Whenever
you tap OK on the Station edit form, or tap ADD on the Structure,
Photos, and Samples pages, data are written to memory. You need not
tap the Save icon on the top toolbar.
The
Save icon (or Save Map on the File menu) saves the current map
extent, the list of map layers, and any special instructions you've
defined with the Layers forms. Tapping the Save icon every now
and then doesn't hurt--and mostly isn't necessary.
We have had
problems with data not being written to dbf files. We think these
problems have occurred because of mixed versions (e.g., an old .apl
file and a newer .dbf format) or corrupt XML in a layer definition
(.apl) file.
If
GDA is properly configured and you pay attention, failure to record
data will be evident immediately. (A) Set up Station point
symbolization to reflect MAPUNIT. Are the dots the right color?
(B) Using the layer dialog, label each station point with MAPUNIT or
the like. If you don't see MAPUNIT written beside a new station, data
were not recorded. (C) Can you see structure symbols? If not, why?
(D) Label each structure point with its INC.
If
data are not written to dbf files, delete the feature and re-enter
it. If data are still not saved, make paper notes.
If
you find that data are not being written to dbf files, and
particularly if you can establish the conditions that cause this to
happen, please let us know.
If you use GPS and set up GPS averaging and use the Station at GPS button, don't leave the Unit page of the Station form until GPS acquisition is completed. Switching to another page before then appears to truncate averaging.
Every now
and then, copy all data files to an archive folder, copy this folder
to a PC, and burn it to CD-ROM for safekeeping.
Either
(1) Copy data files to the new archive folder. Grow a single,
evolving set of data files for the project. Archive folders grow
steadily larger and each archive folder supplants its predecessor. At
any time, a single set of shapefiles encompasses all of the your data
for the project. An advantage of this approach is that earlier
observations are readily accessible.
Or
(2) Move all current data files to the new archive folder.
Replace
them with blank shapefiles from the Template directory. Keep the
current Units_0.5.dbf. Move/copy appropriate photo files and note files
to the archive folder. Data are not duplicated in multiple archive
folders. An advantage of this approach is that database files remain
small for better performance. But several sets of archived shapefiles
must be concatenated to capture the entire project.
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