. This window is similar to the one for selecting the reference system in a View (See “Coordinate system” to get more information), except the option to select a transformation.

When selecting a CRS for a layer different to the CRS for the View, gvSIG automatically makes a reprojection of the layer.

Transformation and conversions

According to the 19111 ISO, there are two types of operations to relate two different CRSs: conversion operations and transformation operation.

A coordinates conversion operation is applied when the CRS datum of the layer is the same as the CRS datum of the View, that is, both CRS belong to the same geodesic reference system but they are in different coordinates systems. In this case, when choosing the layer CRS we must select the option “No Transformation”.

A coordinate transformation operation is applied when the CRS datum of the layer is not the same as the CRS datum of the View. In this case there are two types of coordinates operations:

• That the operation just involve a transformation, when the CRS coordinate system of the layer is the same as the CRS coordinate system of the View; in both CRSs the position is expressed in the same coordinates system but in a different datum.

• That a transformation and a conversion are made because neither the datum, neither the coordinates system of the CRS of the layer and of the View are the same.

If a transformation operation is needed, we must choose the type of transformation in the CRS selection panel of the layer, and click the “Next” button, accessing to a panel where we choose the corresponding transformation.

The transformation dialog depends on the type of transformation we want to apply.

11.3. Adding a WMS

The steps to add a WMS through the “Add layer” window are:

1. Connecting to the service

   

   1. Select the “WMS” tab.

   2. Introduce the server URL, which will be stored and it will be shown in the pull-down menu for the future.

   3. Click on “Connect”.

   4. When the connection is made, a welcome message from the server appears (not always).

   5. The WMS version number that the connection has been made to is shown at the bottom of the box.

   6. When the connection is made the “Next” button is enabled. We click on it to begin with the configuration of the layer.

      You can select the “Refresh cache” option which will search for the server information in the local host. This will only work if the same server was used on a previous occasion.

2. Information. It shows information from the server.

   

   1. Click on “Next”.

3. Layers. It allows users to access to the available layers in the WMS server and select the one you wish to load.

   

   1. The available layers are shown. We select the ones we want for our WMS layer. We can double click on a layer and it will be automatically add...

   2. ... or to click on the “Add” button.

   3. List of layers that we are adding. We can change the order in which they appear using the up/down arrows.

   4. You can select to keep the structure of the layers and to display their name.

   5. Name that the layer will have in the TOC.

   6. Click on “Next”

      You can select several layers at once by holding down the “Control” key whilst left clicking on the mouse.

      You will obtein a layer description if you move the cursor over a layer and wait for a few seconds. The information the server has about these layers is shown.

      If we add a folder, the WMS will have all the layers in that folder.

4. Styles. It allows you to choose between the different types of styles (Symbology) that are available. It can happen that there is only one defined style or that the tab is disabled.

   

   1. Click on Next.

5. Dimensions. It helps to configure the value for the WMS layer dimensions. However, the dimensions property (like the styles property) is optional and may be disabled.

   

   1. Initially, no dimension is configured. It allows users to select one from the “Settings editor” area in the list of dimensions. The controls in the bottom right-hand corner of the tab are enabled.

   2. Use the slider control to move through the list of values the server has defined for the selected dimension. You can move back to the beginning, one step back, one step forward or move to the end of the list using the navigation buttons which are located below the slider control.

   3. If you know the position of the value you require, you can simply write it in the text field and it will move automatically to this value.

   4. Click on “Add” so that you can write the selected value in the text field and request it to the server.

      gvSIG allows you to choose between:

• Single value: Only one value is selected

• Multiple: The values will be added to the list in the order they are selected in.

• Interval: An initial value and then an end value are selected.

1. When the expression for your dimension is complete, click on “Set” and the expression will appear in the information panel.

   Although each layer can define its own dimensions, only one choice of value is permitted (single, multiple or interval) for each variable.

   The server may come into conflict with the layer combination and the variable value you have chosen. Some of the layers you have chosen may not support your selected value. If this occurs, a server error message will appear.

   You can personalise the expression in the text field. The dialogue box controls are only designed to make it easier to edit dimension expressions. If you wish you can edit the text field at any time.

1. Formats. Selecting the format, coordinate system and text format.

   

   1. It allows you to choose the image format. The main difference between formats is the capacity they have to support transparencies (for instance, PNG supports transparency, JEPG shows transparency areas in an opaque white.

   2. It allows you to choose the CRS for the layer. It should be similar to the one from the View.

   3. It allows you to choose the text format for information queries.

   4. Click on the “OK” button and the layer will be added to our View.

11.4. Adding a WMTS

The steps to add a WMTS through the “Add layer” window are:

1. Connecting to the service.

   

   1. Select the “WMTS” tab.

   2. Introduce the URL server. The URL will be stored and it will be shown in the drop-down box for other occasions.

   3. Click on the “Connect” button.

   4. When the connection is made, a welcome message from the server appears (not always).

   5. The information about the type of server with which the connection has been made to is shown at the bottom of the box.

   6. When the connection is made the “Next” button is enabled. Click on it to start with the configuration of the WMTS layer.

      You can select the “Refresh cache” option which will search for information from the server in the local host. This will only work if the same server was used on a previous occasion.

2. Information. It shows the service information.

   

   1. We click on the “Next” button.

3. Layers. It allows you to access to the set of available layers in the WMTS server and to choose the one you want to add to the View.

   

   1. We select the type of View: view as a layer list or view as a theme.

   2. The list of the available layers is shown. Double-click on a layer and it will automatically be added.

   3. ... or click on “Add”.

   4. Name of the added layer.

   5. Click on “Next”.

4. Styles. It allows you to choose between the different types of styles (Symbology) that are available. It can happen that there is only one defined style or that the tab is disabled.

   1. We choose the style.

   2. We click on “Next”.

5. Formats. Choosing the format, coordinate system and text format.

   

   1. It allows you to select the image format.

   2. It allows you to select the CRS of the layer. It should be similar to the one from the View.

   3. It allows you to select the text format for information queries.

   4. Click on “OK” and the layer will be added to the View.

11.5. Adding a WFS

The steps to add a WMTS through the “Add layer” window are:

1. Connecting to the service.

   

   1. Select the “WFS” tab.

   2. Introduce the URL server. The URL will be stored and it will be shown in the drop-down box for other occasions.

   3. Click on “Connect”.

   4. When the connection is made, a welcome message from the server appears (not always).

   5. The information about the type of server with which the connection has been made to is shown at the bottom of the box.

   6. When the connection is made the “Next” button is enabled. Click on it to start with the configuration of the WFS layer.

      You can select the “Refresh cache” option which will search for information from the server in the local host. This will only work if the same server was used on a previous occasion.

2. Information. It shows the server information.

   

   1. Click on “Next”.

3. Layers. It allows you to access to the set of available layers in the WFS server and to choose the one you want to add to the View.

   

   1. Double-click on the layer you want to add to the View.

   2. Name with which the layer will be displayed in the TOC.

   3. Information about the WFS version.

   4. Click on “Next”.

4. Fields.

   

   1. It allows you to select the fields which will make the attributes table associated to the selected layer.

   2. Click on “Next”.

5. Options.

   

   1. WFS version

   2. Max. Features: It allows users to set a maximum number of entities that can be downloaded. Timeout is the length of time beyond which the connection is rejected as it is considered to be incorrect. If these parameters are very low, a correct request may not obtain a response.

   3. SRS: CRS of the layer. gvSIG reprojects the loaded layer to the spatial system in the view.

   4. Enable cache.

   5. Invert the order of X/Y axis.

   6. Inform about the WFS version.

   7. Once the parameters are selected, Click on “Next”.

6. Area

   

   1. It allows you to delimit the area of the View in which the vectorial elements will be downloaded. The validation button allows you to confirm that the coordinates are correct (when you click on it, if the X Ycoordinates tabs have right values they become green)

   2. After this we click on “OK” and the WFS will be added to the View.

11.6. Adding a WCS

The steps to add a WCS through the window “Add layer” are:

1. Connecting to the service

   

   1. Select the “WCS” tab.

   2. Introduce the URL server. The URL will be stored and it will be shown in the drop-down box for other occasions.

   3. Click on “Connect”.

   4. When the connection is made, a welcome message from the server appears (not always).

   5. The information about the type of server with which the connection have been made to is shown at the bottom of the box.

   6. When the connection is made the “Next” button is enabled. Click on it to start with the configuration of the WCS layer.

2. Information.

   

   1. Click on “Next”.

3. It allows users to access to the set of available layers in the WCS server and to choose the one you want to add to the View.

   

   1. Double-click on the coverage you want to add to the View.

   2. Click on “Next”.

4. Formats. It allows users to choose the image format with which the request will be made and the reference system.

   

   1. Select the format.

   2. Select the CRS. It must coincide with the CRS of the View.

   3. Click on “Next”.

5. There are tabs such as “Time” and “Parameters” that can be disabled or enabled depending on the service.

6. Click on “OK” and the WCS will be added to the View.

11.7. Addin a OSM service

The steps to add an OSM service by means of the window "Add layer" are:

1. Select “OSM” tab.

2. Select one of the tile services available in OSM. Out of the four available, 3 represent OSM vector information (Map Quest, Mapnik, Open Cycle Map), and one represents aerial photos (Map Quest Open Aerial).

3. When we select a service from the list its characteristics are automatically filled in. In this section we can also add a new server’s features or update an existing server.

4. Click on “Ok” and OSM layer is added to View

11.8. Adding a spatial database (GeoDB)

It allows the user to access spatial databases in a simple and unified way to different suppliers.

gvSIG stores the different sessions’ connections. This way is not necessary to enter the parameters of each server to which we connect every time. Similarly, if you open a project file that has some connection to databases we only will be asked for the password.

The steps to add a GeoDB layer to the View are:

1. Connect:

   1. Select “GeoDB” tab.

   2. Click on the button to create a new connection. If there already created connections we simply select it from the drop-down. When we create a new connection the following window opens:

      

   3. We indicate the connection parameters:

• Connection name: user’s choice

• Connector. Select the type of database which we want to connect to from the drop down menu (MySQL, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, JDBC).

• Server: Server URL

• Port.

• Database: database name

• User

• Password

1. Click on “OK" and the connection will be established. When connected, the window "Add Layer / GeoDB" shows the tables (layers) available.

   

1. Selection of information

   1. Select the table / to load. When we select a table, the "Table Columns" section will be updated showing all selected fields available in our table; we can unselect those we don't want to load.

   2. Table settings. In this section we can change the name of the layer displayed in the TOC which is filled by default with the name of the table. It allows indicating a restriction by means of a SQL expression, design and work area.

2. Once all the parameters are set click on "OK" and the information will be added to our Vista.

11.9. Adding PostGIS Raster

It allow to add raster information stored in PostGIS database. Its behaviour is similar to GeoDB

1. Connect.

   

1. Select “PostGIS Raster” tab.

2. Click on the button to create a new connection. If there are connections already created we must select from the drop-down. When the connection is established the following window opens:

   

3. We indicate the connection parameters:

• Connection name: user's choice

• Connector. Select the “PostgreSQLExplorer” option from the dropdown:

• Server: Server URL

• Port.

• Database: database name

• User

• Password

4. Click on “OK” and set connection. When we connect, the window "Add Layer / PostGIS Raster" displays the avaiable tables.

   

   1. Select a table from the list and the “Subdataset” paragraph will update.

   2. Click on “OK” and our View information will be added.

11.10. Add event layer

It allows to create a point layer from a table which has the points X and Y coordinates as fields. We must have a table in the project to run this tool.

It is available in the "View / Add event theme" menu, in the "Tools / Transforms / Create" menu and from the corresponding button.

The interface will guide us through the steps to add a event theme

1. Select data store. It allows the selection of the table we want to add as a layer of events from the available table lists of our project. Once selected we must click on the "Next" button.

   

2. Select the transformation parameters. It allows us to indicate the table fields wich contains the points X and Y coordinates. The default projection is the View, although it can be modified. Once the options are set we must click on the “Next” button.

   

3. It allows us to indicate if we want to load the generated layer in one of the Views of the project. Once we click on the "Finish" button the new layer is created and, if appropriate, added to the selected View.

12Create a new layer

12.1. New Layer

It allows us to create a new Shapefile layer.

It is available from the View/New Layer menu.

The interface guides us through the steps to create a new layer:

1. We must select “Creat new Shape layer” and click on “Next” button.

2. Output file. It allows us to indicate the name and file path where the new layer will be saved.

3. Field definitions. It allows us to define the type of layer.

• Point: Point.

• Curve: Line.

• Surface: Polygon.

• Multipoint: Multipoint.

4. With the “Add field” button we can add attribute fields to the new layer. Once the geometry type and possible additional fields are set, click on the “Next” button.

   

5. At last, we can add the new layer to the View. Click on “Finish” button to finish.

12.2. Layer export

It allows to export a vector layer. All the elements of a layer or only a selection of them can be exported. Supported formats for export are kml, dxf, shp and PostGIS.

It is available from “Layer/Export to...”

A new window allowing us to select the export format opens.

Once the format is selected, click on the "Next" button. We are then guided through the export process. Export options depend on the selected format.

12.2.1. Export layer to a shp format

It allows us export a vector layer to a shapefile.

The interface will guide us through the export process:

1. First of all, we must select the name and file location of the new layer. Once those fields are set click on the “Next” button.

   

2. Export options. It allows us to indicate if we want to export all the elemnts of the original layer, those that are selected or those that meet certain selected criteria. In the latter case we can enter filter expressions. To finish the export we must click on the “Export” button.

12.2.2. Export layer to a dxf format

It allows us to export a vector layer to a dxf format

The interface will guide us through the export process:

1. First of all, we must select the name and file location of the new layer. Once those fields are set click on the “Next” button.

   

2. Export options. It allows us to indicate if we want to export all the elements of the original layer, those that are selected or those that meet certain selected criteria. In the latter case we can enter filter expressions. Click on the “Export” button to finish the export.

12.2.3. Export layer to a kml format

It allows us to export a vectorial layer to a kml format.

The interface will guide us through the export process:

1. At first we must define the kml options: version, whether we want to show atributtes in balloons and to use labels. Once those fields are set click on the “Next” button.

   

2. We must select the name and file location of the new layer. Once those fields are set click on the “Next” button.

   

3. Export options. It allows us to indicate if we want to export all the elements of the original layer, those that are selected or those that meet certain selected criteria. In the latter case it lets us enter filter expressions. Click on the “Export” button to finish the export.

12.2.4. Export layer to a PostGIS format

It allows us to export a vectorial layer to a PostGIS format.

The interface will guide through the export process:

1. Tables and fields name options. It allows us to select if we want to move identifiers to lowercase and spaces "_". Once this is set, press the "Next" button.

   

2. Connection settings. It allows us to define the connection parameters of the PostGIS database to which data are exported. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

3. Table name. It allows us to select if you want to insert the data into an existing table or in a new one. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

4. Primary Key. It allows us to select between the different options to define the primary key. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

5. Creation of spatial index. It creates a spatial index for geometry type fields. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

6. Check the geometry before exporting. It allows the selection among different options to perform a validation of geometric information. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

7. Permissions. It allows to assign permissions to the table. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

8. Update table statistics. It allows to recalculate the table statistics at the end of the export. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

9. SQL post-creation. It allows to designate an SQL statement to be executed after completion of the export. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

10. Export options. They allow to indicate if we want to export all elements of the original layer, those that are selected or those that meet certain selected criteria. In the latter case it allows us to enter filter expressions. Click on the "Export" button to inish the export.

12.3. Export to annotations

It allows us to export a vector layer to an annotation layer.

It is Available from the menu “Layer/Export to annotations”

The interface will guide us through the export process:

1. Choose the field to label. First, we have to select the field from which the annotations will be created. Once this is set, click on the "Next" button.

   

2. It allows us to select fields where the different annotations properties will be stored. Once this is set click on the "Next" button.

   

3. Select file. First, we must select the name and file location of the new layer. Once this is set click on the “Comenzar” button.

   

4. The export process is performed and a new window allows us to select if we want to add the annotation layer in the View.

13supported Formats

13.1. File

Informative table of the file formats supported by gvSIG:

13.2. Remote services

Informative table of the remote services supported by gvSIG:

13.3. Database

Informative table of the databases supported by gvSIG:

14 Table of Contents (TOC). common operations with layers

14.1. Introduction

Table of Contents or TOC is the View area where the layers and its legends are listed. In the TOC we can perform some of the most common operations with layers. The TOC helps manage the display order of the layers and the assignment of symbols.

A layer is accompanied by an icon that indicates its type (file, remote service group, etc.), a legend that can display / hide and a display activation box.

14.2. Enable / disable layers

From the menu "View /Set all layers to" we have access to "Active" and "Inactive" orders. We can activate or deactivate all layers of the TOC.

14.3. Display / hide layers

A layer can be visible and inactive, or active and hidden.

14.4. Display / hide legends

14.5. Change the order of layers in the TOC

The order in which the layers appears in the TOC is important because it corresponds to the display order. The layers of the upper TOC are drawn on top of which are below.

It is desirable that layers formed by text elements, points and lines are at the top, leaving the lower positions of TOC for polygonal layers and images that form the background of the view.

To move and change the order of the layers in the TOC, place the cursor over them, click the left mouse button and holding it, drag the layer to the desired location.

You can also select multiple layers in the TOC pressing Control or Shift key while selecting with the left mouse button.

14.6. Layer context menu

14.7. Remove layers

1. Activate the layers we want to to delete.

2. We click on one of the active with the right mouse button in the context menu and select "Delete Layer".

14.8. Copy / Cut / Paste layers

1. Activate the layers that we want to cut or paste.

2. We click on one of the active with the right mouse button and select the context menu "Cut" or "Copy" layers.

3. We click the right mouse button on the view TOC-in a space where there are no layers- the context menu and select "Paste"

14.9. Groups of layers

gvSIG allows to group different layers in a cluster. This is useful because it enables that we can have in the TOC many layers without taking up much space therein, enabling group those that are related.

This option allows operations simultaneously on all the layers that form the group.

To make a grouping:

1. Activate the layers that we want to group.

2. We click on the right mouse button on one of them and from the context menu select "Grouping layers".

3. A new window where the name of the Association shall indicate opens.

   

4. Press "OK" and the layers will appear grouped in the TOC.

To undo a grouping, select the "Ungroup layers" option from the context menu.

14.10. Rename a layer

1. Activate the layer that we want to to rename.

2. We click on it with the right mouse button in the context menu and select "Rename".

3. A new window showing the new layer name is displayed.

4. Press "OK" and the layer will be displayed with its new name in the TOC.

15 Layer properties

15.1. Introduction

The layer properties are those characteristics that define the layer. Most layer properties can be modified by the user.

The vector and raster layers have different properties. In both cases to access the Properties window, click with the right mouse button on the layer in the TOC and select the command "Properties"(for vector layers) and “Raster Properties” (for raster layers).

Also, it has to be taken into account that, first, the remote services have the connection properties and, second, the properties depending on being vector or raster data. In the WFS case, the connection properties are in the “Properties” window; in the rest of service cases, the two options (connection properties and properties depending on data) are separated in the context menu.

The connection properties of a remote service allow us to access to the window “Add layer” of the remote service and modify the connection parameters for that layer.

Some add-ons can add new layer properties.

16 Vector layer properties

16.1. General

The layer properties show the description of the layer and allow to specify the drawing properties linked to the scale.

It´s possible to set the automatic visualization of the layers within a determined scale range. To set the viewing scale range:

1. In “Scale range” click on “Don´t show the layer when the scale”.

2. Indicate maximum and minimum values for the scale. With the denominator is enough. The greatest numbers are referred to smaller map scales.

   “To be over 1:” is the greatest scale aimed which are the smallest numbers of the map scale, (maximum scale).

   “To be under 1:” is the smallest scale aimed in the active layer in the view (minimum scale).

Once the scale range is defined, the layer will not be drawn if the View scale is out of the visible scale range of the layer

16.2. Hyperlink

It allows to enable/disable and set the hyperlink of one layer. A hyperlink is a link with other resource (image, website,...) and it´s associated with one element of the layer.

One layer can have different hyperlink´s actions. To add or delete one action, the buttons “Add action” or “Remove action” are used.

The configuration settings of each hyperlink action are:

• Field: Select the field in the attribute table of the layer containing the hyperlink (path to the resource). A drop-down menu appears with all the available fields.

• Extension: to define the resource extension. For instance, if the hyperlink is a JPG image, here “JPG” can be indicated. If the extension is indicated in the attribute table, the space should be empty; the extension only has to be used when the resource path has been indicated without the extension.

• Action: Drop-down menu with all the available hyperlinks supported by gvSIG. When the hyperlink tool is used, gvSIG will open a new window with the selected link type. Those supported links are:

  • Image files (jpg, png, bmp,...).

  • PDF files.

  • SVG files.

  • Text files and HTML.

16.3. Metadata

It allows to consult the metadata of one layer. At the moment, only the name and the CRS of the layer.

17 vector symbology

17.1. Introduction

The symbology is one of the most important properties of one layer. In gvSIG, a great variety of options are available for representing layers with symbols, graphs and colours. The symbols are assigned to each element depending on its attribute values and the selected symbology type.

By default, when a layer is added into the View, will be in one random colour; all the elements of the layer with the same symbol. To modify the symbology, access to the “Properties” window and select “Symbols”.

On the left part, you can see all the available legends for representing data in gvSIG. The symbology panel shows different options depending on the selected legend type.

The interface contains the following elements:

1. Symbology types.

2. Visual representation. It changes depending on the selected symbology.

3. Description. It changes depending on the selected symbology.

4. Options. To define the characteristics of the symbology. It changes depending on the selected symbology.

5. Buttons to apply for the defined symbology..

6. Buttons to save or load one legend.

17.2. Unique symbol

All the entities of the layer will be represented with one unique symbol. Click on “Choose symbol” to access to the “Symbol selector”.

There is an option to introduce a label text that will appear in the TOC. TOC.

To apply for the legend, click “Apply” and “Accept”.

17.3. Categories. Unique values

Each record can be represented with a symbol according to the unique value adopted in a certain field in the attributes table. Each element will be drawn depending on the attribute value indicated by the category. For instance, in a field of a uses map, each use will have a specific colour.

The interface contains:

1. Classification field: A drop-down menu where you can select the field of the attributes layer which contains the data to carry out the classification.

2. Color scheme: Drop-down menu where you can select a colour scheme for generating automatically the symbols.

3. Other values: If this is enabled, all the values without a symbol for its value will be represented with a specific symbol. If it´s not active, those elements will not be shown.

4. To define the symbol, the value and the label.

   To modify the symbol, double click on it. A new window will open to access the screen dialogue “Symbol selector”.

   

   Double click on a concrete value to modify it. The value is the one found in the attributes table.

   Double click on the label to modify its text. The label is the text that will appear e¡in the TOC legend. By default, the label will be the same than the value on that field.

5. Buttons area

   Add all/Add: Once the “Classification field” and the “Colour scheme” are selected, clicking on the “Add all” buttons, all the different values are shown by assigning a symbol (colour) different to each one. Clicking on “Add” you can add new values to the list.

   Delete all/Delete: Allows to delete all (delete all) or some (delete) of the elements that make up the legend.

   Symbolology level: To define a specific order of visualizing the elements. This is important when some geometries of the same layer intersect, because defining that order can make to some symbols appear over others.

   It´s activated clicking on the verification space. The value “0” will be the symbol under the rest. The value “1” will be over that and so on.

17.4. Categories. Expressions

It shows layer elements according to a certain filtered expression.

The interface contains:

• New filtered expression: The “Expression creator” window opens where you can configure expressions (filters) for applying onespecific symbol. Each of those filters will be shown as a row in the main window of this legend type. The syntax used by these filters is SLD.

  

• Modify filter expression: To modify an expression by selecting it.

• Delete filter expression: To delete an expression by selecting it.

• Up/Down: To move the created expressions up or down as we wanted to have them in the TOC.

• Other values: If this is enabled, all the values without a symbol for its value, will be represented with a specific symbol. If it´s not active, those elements will not be shown. If this is enabled, all the values

17.5. Quantities. Dot density

To show the quantity of one attribute in one area as a dot density map. Each dot will be a specific number of element; for instance, in a layer of the world countries, one dot can be a population of 1,000,000.

The dots will be distributed randomly in each area and will not be real ubications.

This legend is only for polygon layers.

The interface is:

1. Labelling field: Drop-down menu to choose the numeric field to make up the legend.

2. Dot size: To define the size of the point.

3. Dot value: this is the numeric value which will be given to each point. It can be set up with numbers or with the buttons.

4. Options to define the symbology:

   Colour: Dot colour.

   Background colour: For the polygons in the background.

   Outline: For defining the outline in the background polygons.

17.6. Quantities. Intervals

This legend represents the elements of one layer using a range of colours. Within that value range all the elements will have the same colour. The intervals or graduated symbols are used for representing quantitative data with a progression; population, temperature,....

The interface is:

1. Fields. Options to define the intervals.

   Classification field: Drop-down menu to chose the numeric field to make the classification.

   Interval type: There are three different intervals:

• Equal intervals: Calculate equal intervals from the values found in the selected field to make the classification.

• Natural intervals: The number of intervals are specified and the sample of this number is divided into this number according to the Jenk optimisation method, regarding to the natural localization of intervals.

• Quantile intervals: The number of intervals are specified and the sample is divided into this number but putting them into groups according to their order.

Number of intervals: To indicate the number of intervals of the legend.

1. Begin color and End color: To select the colours that will be used to make the graduation. The initial colour will be for the lower values and the final one for the higher ones.

2. Compute intervals: Once all the previous options have been defined, this button will calculate the intervals defined by the legend.

   Add: To add new ranks.

   Remove all/Remove: To delete all (remove all) or some (remove) of the elemens that make up the legend.

3. To modify the symbols, labels and intervals.

17.7. Quantities. Graduated symbols

To represent quantities using the symbol size to show relative values. Within a value range, all the elements will have the same symbol.

The interface contains:

1. Fields. Options for defining the intervals.

   Classification field: To choose the numeric field from which the intervals will be calculated.

   Interval types: There are three interval types.

• Equal intervals: Calculate equal intervals from the values found in the selected field to make the classification.

• Natural intervals: The number of intervals are specified and the sample of this number is divided into tyhis number according to the Jenk optimisation method, regarding to the natural localization of intervals.

• Quantile intervals: The number of intervals are specified and the sample is divided into this number but putting them into groups according to their order.

Number of intervals: To indicate the number of the intervals for the legend.

1. Symbol: To define the symbol for the graduation. The size is defined with a minimum value (From) to a maximum value (Until). You can also modify all the features of a specific symbol by clicking on the “Template” button or in its “Background”.

2. Computentervals: Once the above options have been defined, this button will calculate the intervals defining the legend.

   Add: New ranks to the calculation can be added.

   Remove all/Remove: to delete all (remove all) or some (remove) of the elements which make up the legend.

3. To modify symbols, labels and intervals automatically.

17.8. Quantities. Proportional symbols

To represent quantities using symbol size to show exact values.

The interface contains:

1. Fields

   Value: To choose the numeric field for which the classification will be made.

   Normalization: It´s possible to choose a numeric field which will normalize the results, being the quantities proportional.

2. Symbol: To define the symbol for the graduation. The size is defined with a minimum value (From) to a maximum value (Until). You can also modify all the features of a specific symbopl by clicking on the “Template” button or in its “Background”.

17.9. Multiple attributes. Bars

To represent numeric values of one element using bar charts. It´s useful when there are few categories.

The interface contains:

1. Fields. List of all the available numeric field to be part of the chart.

2. Colour scheme. Drop down menu to choose the colour scheme which will be used in the chart by default.

3. Buttons to add/remove all the fields or the selected ones. The selected fields in 1 will be added in 7. The selected fields in 7 can be removed and will appear again in 1.

4. Background symbol: If “show” is not active, the background will be transparent.

5. Show chart axis

6. Size. It opens a new window to set up the chart size. These are the options:

• Fixed height: All charts will have the same size.

• Sum of field values: The size of the bars will be indicated by the sum of all the records for the fields making up the chart and it will be represented in a proportional way.

• Field size depending on one field: The chart will be proportional to a specific field.

• Draw symbols within specific boundaries: Only the symbols within this range will be drawn, avoiding the rest.

17.10. Multiple attributes. Pies

To represent numeric values of one element using pie charts. These charts show how the individual parts pèrform within a full group. They are usefule when there are not many categories.

The interface contains:

1. Fields. List of all the available numeric field to be part of the chart.

2. Colour scheme. Drop down menu to choose the colour scheme which will be used in the chart by default.

3. Buttons to add/remove all the fields or the selected ones. The selected fields in 1 will be added in 7. The selected fields in 7 can be removed and will appear again in 1.

4. Background symbol: If “show” is not active, the background will be transparent.

5. Show chart axis

6. Size. It opens a new window to set up the chart size. These are the options:

• Fixed height: All charts wwill have the same size.

• Sum of field values: sThe size of the bars will be indicated by the sum of all the records for the fields making up the chart and it will be represented in a proportional way.

• Field size depending on one field: The chart will be proportional to a specific field.

• Draw symbols within specific boundaries: Only the symbols within this range will be drawn, avoiding the rest.

17.11. Multiple attributes. Quantity by category

To represent one field of the layer with a colour intervals and other field with graduated symbols. Both fields must be numerical.

The interface contains:

1. Fields with values.

   Colour field: Drop down to select the field for the intervals legend.

   Graduated symbol field: Drop down to select the field for the graduated symbols legend.

2. Colour ramp: Options for defining the intervals legend. “Colour ramp” will open a new window:

   

3. Symbol. Options for definig the graduated symbols legend. “Symbol” will open a new window:

   

4. To modify symbols, labels and intervals automatically.Permite modificar los símbolos, etiquetas e intervalos calculados de forma automática.

17.12. Multiple attributes. Join Table

TO DO

17.13. Multiple attributes. Complex symbol

To define different symbologies by scale ranges for one layer. gvSIG will apply the legend depending on the scale visualization.

The process to create the legend by scale is:

1. Ranges defined. Click on “+” to open a new window where the scale ranges can be defined.

2. Define the scale ranges and legend type to apply. The legend type will be selected from a dropdown menu with all the different types supported by gvSIG.

   

3. Click on “Accept”.

4. The options for defining the selected legend will be created automatically in the panel area called “Legend definition”

5. Legend settings.

6. Now, it´s possible to add a new legend by scale range, clicking on “+” again in the panel area called “Ranges defined”.

7. Once the different legends have been defined by scale ranges, click on “Apply” or “Accept” in the “Layer properties” window.

18 labelling

18.1. Introduction

A label is the text which describes one or more attributes. The labels are located over or close to the elements of one layer, according to the labelling characteristics defined by the user, as well to the changes of the View. The labels can not be modified by the user directly.

Labelling can be defined, activate or deactivate from the “Labelling” tab in the “Properties” window of the layer.

To activate/deactivate the labelling, we have to enable/disable the “Enable labelling” space.

Once the labelling had been defined, even when is disabled, the memory will keep the characteristics, so the user will not need to define them, each time the user wants to show the labels.

There are two different main types of labelling in gvSIG:

• Label attributes defined by table. It´s a basic labelling and quick to set up.

• User defined label. It is subdivided into different types of labelling, with multiple options for defining the different characteristics of labeling to apply.

18.2. Basic labelling. Label attributes defined by table.

The labelling can be defined quickly and based on the data of the attibute table.

The interface contains:

1. Dropdown with the two labelling types. Select “Label attributes defined by table”

2. Labelling parameters:

• Field to use in label. Dropdown that allows to choose the field in the attribute table of the layer which contains the values to be displayed as labels.

• Text height field. Dropdown to select one field of the table that contains the height of each label.

• Fixed height. To enter a fixed value for the label size.

• Rotation field. Dropdown to select one field and its values will indicate the rotation angle for the labels. The field must be “integer”.The angles values must be within the interval[0-360] and will be applied clockwise.

• Units. Dropdown to select the units for measuring the values of the text height. If “Pixels” are selected, the labels will not be scaled if the View zoom changes, having the same size always.

• Reference system. To select the units will be referred to the worl or to the paper.

3. Font properties:

• Font. To select the font type.

• Single colour. To choose a colour for the labels. It´s possible to apply for transparency.

• Colour field. Dropdown that allow to choose one of the attribute fields, so their values are taken as the colour of the labels. gvSIG uses decimal codes corresponding to 24 bits to represent colours from a table field.

When this is enabled, many labels as possible will be created, without overlapping, within the space available in the View.

18.3. Advanced labelling. Label features in the same way.

It applies the defined labelling to all the features of the layer.

The interface contains:

1. Select from the dropdown the option “User defined labels”.

2. Select from the dropdown “Label features in the same way”. It will show the different options for this labelling.

3. Properties. New window to set up the characteristics of the labelling.

4. Options. New dialogue screen to set up the characteristics of the visualization and placement of the labelling.

5. Preview. “Enable layer preview” shows a preview of the final result for the labelling.

For more information see “Advanced labelling. Common options”

18.4. Advanced labels. Label only when feature is selected.

It applies the defined labelling only when the features are selected in he View.

This labelling is more dinamic, if the features selection changes, the labels for that new selection will be drawn automatically.

The interface is the same than the previous one.

18.5. Advanced labelling. Define classes of features and label each differently.

With this option is possile to create different labelling types with the “Add button”, give them priority of visualization (“Move up/Move down”) and label them separately.

To set up the properties, double click on the labelling row to define. “Label class properties” window will open.

For more information see “Advanced labelling. Common options”

18.6. Advanced labelling. Define classes of features and label each differently. Labelling by scale.

For more information see “Advanced labelling. Common options”.

18.7. Advanced labelling . Opciones comunes.

Properties.

To set up the labelling properties. This dialogue screen is available in all the manual labelling methods.

The interface contains:

1. Options to set up the format and the font of the labelling.

• Font. To select the font.

• Color. To select the colour and transparecny.

• Fixed text size. To define the label size.

• Fit on text area. To give the text size depending on the area of the feature labelled.

• Use halo. To use a colour halo around the labels. It´s useful to improve the visualization of the labels.

• Halo width. To define the halo width.

2. To define the labelling expression. Clicking on “...” a new window will open to set up the labelling expression.

   

3. To create SQL sequencies to apply filters to the features for the different labelling types.

4. To select a background style (image) for the labelling. “Symbol selector” window will open. In “gvSIG Basic” library there are some to be used or the user can create its labels.

   

   Selecting one image and clicking “Properties”, a new window will open to indicate the label ubication referred to the image.

   

   Clicking on “A+” the area rectangle to be used for the label or labels will be set up.

5. Preview area of the defined label.

Placement

To set up the properties of the labelling placement: location, orientation, duplication,...

The options of “Placement properties” will change depending on the layer geometry (points, lines or polygons). In the case of multigeometric layers (dwg, dxf, gml,...) the interface contains a tab for each type of geometry: points, lines, polygons.

For the dot layers the interface is:

• Point settings. To choose between the label on the item or moved around.

  In the second case, the priority of the placement of the label around the dot is configurable. To do this, click on “Change location” and “Symbol selector” window will open. Click on “Properties” to show a new dialog screen where the priority of placing labels around a point can be set up.

  Using the buttons on the right and selecting positions of the chart, we will prioritize what location will take the text in relation to the point:

• 1 = High priority

• 2 = Medium priority

• 3 = Low priority

• 0 = Forbidden

• Repeated labels. To choose between “Place one label per feature” or “Place one label per feature part “(multigeometries) or “Remove duplicate labels” which will place a label by entity and if this is repeated, it will only show one.

The interface for a line layer is:

• Orientation. To choose from horizontal, parallel, following the line or perpendicular to this..

• Position. To show label above, below or on the line.

• Location. Dropdown for selecting the location at the beginning, middle or the end of the line (depending on the scanning direction)..

• Repeated labels. To choose between “Place one label per feature” or “Place one label per feature part” (multigeometries) or “Remove duplicate labels” which will place a label by entity and if this is repeated, it will only show one.

For polygon layer the interface is:

• Polygon settings. It allows horizontal labelling and under the orientation of the polygon, also the option to put the text inside or not. This last option is indicated for polygons with islands or U shaped polygons, in which the label will be placed within the geometry and not in the middle gap.

• Repeated labels. To choose between “Place one label per feature” or “Place one label per feature part” (multigeometries) or “Remove duplicate labels” which will place a label by entity and if this is repeated, it will only show one.

Visualization

To set up the display scale range of the labels.

It is possible to use the same scale range specified for the labels (“General” tab in layer properties or specify a range only to be applied for the labels).

Label overlapping

If this is enabled, all the labels will be drawn, even if they overlap. If this is not checked, the labels will be drawn without ovelap, and can not showw all existing ones.

19 Raster layer properties

19.1. Information

Provides general information about the raster layer, such as the file path, number of bands, pixel size, and geographic coordinates of the corners.

19.2. General

To change the general raster properties. It sets a scale range for the image visualization, set the NoData values, check and recalculate the statistics of the image.

The interface is:

1. Scale range. To hide the layer when the display scale is above or below the defined ranges.

2. Set and use the NoData values as transparent if it is checked.

3. Layer statistics, sorted by band. It may be the case that statistics are badly generated or not calculated, in which case is possible to recalculate them, clicking on “Recalc statistics”. In each band we will see:

• Minimum: Minimum value of the band.

• Maximum: Maximum value of the band.

• RGB minimum:RGB minimum value of the band.

• RGB maximum: RGB maximum value of the band.

• Media: Shows the average of all values of the band.

• Varianza: Shows the varianza of the band.

19.3. Bands

To change the way in which each band of the image is displayed. It allows to make compositions using the different bands of the raster.It is also possible add more bands from other files. This is useful when working with Landsat type images, where each band is from a different file.

The interface is:

At the top there is a list with all the files of the layer. Here, you can add more files considering that must be a relation between them, they have to be from the same geographic area. This is useful for loading in the same layer, various files frome the same sensor, where each file represents a band.

At the bottom, you can select the display order. By default, the display order is assigned by the colour interpretation of the bands if this information is available. From the display selector , we can change this display order, marking the band we want to be displayed in red (R), green (G), blue (B) or alpha(A). If we click on “Save” the interpretation of colour we have at the moment in the picture will be saved. This means that the next time we open it with gvSIG, the bands will be displayed in that order.

19.4. Transparency

It provides tools to change the transparency levels that can be applied to a raster coverage.

The interface is:

On one hand, there is the “Opacity” option which indicates a opacity percentage. A smaller percentage of opacity, a greater transparency percentage. If is enabled, it is possible to indicate the degree of opacity by numbers or by the slider.

On the other hand, there is the ”Transparency by pixel” option which allows to the (RGB) colour groups to be completely transparent. This is useful, for example, to remove the “wedges” in the ortophotos or satellite scenes, or for deleting the edges between the images of one mosaic.

We must add the RGB transparents in the layer by clicking on “Add”. Three different values will be added, separated with "&" or "|". These values mean the RGB value of the pixel which will be trabsparent. The added values are those that appear on the text boxes, the alpha value is optional. The information in these text boxes can be changed by three methods: typing the value, varying the color sliders or by clicling on the View a colour value. This last option will be activated clicking on "Select RGB clicking on the View". This activates a gvSIG tool in the View to change the RGB values in the transparency box.

If we add the line "255 & 0 & 0", all the pixels with the red colour set as the maximum (255) and green and blue set as the minimum (0), all of them will be transparent. All the full red pixels will be transparent. The symbol "&" can be changed with "And" y "Or". If "Or" is activated, any new entry in the table will appear with the symbol"|". If we add the line "255 | 0 | 0", all the pixels with a red value of 255, or with a green value 0 or with a blue value 0, will be transparent.

19.5. Enhance

It provides a tool for making enhancements over the raster coverage. It allows to modify brightness, contrast and enhance. This last option is essential for correct viewing of images of 16 bits.

The interface is:

On the left side of the dialog appear the controls to adjust the brightness and contrast. By defaul, they must appear disabled and if we begin to manipulate, we have to select the check box "Enable".

The right side applies to the linear enhancement. This is a simplification of linear radiometric enhancement to monitor the display of images with different data byte types. By default this enhancement controls are deactivated, unless the image would be of a different data byte type; in that case, it is automatically assigned when the raster is loaded. It is reccomended only to use this interface to automatically vary the values ​​assigned. If you want to assign an enhancement and have more flexibility in the implementation, it is more appropriate to use the functionality "Enhancements Radiation".

This enhancement assigns data input range to a range between 0 and 255 for display.
"Delete ends" option does not take into account the most extreme data values ​​(maximum and minimum) of those in the raster. The "Cut queue (%)" sorts the image data from low to high values. Then, apply the percentage indicated on the right and the left. Those who remain on the outside of the percentage values ​​are removed and only values ​​matching those left inside will be applied. The effect created is to have displaced the maximum and minimum.

20 Edition and symbol management

20.1. Symbol browser

From “Tools/Symbols/Browse Symbols” menu:

It allows to explore the different symbols in the program and they are classified in three tabs:

• Marker: Point symbols for layers containing point geometries.

• Line: Linear symbols for layers containing linear geometries.

• Fill: Fill symbols for layers containing polygonal geometries.

The interface is similar to the “Symbology selector” window which appears when we want to change any symbol of the legend. In this last case, it will not appear the three tabs, only the relevant for the layer type.

The “Symbol browser” allows to explore the available symbols and through the “Symbol property Editor” to create new symbols or modify the existent ones.

The interface is:

1. Tabs with the different types of symbols depending on the geometry of the features.

2. Symbol library. The library contains a group of symbols organized in folders and subfolders. The same library can have marker, line or fill symbols. Select the folder or subfolder to see the symbols.

3. Symbol viewer of the symbols in one folder or subfolder. Select the symbol to apply or modify.

4. Preview of the selected symbol according to the selected properties (size, rotation angle, colour and transparency).

5. Options. To define colour, transparency percentage, size and rotation angle of the symbol.

   With the units drop-down is possible to choose the unit type to apply. By default is pixel, but is possible to choose between, kilometres, meters, centimetre, millimetres, miles, yards, feet, inches, degrees and pixels. Also, is possible to specify if they are units “in the word” (the size will depend on the zoom) or "in the paper" (it will have a fixed size in screen and printing).

   If it is an image file (svg, jpg,...) the colour and transparency will not be applied.

6. Buttons to create a new symbol (button “New”) or modify the properties of one already existent (button “Properties”). In both cases the “Symbol Property Editor” will open.

   The button “Reset” to start again with the edition of the symbol, deleting all the changes.

   The button “Save” to save the new symbol. It will be saved with the extension.gvssym. By default, it will be saved in the “Symbols” folder, which is the root of the symbol library list. The user will have to save the symbol in the folder or subfolder chosen by the user.

The gvSIG basic installation has one single symbol library called “gvSIG Basic”. It is possible to install more symbol libraries from the “Addons manager”.

20.2. Editor. Simple marker symbol

Selecting the “Symbol marker symbol” the interface is:

In the left side, there is the symbol preview and the list of the layers. The selected layer is the one with the values showed in the right side (color, size,...)

Simple marker symbol options:

• Colour. Marker colour. It is possible to apply transparency.

• Size. Marker size.

• Offset in X and Y. To move the symbol in relation to the X axis and Y axis.

• Marker style. To select between the available markers (circle, square, cross,...)

• Use outline and border colour. Enabling the space, the marker will have the chosen colour. It is possible to apply transparency.

With the options in “Layers” is possible to create a symbol composed by different layers, with the button “Add layer (green +)”.The layers can be deleted or ordered, with the buttons “Delete layer” and “Order layer”

20.3. Editor. Simple marker symbol

Selecting the “Simple marker symbol” the interface is:

It is possible to select the image for representing one symbol. This image can be (jpg, png,bmp, svg,..) To add it, select the path to the image, clicking on “Browse” and “Picture file”.

There is the option to select other image to represent the geometries when they are selected in the View with the path “Image of selection”.

It allows displacement in X e Y depending on the X axis and Y axis of the image.

20.4. Editor. Simple line symbol

Selecting the “Simple line” the interface with three tabs is:

In “Simple line symbol” are the options to select the colour of the line, the transparency, its width and the offset.

As the point layers, it is possible to create a line composed by different lines or line symbols.

“Line properties” is to modify the join and end style, along the fill pattern.

• Join style. There are three types: bevel, miter and round.

• End style. There are three types: butt, round and square.

• Fill pattern. By default gvSIG shows continuous lines. Modifying the fill pattern is possible to create dashed lines.

  How it works: Click on the grey section over the ruler and move it to the right. Then click over the ruler section wanted and a black section will appear, which can be deleted if clicks again in a new section. This way new sections to define the line can be added. The black sections are the filled sections and the white ones will be transparent. To delete the created line, press “Clear”.

“Arrow decorator” allows to use the decorate the arrows of the lines enabling “Use decorator”.

The options are:

• Arrow size

• Arrow sharpness

• Number of positions. Number of times that the arrow is repeated in one line.

• Choose symbol. It opens the “Symbol selector” window for markers. It allows to select the arrow shape and set it up as a dot symbol.

• Flip. To flip just one arrow or all the arrows.

• Rotation. Rotate symbol to follow line angle or keep symbol at fixed angle to page.

20.5. Editor. Picture line symbol

Selecting “Picture line symbol” the interface is:

It is possible to select the image that we want to be part of the line. This image has to be (jpg, png,bmp, svg...). To add it, select the route path to the image clicking on “Browse”.

There is the option to set up the width and scale the image in “X” and “Y”.

20.6. Editor. Simple fill symbol

Selecting “Simple fill symbol” the interface is:

It is possible to select the fill colour of the polygon and its outline opacity.

Clicking on the button showing the border, the “Symbol selector” for lines is open to set up the outline.

There is the option to set up the width and the outline opacity.

20.7. Editor. Picture fill symbol

Selecting “Picture fill symbol” the interface with two tabs is:

To fill the polygon with one image. It is possible to modify the angle and scale it in “X” and “Y”.

It allows to choose the fill colour and transparency.

These images can be outlined with different lines.

The tab “Fill properties” is to set up the fill depending on the offset (in X and Y) and the separation (in X e Y) of the image.

20.8. Editor. Marker fill symbol

Selecting “Marker fill symbol” the interface with two tabs is:

It is possible to give a fill with different marker types: dot, images....with their properties. The fill can be placed as grid as randomly..

The tab “Fill properties” is to set up the fill depending on the offset (in X and Y) and the separation (in X e Y) of the image.

21 symbol libraries

21.1. AIGA

AIGA is the American Institute of Graphic Arts acronym. AIGA is known by its activities in graphic design, specially in the pictograms for the American Department of Transport in 1979. The library is based on this pictogram group.

The symbols for lines and fills are inspired on the colour palette of the document “Thinking inside the box. AIGA identity and branding guidelines“.

21.2. Collective Mapping

It is a symbology orientated to the collective mapping workshops. It is far from the usual symbology for geographic elements. Its iconography is orientated to ideological representation.

This library is based on the “Collective mapping tutorial. Critical mapping resources for shared mapping ” in Spanish, by Iconoclasistas.

21.3. Colours

Symbology with colour palettes for quantitative data..

The symbol library is based on the colour palettes of “Colour Brewer: Colour Advice for Maps”.

21.4. Commerce

Symbology for commercial activities.

The symbol library is based on the symbols of E-commerce Business Icons of Design Contest, GIS/GPS/MAP Icons of Icons-Land, Bag And Boxes Icons of Babasse and Vista Artistic Icons of Lokas Software.

21.5. Crime Mapping Symbology (CMS)

This symbol library is based on the “CMS. The Crime Mapping Symbology”, designed by the US Department of Justice for covering the symbology needs of the Police Department. CMS includes two core systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and the Records Management System (RMS).

21.6. Emergency

Symbology related to the emergency management.

The symbol library is based on the “EMS. The Emergency Mapping Symbology”, made by the Department of Natural Resources.

The linear and fill symbols are inspired by the document “Biosecurity Emergency Management – Mapping Symbology”.

21.7. Forestry

This symbol library is based on the NPS (U.S. National Park Service) symbology and also based on “Trees & Shrubs” made by Jim Mossman.

21.8. G-Maps

This symbol library is based on the symbols of Nicolas Mollet, called “Map Icons Collection” and is for Google Maps.

When using point symbols you have to remember that, by default, no “y” offset is applied thus, if you want that the symbol will be over the geometrical point, symbol properties have to be edited adding a “y” offset with a value equal to the half of symbol size (in our case, since the symbol has a default size of 32, an offset of 16 will be used).

21.9. Geology

This symbol library is based on the “Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization “ guide of the FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee). The symbols are classified in folders and subfolders (bedding, cleavage, eolian, pluvial/alluvial, foliation, geohydrology…).

The set of filled designed from the RGB colour codes defined by the CGMW (Commission for the Geological Map of the World) represent the different stratigraphic units.

21.10. gvSIG Basic

Basic gvSIG symbol library

21.11. Japanese

The symbology used in Japan for the representation of maps. It is based on the “Japanese Map Symbols” of the Geographical Survey Institute.

21.12. Military-APP6

This library has all the symbols which are part of the APP6 standard used by the Defence sector. This library is based on the document “Commented APP-6A – Military symbols for land based systems. Defence Research and Development Canada – Valcartier. Technical Notel DRDC Valcartier TN 2005-222. “.

21.13. Navigational

Symbology used for maritime shipping and nautical charts.

This symbol library is based on the symbology used by the IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) and the ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System).

21.14. Numbers

Library with numeric symbols.

This library is based on the symbols of “Letters & Numbers” published by Little Web Things that contains beyond symbols from number 0 to 99, letters symbols in upper-case of Latin alphabet, text fonts from Data Deja View (DDV) called “Circle, Diamond, Hexagon, Pentagon, Shield and Square”, that and the numbers icons belonging to the set called Red Orb Alphabet Icons of Icon Archive.

When using point symbols of set “IwtMapIcons” consider that by default it don’t have applied an offset in “y”, if wanted the vignette appears over geometric point we have to edit the symbol properties and add an offset in “y” of a half the size (in our case, as we set these symbols in size 32, we’ll use an offset of 16).

21.15. OCHA-Humanitarian

It is the set of symbols created by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with humanitarian goals aiming help workers and volunteers show and interpret information about emergencies and crisis quickly and easily. This is the standard or the emergencies symbology.

21.16. OSM

This symbol library is based on the symbology made by “SJJB Management” and called “SJJB SVG Map Icons”. Some of these icons have their oringin in the “US National Park Service Cartography”.

21.17. POI Cities

This library includes a set of symbols that represent the main attractions of a city: parks, airports, subway stations, different types of shops, museums, monuments, ...

It is based on the symbology that MapBox project uses and, specifically, in the library called Maki.

21.18. Weather

Symbology for climate mapping according to the standard World Meteorological Organization in the document “WMO No. 485 – Manual on the Global Data Processing and Forecasting System Manual” the work done by the group MetOceanDWG of OGC related to the symbology to represent the Climatology.

22 Create symbol libraries

22.1. Import picture marker symbols

With the “Import picture marker symbols” tool, the user can create new symbol libraries from image files (.png,.svg,...) or add these marker symbols to libraries already installed. This tool is located in “Tools/Symbols/Import picture marker symbols”

The interface is:

1. Clicking on “Select images” a new window appears where we can search and select the images to import.

2. Listing of all the selected images to be imported to the symbol library.

3. In “Folder name for creating the symbols” we will indicate the name of the new library. It is possible to create subfolders. If we want the symbols saved in one subfolder, we use “/” as the separator between the folder name and the subfolder (folder name/subfolder name).

   Listing of installed libraries. If the folder where we want to save the symbols is already in the list, we just need to select it.

4. Size by default of the symbols.

5. Drop down menu for overwriting options.

6. Clicking on “Import”, all the selected symbols will be saved in the defined folder (or subfolder) with the wanted size. A window will appear indicating that the import have been finished.

22.2. Create package symbols

gvSIG allows to create packages for sharing symbol libraries with other users.

This tool is located in “Tools/Symbols/Create package”.

In this window we can see all the symbol libraries available in our gvSIG, in this case “gvSIG Basic”, which is the default library plus the ones created by the user. We can select the library from we want to create the package and click on “Next”.

A form appears to fill the metadata of the package.

The option “Categories” must have the categories “Symbology, Symbols” to make easier the localization in “Add ons manager”.

Clicking on “Next” one last window will appear where all the output options must be indicated.

• Package file. It is the folder where the generated package will be saved in. By default, packages are saved in the gvSIG install folder, inside a folder called “install” (usually with a default name and with.gvspkg extension.

• In the case of we want to share the package from an URL, we need to take into account:

– Creating the package index. We will only check this option if we want to share the package. The package index is a GVSPKI file which is useful to install it on-line from gvSIG. No need to check it in any other case.

– Download URL. The server address where the package is available has to be indicated (server/package name)

23 Navigation tools

23.1. Introduction

The navigation tools are those that allow navigation within the View data and basically make changes to the display scale (zoom) and movements (pan).

These tools are available from the "View / Navigation" menu and in its own button bar.

Let´s see all the available tools:

Scrolling the mouse is possible to zoom in and zoom out. In this case, the enlargement will use as focus, the View center. With the mouse wheel pressed and moving it, the frame order will be executed.

In the status bar is possible to indicate the View scale, writing the scale factor or selecting any of the available in the drop-down menu.

23.2. Zoom Manager

It is possible to save a zoom and go back to it at any time.

This tool is available in the “View/Navigation/Frame Manager” and in the specific tool bar.

The interface is:

• Name for the zoom. It allows to give a name to the actual zoom of the View.

• “Save” button. The zoom currently in the View will be added to the Zoom Manager text box with the given name and with the rest of available zooms.

• Recover and delete other zooms. Available zooms list.

• “Select” button. Selecting one zoom from the list, the View will recover that selected zoom.

• “Delete” button. Delete the selected zoom from the list.

^{23.3. Center View to point}

Center the View to one point with its specific coordinates.

This tool is available in the “View/Navigation/Center View to point” and in the specific tool bar.

The interface is:

Input any required coordinates and select the colour of the point. Clicking “Accept”, the zoom will be focused on that point and it will show an information screen of that point.

23.4. Locate by attribute

This tool allows to zoom in the entities of one layer with a particular attribute.

It is available in the “View/Navigation/Locate by attribute” and in the specific toolbar.

The interface is:

• Layer. Drop-down menu for selecting any available layer of the View.

• Field. Drop-down menu for selecting one field of the selected layer of the View.

• Value. Drop-down menu for selecting one value from the selected field.

• “Go” button. It will show a zoom of the View which contains all the entities of the layer with the indicated attribute.

23.5. Locator map

The locator is a general map which is displayed in the bottom left corner of the View´s window and it will locate the working area (main window zoom).

Available in “View/Locator Map” menu.

It shows the following window:

We can add layers which will be part of the locator map. From this window, we can delete layers or edit the legends.

Locator elements:

• Red box. It is the View zoom..

• Horizontal/vertical axis indicates the central point in the View zoom.

Some of the properties are:

• Clicking on the locator with the primary button mouse and dragging, the frame (zoom and displacement) of the View.

• Clicking on the locator with the secondary button mouse and dragging, the View frame will be displaced, maintaining the scale.

23.6. Finding by Gazetteer

A Gazetter or geographical dictionary is one group of data in where all the toponyms are related to its geographic coordinates. It is a geographic index for identifying the geographical place of one toponym.

Available in the specific toolbar:

Let´s see all the available tools:

It shows the following window:

• Fill in the catalog server address: Blank space to introduce the URL. With “Ctrl+V” is possible to paste a text from the clipboard.

• Protocols: To select the server- The available ones are:

  • ADL. Protocol specified by Alexandria Digital Library.

  • WFS. Protocol for the searching for any place name, always in the case of having a text attribute in any of the tables. At the same time, it allows to make searches using any other field, not only with text attributtes.

  • IDEC. Protocol for using the Gazetteer service of the “Instituto Cartográfico de Cataluña” (ICC).

  • WFS-G. Protocol defined by OGC.

  • Geonames. Protocol for using the Geonames web service with a world database.

  • “Connect”. To connect to the server. A new window will appear for the search.

  

• This window allows to make a criteria search defined by the user. It is possible to view the form in a summarised way or make an advanced search clicking the triangle at the top right corner.

• Name. Write down the name for the search.

• Agreement. Define the search criteria of the input text:

  • Exact sentence.

  • Any word.

  • Every word.

• Coordinates. To define the coordinates of the searching area. By default, the coordinates will be the ones referred to the View frame.

• Restrict search area. Clicking it, the searching area will be restricted.

• Aspect setup:

  • Go to the place. The searched place name will be the center of the View.

  • Remove old searches. Delete all the old searching texts from the View.

  • Draw result. Draw one point and one label text in the place of the searching.

• Results per page. To indicate the number of results for each page.

• “Search” button. To launch the searching process. A new window will be opened:

• Use the buttons “Last” and “Next” to move for the results pages.

• Selecting the place name from the result list and clicking “Localize”, the View will be focused on the place name.

24 Consulting tools

24.1. Introduction

These tools are for getting information from the layers and are available from the “Layer/Query” menu or in its specific buttons in the toolbar.

Let´s see all the available tools:

24.2. Information

With this tool is possible to see the attribute values for one entity.

This tool is available from the “Layer/Query” menu or in its specific buttons in the toolbar.

The steps to follow are:

1. Activate in TOC the layer or layers which contains the elements to be identified.

2. Click on “Information”.

3. Click on in any point of the area of the View frame to identify the entities of the ubication.

4. A new window will be showed; “Identify results”.

   

   On the left side, the elements from which the information has been asked and its layer will be visible.

   On the rigth side, the attribute values of the seleced element on the left part.

24.3. Query area

To measure areas and perimeters over the area of the View frame.

This tool is available in its specific toolbar.

The steps to follow are:

1. Click on “Query area”.

2. Click on the point which represents the first vertex of the area to be measured and drag the mouse and make click on each new vertex., ending with a double click.

3. On the right bottom part of the View window, the area (A) and perimeter (P) can be found.

   

24.4. Query distance

To measure distances over the area of the View frame.

This tool is available in its specific toolbar.

The steps to follow are:

1. Click on “Query distance”.

2. Click on the point which represents the first vertex of line to be measured and drag the mouse and make click on each new vertex., ending with a double click.

3. On the right bottom side, the distance of the last line (Dist) and the sumatory of all the measured lines (Total).can be found.

24.5. Hyperlink

To consult the hyperlinks of one entity. The hyperlink is one link to other resource(image, website,...) and it is associated to the elements of one layer.

This tool is available in its specific toolbar.

The steps to follow are:

1. In the layer properties, the hyperlink option must be activated.

2. Activate in TOC the layer with the elements whose hyperlinks are going to be consulted.

3. Click on “Hyperlink”.

4. Clicko on the element.

5. The hyperlink results will appear. These results will depend on the hyperlink properties: image, PDF,....

25 Selection Tools

25.1. Introduction

These tools are the ones that allow you to select a group of features in a layer. ome tools in gvSIG can work only on selected features.

The selection of vector features can be performed both from the view like from the attributes table associated with a layer.

These tools are available from the "Layer / Selection" menu on the corresponding button bar.

Let's see one by one all the available tools: