Function Description

Using the Explode function, you can decompose selected single or multiple line objects into the smallest unit of straight line objects.

The smallest unit of a straight line object indicates that the object has exactly two nodes, i.e., two endpoints, and is a simple object.

As shown in the figure below, the object to be exploded has a total of 5 nodes (Figure 1); after exploding, the object decomposes into 4 objects, and each segment object contains only 2 nodes. Figure 2 shows the result of multiple objects after exploding according to the SMID production of single-value thematic maps.

Figure 1: Object Before Explosion	Figure 2: Object After Explosion

• The Explode function is applicable to 2D line layers and CAD layers. This function is available when the layer is editable and line objects are selected.
• Complex objects are also suitable for the explode operation. After exploding, the complex object will be decomposed, and each sub-object will be decomposed into the smallest unit of straight lines.

Function Entry

• Edit Data tab -> Feature Editing group -> Type Conversion -> Explode

Operation Instructions

1. In the editable state of the layer, select one or more line objects to be exploded.
2. In the Edit Data tab, under the Type Conversion drop-down menu, click the Explode button to perform the explode operation.
3. After the explode operation is completed, the output window will prompt how many objects are generated after exploding. For example: Line object [smID]=221 is exploded to produce a total of 4 objects!

Notes:

For objects with many nodes such as arcs and circles, after exploding, the newly generated objects are relatively small and fragmented, and will not be displayed at small scales. The application filters the display of small objects; for line objects with a length less than 0.4mm, they will not be displayed. For content about the minimum size of objects, please refer to the Object Size Filter Display section in Map Display Optimization.