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Two changes have been suggested for the CSA Layer Naming Convention.
First, it is now possible to eliminate the second character of the original system. Its primary purpose was to distinguish layers which had artefacts from those with structural material, but the advent of linked data bases for artefact catalog information makes the use of model layers for artefacts unnecessary. Other information formerly conveyed by this character may be conveyed by the third character (which will become the second in the new system). It will indicate baulk, virgin soil, trimmed bedrock, or untrimmed bedrock in addition to its current meanings. These additions will fit well with the meanings already conveyed by that character.
Two, the original convention called for the use of numbers in the third position to designate hypothetical material, with different numbers indicating different reconstructions. It is now suggested that, in addition, the letter H be used in that position to indicate hypothetical material which is uncontested. This simplifies the calling up of layers which show reconstructions.
In addition to the changes in the layer names, all CSA's models will now contain a layer which shows the positions from which prepared views of the model were made. (The layer will be called LV1EWS on all models.) By marking the precise points from which perspective views were taken and putting them on their own layer (with labels), one may, at any time, call up that layer to show a viewer the point from which a specific view is made. This is a significant aid for most viewers.
Comments are encouraged, and the convention will again be discussed at the A1A workshop
For other Newsletter articles concerning the applications of CAD in archaeology and architectural history or the "CSA CAD Layer Naming Convention," consult the Subject index.
Table of Contents for the November, 1990 issue of the CSA Newsletter (Vol. 3, no. 3)
Table of Contents for all CSA Newsletter issues on the Web
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