Creating new AML data

As mentioned in the Loading AML source data topic, ArcGIS for Desktop supports a wide variety of raster and vector formats. Raster data stored in any of the supported formats can be used as a backdrop for AML collection. Source data stored in a supported vector format can directly get copied and pasted into the production database while working in an edit session , while existing S-57 AML cells can be imported into ArcGIS for Desktop using the S-57 to Geodatabase tool.

After loading source data, you can use it to generate the components of an AML product. The data collection process has been streamlined in Maritime Charting by offering ways to autogenerate some of these basic components. Currently, you can autogenerate land areas and parent/child hierarchical relationships.

Reference Managing data to learn about more ways you can use Maritime Charting to manage your AML data. Before you begin with the batch create processes, you need to make sure you perform the following steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Load your populated production database into an ArcMap document (MXD).
3. On the main menu, click Customize > Extensions and verify that all applicable extensions are checked.

   You need Production Mapping and Maritime Charting.

4. Organize the MXD so that you have all the toolbars necessary for the compilation effort.
5. Ensure that you have set the nautical properties before starting the edit session.
6. Click the Production Start Editing button on the Production Editing toolbar.

   Note:

   The Manage Features and Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes windows automatically appear when you start an edit session using the Production Start Editing tool.

   Tip:

   If the Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes window does not appear when you start an edit session, click the Show/Hide Attributes button on the Manage Features window.

Creating land area features (MFF only)

The Generate Land Areas tool automatically generates new S-57 land area features, modifies existing land area features, and deletes extraneous land area features. This tool requires that you define the coastline features, depth contour features, and the metadata features before you begin the process. Similar to the polygon depth area tool, you can choose which features or subtypes stored within the table of contents will get autopopulated as S-57 land area features. The Generate Land Areas tool is accessed through ArcMap and enabled while in an edit session.

Creating parent/child relationships (RAL, ESB, SBO, and MFF only)

You can perform a batch create on all potential parent/child hierarchical relationship features using the Relationship Manager tool. However, there are a few conditions before you start the batch create process:

• The potential parent/child features must be of point geometry type.
• The potential point features must share the same coordinate position.

Parent/Child hierarchical relationship features will not be created if any of these conditions are not met. Relationship features are created in ArcMap while in an edit session.