Changing clutter codes from one to another values Intro

Sometimes, planners prefer to keep the same code for specific clutter class across all their clutter maps. Example: in one clutter map, the inland water has been coded as 4, while other maps have inland waters coded as 22 for example. Therefore, it is required to change palette index 4 into 22 in that new clutter map. This tutorial is to help planners in conversion of one code into other.

Prerequisite
There could be other ways, but in this paper I discuss how I convert the codes. To do conversion in my way, you need: a) Global Mapper (GM) with installed ATDI plug-in for GM b) ATDI ICS Map Server

Pre-conversion into ic1 format

Global mapper is nice application that enables you to open almost any known raster maps. ATDI plug-in helps you to convert that map in ATDI 8 bits map (ic1) format that you need this file for clutter class code conversion. 1. Open raster map in Global Mapper (Menu: File->Open Data File(s)) and select your clutter map. In the dialog box choose Commonly used formats or change it if you know the exact format of your original clutter map. 2. Make sure the projection of the map opened in Global Mapper is UTM (Menu: Tools>Configure Check Projection Tab) 3. Save the clutter map in ATDI 8 bits map format (Menu: File->Export->Export Raster/Image Format). Make sure that youve chosen ATDI 8 bit numeric raster option in the dialog box Select Export Format. Usually, you dont need to change anything in ATDI 8 bit numeric raster Export Options dialog box, unless you need to change the resolution or you want to save only the part of the original clutter map.

Changing the Clutter class code

1. Open newly created ic1 file in ICS Map Server (Menu: Disc Options->Open 8 bit File and select your ic1 file in the dialog box) a. Select Transform Values tool from the right tools window

b. Change the code from one value to another and accept the change by pressing button Ok

Figure 1 Example of changing value 4 into 22

c. Repeat step b) for other codes that to be changed 2. Close ICS Manger (Menu: Disc Options->Quit) once youve changed all required clutter codes. Note, you dont need to save the changes in ic1 file; it is done automatically since you work with files directly. 3. Change the *.ic1 file extension of new map file into *.sol in order to open it in Global Mapper again.

Back to original clutter map format

Once youve changed the clutter class codes for selected classes, it is time to convert ATDI 8 bits map into the format you need for your radio planning tool. To do so, 1. Open *.sol file in Global Mapper (refer to steps 1 and 2 of section Pre-conversion into ic1 format above) 2. Make sure (move the cursor over those clutters and check the codes in the status bar of Global Mapper) codes of selected clutter classes have been changed in newly opened map. It usually says heights but dont worry. 3. Export newly opened clutter map into the file format your radio planning tools can read. This time depend on the output file format requirement, you can use raster export (see step 3 of section Pre-conversion into ic1 format above) or Export Elevation grid Format option. In the dialog box Select Export Format you need to choose required format. I hope this short tutorial will help you to manage your clutter maps. With great love, iMan (email 2 me at mail.ru)