In map browsing there is a possibility to change only the layer and type to which the selected features belong without using the operations of cutting/pasting. To do this the menu command Selection+Feature type should be performed. A dialog box “Changing feature type” shown at figure 19-2 will be opened.
Figure 19-2. Dialog box “Changing feature type”
The command Selection+Feature type is enabled only in the case when all selected features belong to one and the same spatial category.
In the pane Layers all map layers of the browsed theme are enumerated. In the pane Feature types – feature types of the selected layer which correspond to spatial category of selected features (that is, gas pipeline can be assigned to be fence, but a line feature cannot be called a point one).
However, there is a possibility to transform an area feature to a line feature or a line feature to an area one. These transformations were described in the previous chapter.
After selecting the necessary layer and type in the panes and pushing the button OK the system will transfer all selected features to selected type.
Every map feature can be linked with one or several table records containing information about this feature (see chapter 32 “Links between maps and tables”). When moving a feature to another type the system makes an attempt to retain its link with records. It can be achieved only in the case if changing type occurs within one and the same layer and if a link with the corresponding table was established for new feature type. In the case of changing the character of the link from multiple to unique, the link of the feature with the first record linked with it will be retained. When the feature is moved to another map layer its links with records are lost.
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