Use the Map Interface
The main map interface organizes assets such as roads and signs into layers. To see a layer on the map it must be visible, and to work with assets a layer must be active. Map tool options (zoom, search, etc.) are displayed at the top of the map module to assist in navigating the map and editing layers. Main menu options (File, TAMC, Help, etc.) have options like importing and exporting data for the LDC, managing assets, controlling map settings, and running reports.
Some map tool options open new tabs. Tabs can be pinned to keep them open or unpinned so that they close automatically when not selected.
To pin and unpin tabs, see Pin & Unpin Windows
Some tabs can also be selected and dragged to dock them in various places around the screen or undocked and made into standalone windows.
To dock and undock windows, see Dock & Undock Windows
Make a Layer Active and Visible
Click the Check Box next to a layer in the Map Layers tab to make the layer visible
A checked box indicates a visible layer, while an empty box indicates a hidden layer.
If a layer is missing from the Map Layers tab, see Add, Remove, & Edit Layers to add it.
Click a layer name in the Map Layers tab to make it active
The layer highlighted by a gray box in the Map Layer tab is the active layer. The Map window also displays the active layer in blue text in the bottom left corner.
Map Tool Options
Selection Tool
Select one asset by clicking it on the map. Select multiple assets by holding the Shift or CTRL key down and make selections. Multiple assets can also be selected from the same layer by clicking on the map and dragging the mouse until the section area covers all points. Release the button when all desired assets are inside the selection area. Select the Drop-down list next to the Selection button to access selection settings.
For more instructions for using the Selection Tool, see Use the Selection Tool
Pan Map
Click the Pan Map tool to activate. Click a point on the map and drag the mouse to move the map within the window.
Clear Selection
Click the Clear Selection button to unselect all assets on the active layer.
Show Measure Tool Window
Click the Measure tool to activate. Then select assets on the map to measure the distance between them.
Measure the Distance between Assets
Measure the Total Length of a Series of Roads
Spatial Selection
Click the Spatial Selection tool to activate, and then select an asset on the map. Roadsoft will display information for that asset and any other assets within an area.
Assets selected with the Spatial Selection tool are not added to the list of selections, they only display information.
Zoom to Target
Click the Zoom to Target tool to activate. Click a point on the map and drag the mouse to draw a box around desired zoom area. Drag mouse from left to right to zoom in, and right to left to zoom out.
Drag to Zoom
Click the Drag to Zoom tool. Click a point on the map and drag the mouse downwards to zoom the map in on that point, or upwards to zoom the map away from that point.
Zoom In
Click the Zoom In button to zoom the map inwards in increments.
Zoom Out
Click the Zoom Out button to zoom the map outwards in increments.
Zoom to Full Extent
Click the Zoom to Full Extent button to zoom out to a view of the entire map.
Zoom to Selection
Click the Zoom to Selection button to zoom the map in on any selected assets.
Zoom Options
Click the Zoom Options dropdown to view additional zoom options:
Previous Extent
Jump to previous map view
Zoom to Previous Extent requires a few seconds to save a map location to prevent recording views as the user pans the map.
Zoom to Layer Extent
Zooms to the extent of all items currently added to the current layer.
Zoom to Jurisdiction
Pulls up a list of included jurisdictions. Select a jurisdiction to zoom to that location.
Click the Print button to open the Map Print Setup.
Show Information
Click the Show Information button to open the Selection Information window.
The Selection information window is open by default, located below the map.
Show Legend
Click the Show Legend button to open the active layer’s legend window.
Show Mini Map
Click the Show Mini Map button to open the Mini Map window.
The Mini Map window is open by default, located under the layers menu.
Search
Click the Search button to search for an asset on the active layer.
Filter
Click the Filter dropdown for options related to creating and managing layer filters.
View Module
Select the View Module button to open and go to the active layer’s module.
Add Feature
Select the Add Feature button for options related to adding features to the map.
There are documents regarding how to add new features in each asset’s section of this help manual. Use the Search tool bar to find documents for adding features to a layer.
Projects
Select the Projects tab for options related to adding new projects and accessing saved projects.
This tab is only visible in the Road Layer.
Routine Maintenance
Select the Routine Maintenance tab for options related to handling routine maintenance.
This tab is only visible in the Road Layer.
SMS Interface
Select the SMS Interface tab for options related to sorting and examining crash data.
This tab is only visible in the Crash Layer.
Conditional Visibility
Right-click on the map and select Conditional Visibility… from the right-click menu to turn conditional visibility on or off.
Conditional Visibility Feature
Main Menu Options
Some menu options may not be available for non-Michigan Roadsoft clients.
File
Click File for options related to importing, exporting, or uploading data and associated files.
TAMC
Click TAMC for options related to reporting and sharing information with the Transportation Asset Management Council.
MIRE
Click MIRE for import and export options for the Model Inventory of Roadway Elements, a listing and accompanying data dictionary of roadway and traffic data elements critical to safety management.
Asset Management
Click Asset Management for options related to managing assets outside of the road module and viewing statistics.
Pavement Management
Click Pavement Management for options related to the road layer. Examples include the Surface Type Definition Form, Project Planner and Selection Tool, Strategy Evaluation and Optimization Tool, etc.
Safety Analysis
Click Safety Analysis for options related to analyzing and reporting crash data and road conditions.
Reporting
Click Reporting for options related to reporting information from modules.
Each module has its own reports. See their section for any relevant specific details for culverts, signs, roads, etc.
LDC
Click LDC for options related to importing and exporting data to and from the Laptop Data Collector (LDC).
Import and Export LDC Data - The Data Cycle
Tools
Select the Tools option for options related to managing Roadsoft tools, users, databases, etc.
Settings
Click Settings for options related to map settings and resetting window layouts.
Theme
Click Theme to change Roadsoft’s appearance to either Light, Blue, or Dark.
Help
Click Help for Roadsoft information and options, access various support utilities, etc .