2011

auto-generated field (metadata) A type of field in the Metadata feature, the
value of which is derived from the data source, and populated automatically
by AutoCAD Map 3D. Metadata auto-generation is triggered by selecting the
resource in the Metadata Viewer. See also:
forced-update field (page 2064)
AutoCAD layer A layer in AutoCAD. An AutoCAD layer differs from a map
layer you create in Display Manager (page 2060). See also layer (page 2066), drawing
layer
(page 2060), feature layer (page 2063), or surface layer (page 2076).
Autodesk Design Review The free viewer and editor for the DWF file format
(formerly DWF Viewer).
azimuth A clockwise angle measured from a reference meridian. Also known
as north azimuth. It can range from 0 to 360 degrees. A negative azimuth is
converted to a clockwise value.
bearing An angle measured from North or South, whichever is nearest, with
the added designation of East or West. The angle is always less than 90 degrees
(PI/2 radians or 100 grads) and is usually referenced by a quadrant number.
best route analysis Calculates the shortest path or optimal route from a start
point in a drawing, one or more intermediate points, and back to the start
point. For example, the best route to follow on a street map when visiting
multiple customer sites.
blocks In AutoCAD or AutoCAD Map 3D, compound objects that have been
saved for reuse in the drawing or in multiple drawings, for example, a North
arrow. In MapGuide Studio, blocks are converted into symbols when they are
loaded. See also
symbol (page 2076).
buffer A zone of a specific radius created around a selected feature. Used to
select features within a specific distance of another feature. In AutoCAD Map
3D, you can define buffers for drawing topologies and for features, but you
define them differently.
buffer fence A fence, or line, at a specified distance from a center line. Used
to define a selection boundary.
bulge For contours that contain curves, the bulge value is a maximum
mid-ordinate distance along a polyline curve. If the mid-ordinate distance is
longer than specified, then points are added to better define the shape of the
curve.
The bulge factor can add more vertices to a polyline curve, making it appear
more curve-like. The smaller the value, the more vertices are added.
2056 | Glossary