How Do I Constrain the Area Being Contoured?

The default contour area / volume will be set to include all of your measurement data intervals. Frequently, however, you may want to constrain the area being contoured to something less than the default. For example, measurements of a particular constituent may occur within a localized area or depth. There are two ways to constrain the area for 2D contours and one method for 3D contours.

1. Change the Grid Dimensions (for both 2D and 3D contours): For 2D contours, change the grid's horizontal extent. For 3D contours, change either or both the grid's horizontal and/or vertical extent. Go to the Grid tab of the contour object and click on Draw Grid and then click on two points to set the corner points of the contour grid.

2. Draw Polygon Around Area to be Contoured (only for 2D contours): Go to the Grid tab of the contour object and check the Limit Contour box. Then click on Draw Polyline and click on points to define the constraining polygon. Click the mouse's right button when you're done defining your polyline.

Caution: Changing the values (coordinates, depth, or elevation) in the Query tab modifies the data query, which changes the data used in generating contours. It will not, however, change the horizontal or vertical extent of the contoured area / volume.