AutoPath™ BMP Files
Q: How can I use AutoPath to save bitmap image files for path profiles?
A: With TAP6.0.2216 or later and a Maintenance Subscription date of February 28, 2008, or later, you can use AutoPath to save a .BMP image file for each profile.
Note that all values in this example are for demonstration purposes only. You should determine appropriate settings for your application.
The AutoPath function in TAP is used to automate the process of drawing path profiles. You can create a database of a few paths or several hundred paths and then use AutoPath to draw the path profiles and send them to your printer. The database fields for the AutoPath input file are described in the AutoPath Database article.
The feature described in this article enables you optionally save the profile graphic to a bitmap (.BMP) image file. This feature enables you to create bitmap graphics for hundreds of profiles even if you elect not to print a hard copy of the profiles.
The HDPath function in TAP is used to draw path profiles, and includes the option to export the profile to a bitmap file from the Print Preview function. As with all uses of AutoPath, the HDPath default settings for the printer, page orientation, page layout, etc., are used. Before running AutoPath you should manually plot a profile in HDPath to establish the desired defaults. It is also a good idea to run a small AutoPath Task (two or three paths) to ensure that the printer and bitmap settings are what you want before running AutoPath with several hundred paths.
The new AutoPath database field is displayed when you load a database file:
If you load an old AutoPath database file the “Save BMP?” field will be added to the database.
You can select which path profiles you want to write as BMP files with the checkbox for each record. As shown above, you can save the profile BMP file even if you do not print the profile from AutoPath.
The sample above results in six files created in the selected “Output Path” folder, a bitmap graphic of each profile and a text report of the field strength calculation for each path:
The bitmap graphics profile and page layout as set in the HDPath Print Preview function:
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