Extending CGM for Publishing and Technical Drawing Exchange

Abstract

The CGM was investigated to determine its suitability as a basis for graphics document transfer in the US Department of Defense (DoD) Computer Aided Logistics Support (CALS) System. CALS documents include technical publications, administrative publications, and technical drawings. It was determined that the general framework of the CGM was’ suitable, but a number of extensions were needed. These extensions are divided into 7 areas-lines, symbols, curves, hatch styles, text, images and naming/instancing. Initially, extensions will be done by registration mechanism, although the needed features are candidates for direct incorporation in future extended CGMs. The results of this investigation strongly suggest the suitability of the CGM for use in a variety of real-world applications by direct incorporation-with extensions as necessary-into application specific standards. Suitable application areas include office document transfer, publishing and product data exchange.