2011

Use object classification to organize objects in your drawing based on the
real-world features that they represent, for example, roads or manholes. When
you create an object using object classification, the object automatically has
properties and values assigned to it based on its object classification. In
addition, you can find or select all objects in an object class.
Setting Up Object Classification
■ Start by determining the standard objects you use in your organization.
For example, if your organization produces road maps, you may want a
set of standard road objects, such as Primary Road and Secondary Road.
■ Determine the set of properties and data for each standard object type. For
each one, define an object class that specifies the properties and data for
that object type. All object class definitions are stored in an object class
definition file.
For example, you may want all Primary Roads to be use a polyline with a
thick line weight, be on the Primary Roads layer, and have object data
associated with them that lists values for speed limit and number of lanes.
Similarly, Secondary Roads might go on the Secondary Roads layer, use a
thin line weight, and include information on surface type.
■ Use object class definitions to create objects with a standard set of properties
and data assigned to them.
For example, if you use the Create Classified Object command to create a
Primary Road, it is created with a polyline, a thick line weight, on the
Primary Roads layer, and with object data that lists values for speed limit
and number of lanes. When you create a secondary road, it is on the
Secondary Roads layer, with a thinner line weight, and different values for
surface type and number of lanes.
When you select an object that was created using object classification, the
properties that are associated with that object class are displayed on the Object
Class tab of the Properties palette. For example, when you select a road, the
Properties palette shows you the layer, line weight, surface type, and number
of lanes. Edit properties by entering new values in the window.
982 | Chapter 6 Creating and Editing Data