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237 
2.3.4 Planimetric Mapping 
  
In addition to "computer-supported" mapping, which has been available for 
the Planicomp from the outset, "digital mapping" and "interactive mapping" 
have now also been implemented. 
Digital mapping is implemented by the PLANIMAP software 
package through digital storage of the measured graphical elements (points, 
lines, areas, buildings, slopes, texts etc.). These elements can be output 
with flexible optional symbol representation either on the Zeiss DZ 7 digi- 
tal plotting table, HP plotters, or on graphics CRT terminals - both in 
real time as test plots and at any later time in the "playback" mode 
(Fig. 3). Off-line output is also possible after simple editing or in 
another location. Particularly interesting is real-time output on the new 
Zeiss Videomap graphics CRT unit screen for superimposition on the 
Planicomp viewing optics image /9/. 
Interactive mapping is implemented by connecting the 
Planicomp with an Intergraph IGDS stereodigitizer workstation through a 
powerful real-time interface (Fig. 4). A versatile communications proto- 
col allows data acquisition to be controlled at the Planicomp panel. The 
graphic design files are created and processed by the Intergraph work- 
station. Superimposition of the display of an Intergraph graphics CRT 
terminal with the Planicomp viewer image has been shown for the first 
time in the world in 1983 /10/. 
2.3.5 Further Processing 
  
The Planicomp background programs also have been and will be improved con- 
tinuousTy according to requirements. The improvements of the aerotriangu- 
lation block adjustment programs (PATM and PATB of the University of 
Stuttgart and BLUH of the University of Hannover) focus on the handling 
of gross errors. The HIFI program package of the Technical University of 
Munich has been improved considerably specifically in handling and in 
graphical elevation representation. 
2.3.6 Data Management 
  
The GEFIO program package was created for managing data measured or compu- 
ted with the Planicomp, Orthocomp or with computer-supported analog in- 
struments. GEFIO comprises the newly expanded GEFIL program for editing 
and - with A series computers - creating general files, and the GREAD and 
GWRIT programs for reading and writing magnetic tape data in ASCII or 
EBCDIC with optional blocking factors. An internal ASCII file is always 
created which can be processed with the HP editor. The advantages provi- 
ded by this program package are high reading and writing rates and sim- 
plified data interchange with other computers. ; 
  
3. System Configurations 
  
Users today place the most varied demands on analytical plotters. Not only 
the wide variety of applications but also the different user categories 
(e. g. small private companies and large state organizations) dictate that 
the Planicomp be available in different configurations.