David J.A. Koogler wrote:
Luc,
This is indeed not Palm-specific, but can someone suggest an
informative source (either book or online reference) for an existing
code library or even pseudo-code for handling splines, converting a
series of screen positions into vector graphics, handling grab points
on a spline, line smoothing, etc.?
Take a look at Dave Eberly's WWW site
http://www.geometrictools.com/
He is a frequent contributor on the comp.graphics.algorithms newsgroup
and really knows his stuff. His WildMagic package contains lots of
useful algorithms spanning both CAD and annimation. I am sure this
package will get you going in the right direction.
Thanks for the tip!
Spelunking was a hobby of mine in high school. We made maps using
TV lead wire with holes punched at the foot intervals and a hand
compass (with no sights).
We now use a fiber tape, or a laser rangefinder ;)
We sketched the map as we measured, and
made a fair draft back at home. It was lots of fun especially
when the two passages you mapped out both met on the map just as
they had in the real cave. Our pencil notes and sketchs barely
last a day:
Actually, with waterproof paper like Duksbak (better than the more
common Rite-in-the-Rain):
http://www.direct.ca/dynamicaqua/notebooks.html
sketches last forever.
how long does a Palm last in an environment filled
with water and clay??
Once it's enclosed in a waterproof flexible write-through case like:
http://www.waterproofcases.net/345.html
screwed onto the cover of a regular survey binder, the only problem is
knocking it too hard, especially the glass-screened Palm III series like
we tend to use underground. But by carrying the binder on your belly
inside the coverall, like before, it's not really a problem (I even know
people who use a simple ziploc bag or a recycled milk bag.) And I think,
like an increasing number of enthusiasts, that the benefits outweigh the
risk (graphic map available underground in real time, error detection,
reduced transcription typos, GPS locations, etc.). And when I succeed in
implementing on-screen sketching (right now, we still sketch on paper,
only the numeric data goes into the Palm), cave surveying will become
way faster, not mentioning upcoming electronic acquisition devices that
connect to Auriga over a serial or Bluetooth link...
--
Luc Le Blanc
Take your PDA where the Sun never shines...
Go map a cave!
http://www.speleo.qc.ca/Auriga
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