Interacting with Structural Data

When structural data is displayed in Vizex it can be manipulated and edited interactively. Interacting with the data writes back to the file and updates the dip and dip direction fields.

Interact Mode

The Interact Mode option on the Structural Data and Structural Ribbons tab is used to select whether to move a selected structural data point or ribbon along the orientation, or rotate it.

The Structural Data icon

With Move or Rotate interact mode enabled, there are two interaction modes:

  • Hold down and drag the mouse to move/rotate and then release the mouse to complete the interaction.

  • Click to begin the interaction, then move the mouse to move/rotate, then click to complete the interaction.

    This mode allows easier use of the input angle fields, because you don't have to hold down the mouse while typing in a value.

Both pressing Escape and a mouse right-click will cancel the current interaction.

You can also:

  • Hold down the CTRL key while rotating to snap rotation angles to 30/45 degree increments.

  • While rotating you can snap to objects in Vizex. This will make the structural data 'point towards' the snapped object.

Handlers can be used to move and rotate the discs and ribbons in your Structural Data. Editable angle annotations are shown during interaction:

Discs

  • To move a disc, click on the disc to select it. The disc is rendered with a bold blue outline. You can then click or click and drag the disc to move it (see Interaction modes below):

  • Red handlers can be used to change the Dip:

  • Blue handlers can be used to change the Dip Direction:

Ribbons

  • To move a complete ribbon, click the ribbon to select it. The ribbon will indicate selection with a darker shade.

    You can then click or click and drag the ribbon to move the whole ribbon. An indicating line will be displayed to select the place to move the ribbon:

    Release the mouse to place the ribbon.

  • To extend the ribbon in Move interaction mode, click the point at the end to be extended. Drag the end of the ribbon to the length and in the direction required:

    When you release the mouse, the rotation handles will be displayed.

    Note: On the Structural Data layer, you can toggle the display of Interactive Handles using the tool in the Structural Data | Display group.

  • Red handlers can be used to change the Dip:

  • Blue handlers can be used to change the Dip Direction:

 

Preview

When typing in an angle value, you can press ENTER to preview the change in dip or dip direction. You can then either:

  • Press ENTER again to commit the change

  • Modify the value and press ENTER to preview again.

Dip, dip direction and positional information is also shown on the Status bar when rotating.

Right click to Save your changes. Undo/redo is supported while interactively moving or rotating the discs.

Structural Data

Structural Ribbons

Add Discs

Add Lineations

Create Disc on Surface

Flip Polarity

Delete Structural Data