Scales are the numerical breakpoint definitions that are used when determining how to break the measurement data into discrete values that can then be applied to and associated with a color palette. The scales and the contour palettes are independent of each other but closely related. Scales are used in conjunction with contour palettes to render contour map layers in HEC-MetVue. When the program is installed, it provides at least one linear and one logarithmic scale. This linear scale becomes the default selection until a different scale is selected.
There are three different types of scales that can be defined.
Linear scale. This scale has a lower threshold, an interval and an upper threshold.
Logarithmic scale. This scale has a lower threshold, a number of divisions per cycle, and an upper threshold.
Custom or user defined scales. This scale can be used to define a special scale, such as a probability or exponential scale. The values must be in ascending order. The program will auto-sort them to assure this is the case. The first value entered sets the lower threshold. The last item sets the upper threshold.