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2 Graphics

In this chapter we show how to use Therion on a simple example, a short cave (or a part of a cave). Therefore we can do the whole drawing on a single scrap.
Before you start with your first example, we must talk a little about how therion works, and about the syntax of the language. This will help you to learn the most frequently used commands.
You may use data from a survey of yours for this example.
Here is some general advice, to help you start using therion. Many of these things are explained later, but this is a good place to put these guidelines.
It is a good idea to make the drawing of a cave map a piece at a time, so that it is easier to spot errors and to correct them. Even when you are adding a piece to an existing map, work on that piece alone so that you can correct possible errors.
You should start with a simple layout, and enter only the survey data, with no drawing. A thconfig with ".th" data file(s); no ".th2" file. This will produce a map with only the centerline and the stations. With that you can make sure that you did not do any mistake entering the data.
The next step is to add scraps for the drawing. Focus on one map at a time, the plan and the extended elevation separately. You can put output commands for both in the configuration file, but comment the one you do not work on, at this stage. Or you can use two separate configuration files.
Work on one scrap at a time. Add the "input" command(s) to the survey data file, but comment those you do not need. To start draw the cave outline only: the "station" points, and the "wall" lines. Do not bother to connect the scraps together properly (with "join" commands), Also do not rush to put in all the extra features that make your cave map look great. Make sure you got the right outline, the proper stations, etc.
Unless you are very good drawing cave sketches, it is advisable that you do not use the scanned cave sketches as background images for the scrap, but make a plot of the centerline, draw a sketch of the cave map (following the sketches you made in the cave), and scan this to use as background image.
Therion can import scanned images of cave sketches, and morph them on the survey data. This avoid the need for the intermediate printout of the centerline and drawing. You can also add your morphed sketches to the PDF output map.

therion users - Sat Oct 30 07:29:19 2010
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