Filter by Alignment
Command Licensing and Default Menu Location
- The Filter by Alignment command is part of the RPS Data Prep Toolbox
- The command is located on the Data Prep macros menu ribbon
- The command is located in the Select menu group
Command Description
Provides the ability to filter a selection of objects in relation to a selected reference line or alignment. User can define parallel or perpendicular or up to a specified skew angle to rapidly find linear features or cross section lines across surfaces. Useful tool with Explode Surface or Explode IFC Shell commands
Last Updated: August 2nd 2022
The command has been updated to allow selection of objects to filter from within the command so that multiple selections can be made while staying in the command.
Command Interface Description
The Filter by Alignment command dialog looks as follows
Select objects:
Select the lines that you wish to make your filtered selection from. Use normal TBC selection methods (rectangle select, polygon select, click select / deselect etc.), or select Options for advanced selection methods like Select by Layer, Select by Polygon, Select by Elevation etc.
The data that you will be filtering will typically have been generated using the Extract Surface Features or Explode Solids commands. The command allows you to find linework from a selection of objects that tracks near parallel or perpendicular to a selected alignment or linestring.
Reference Geometry:
Select your reference alignment or line object. The line selected provides the direction for the filtering process. Along the reference line will be parallel to the selected reference geometry +/- the max deflection angle, Across the reference geometry will be perpendicular to the selected reference geometry +/- the max deflection angle.
Include “along” linework checkbox:
Checking this checkbox will select linework that runs approximately parallel to the selected reference geometry. You can enter a maximum deflection angle when this is checked, to restrict lines that deviate by more than the maximum angle from being selected.
If you check the check box and enter a maximum deflection angle of e.g. 1 degree, you will only select lines that are longitudinal features that are near parallel to the alignment.
If you check this checkbox and enter a maximum deflection angle of e.g. 88 degrees, you will get all lines except those between 88 and 90 degrees to the alignment.
If you do not select this checkbox and enter a maximum deflection angle of e.g. 88 degrees, you will typically select only lines that are perpendicular to the alignment i.e. Cross Section Lines.
Apply:
Executes the command, and converts the selection of filtered objects into the global selection, and pauses for an alternative selection or for you to use the properties pane or other commands to relayer the selected objects, join the selected objects (Join or Smart Join), delete the selected objects, change the name or color of the selected objects etc.
OK
Executes the command, makes the selection of filtered objects and closes on completion, leaving the selected objects in the global selection ready for the next process.
Close
Closes the command without further execution.
Video Demonstration
The following video shows how to utilize the Filter by Alignment command
Use Case Videos
The following videos show the use of the Filter by Alignment command in a work process context
Feedback and Enhancement Requests
If you would like to provide feedback on the use of the Filter by Alignment command or to request enhancements or improvements to the command please Click Here