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Saving

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.

Data not written to files

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.

GPS Averaging

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.

Archiving

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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