Code Table Symbology

The Code Table Symbology editor is used to map graphic patterns to alphanumeric codes that are stored in the OCRIS code lookup tables. This is done by selecting a specific code category and then assigning a specific hatch pattern and colour scheme to each code in that category.

Once these mappings have been stored in the database, the Legend Wizard (discussed in xxx) can be used to automatically build legends based on the lookup code categories. The wizard will build the legend by retrieving the codes and associated symbology from the predefined mappings. These legends can then be modified or deleted without affecting the original code table symbology assignments.

Defining symbology for a code

The Code Table Symbology editor is based on a very simple mapping procedure.

1. Start by selecting a code category from the dropdown list.
2. Select a code in the code list on the left.
3. Select a pattern in the graphic patterns list on the right.
4. Select the colour scheme for the pattern.
5. Click the Map button to establish the link.

Keep repeating these steps until all the relevant symbology has been mapped.

Click Undo to reset the mapping for a selected code.

Click Select to find the pattern and colours associated with the currently selected code.

If necessary, return to the Custom Hatch Patterns editor (xxx) to add graphic patterns to the list.

Defining the colour scheme

The colour scheme for a given pattern is defined by choosing a background colour and a foreground colour, using the two dropdown boxes located above the patterns list.

1. The foreground colour (black by default) determines the colour of the symbols.
2. The background colour (white by default) is the colour of the canvas that the symbols are drawn on.

Defining a custom colour

If the colour dropdown list does not contain the desired colour, then a custom colour can be defined by selecting "Custom…" from the dropdown list.

This opens the standard Windows colour tray, which includes the ability to define custom colours.

• Click the Define Custom Colors button to open the colour palette.
• Click on the palette in a region that roughly resembles the desired colour, then use the slider on the right to adjust the colour mix. Alternatively, enter values in the boxes for Red, Green and Blue to explicitly define the RGB colour components.
• Click Add to Custom Colors to add the new colour to the colour tray, then click OK.

The custom colour can now be assigned to the pattern background (or foreground).

Using predefined colour sets

Predefined RGB colour sets can also be referenced from this editor.

Click the RGB link next to the colour dropdown list to select a colour from a predefined list.

Predefined colour sets are typically sourced from third parties and must be imported into the OCRIS database. If this list is empty, it means that there are no predefined colour sets in the current database. Please contact your data administrator or an OCRIS support consultant in this regard.

The Pantone® colour set is a typical example of a predefined RGB colour set. It is referenced in D. A. Berkman's book, “Field Geologist’s Manual”, which many Australian geologists are familiar with.

In addition to the fact that some people are genuinely colour blind, it is also important to keep in mind that it is very difficult to reproduce colours accurately on any given monitor or printer. Consequently, it is not wise to rely on subtle colour differences in order to distinguish between two otherwise identical patterns.