Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!rochester!udel!gatech!mcnc!rti!sas!cole
From: cole@sas.UUCP (Tom Cole)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: SAS/GRAPH on Mac
Summary: Well, you can steal SAS/GRAPH this way...
Keywords: graphics sas
Message-ID: <325@sas.UUCP>
Date: 26 Jan 88 00:53:41 GMT
References: <860@ur-tut.UUCP>
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.,Cary NC,25712
Lines: 54

In article <860@ur-tut.UUCP>, mpip@ur-tut.UUCP (Robert Annechiarico) writes:
> 
> 
> I'm looking for information on capturing SAS/GRAPH output on the Mac,
> manipulating it slightly (mostly add or change text, and occasionally
> reposition some of the elements of the graph), and outputting it to the
> LaserWriter.  A dream would be to output it to an HP7475.
> 
> Is anyone out there doing such a thing?  It's tempting because SAS/GRAPH
> gives me 90% of what I want in a typical graph in about 5 minutes; the
> remaining 10% can take hours of work.
> 
> I think that the route might be to log into the SAS machine with
> VersaTerm Pro, copy the graph, and paste it into MacDraw or Cricket
> Draw.  But I'd like to know before I buy the software...
> 
> Any experience with this?  Or ideas?  Suggestions for a better approach?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Eric Carleen
> University of Rochester Medical Center
> (716)-275-5391
> Bitnet: heartedc@uorhbv
> UUCP: seismo!rochester!ur-tut!mpip

Well, one pretty easy technique (if you have a little time) is to use the
SAS/Graph metagraphics capability.  This is a "generic" device driver that 
outputs a text file that contains all the graphics generated, instead of
spooling out a picture.  The format of the metagraphics file is documented
in a SAS technical report.  I believe you must make a metagraphics attribute file
that describes the eventual device - identify the size of the graphics area,
color support, "hardware" polygon fill, etc.  SAS then generates the appropriate
metacodes.

You then use VersaTerm, Kermit, or whatever to download the file to your Mac.
You can then write a simple program that reads the meta file and does the
appropriate PICT-type drawing.  Save the picture as a MacDraw image, or
whatever.

I have a sample program (and the associated SAS/Graph attribute file) that
does this very job.  Send me email or whatever if you want more details,
the software is free (the Mac software that is, SAS/Graph is *not* free).


Tom Cole, E-3
VAX Host Development
PO Box 8000
1 SAS Circle
Cary NC 27512

[The usual deal about opinions and employers, both of which I currently
 have and hope to keep...]
j