How To: Close the Topography

Look for super-imposed nodes

If any object will not close it may be that it is made from line segments rather than a continuous line. You can check with the Shape Tool. Click on the object and look for a node with a slightly different appearance. In the illustration below the node at the top of the right hand axis looks different.

To fix the problem click and drag with the Shape Tool to define a box enclosing the two superimposed nodes only, zooming in if necessary (you are selecting two nodes). With the two nodes selected click the Join Two Nodes button.

If you cannot see a node that looks different, try dragging each node in turn to see if both lines attached to the node move with it. Use the Edit|Undo menu after each drag to restore the node to its correct position. If you cannot select both superimposed nodes...

Look for multiple lines

The illustration to the right appears to be an enclosed object but it is in fact made of two separate objects. The vertical line has been drawn entirely separately from the topography and base line. The objects have to be combined before their nodes can be joined. Select both objects: with the Pick Tool click on one object, hold down the Shift key and click on the second object (or click and drag to define a box entirely outlining both objects). The bottom Status bar should indicate Two Objects Selected on .... Click the Arrange|Combine menu. The use the Shape Tool to select and join the superimposed nodes.

If the topography still does not close ...

Check View Options

In Wireframe View the fill colour is not displayed (that is what Wireframe is for).

The Layer Properties can be changed so that all objects on a layer have the same outline colour. If this is set, fills are not shown. This is a useful feature for sorting out problems with complex drawings with many layers. You sometimes forget that it has been set!

If the object still does not fill ... seek help.