Projects

Source file: projects.htm

A project file stores data and results of analyses that can be opened in a PointStudio project session. The project file is a database file with the extension .maptekdb, which cannot be read by third-party software.

Project sessions display data sorted into containers with a tree structure. Each project has a set of standard containers into which data objects are automatically placed. See Project Explorer > Containers.

PointStudio cannot run without opening or creating a project file, as the data and analyses must be automatically saved to this file throughout the project session. Projects are automatically backed up every minute so data loss is limited to the last 60 seconds of activity.

Projects can operate seamlessly over a network to allow easy data sharing. However, open project files are locked to a single user to prevent conflicting simultaneous editing.

Note:  While it is possible to work on projects stored on a server or network drive, network latency may affect responsiveness and network connectivity disruption may cause data corruption. Maptek recommends always working on projects on a local SSD.

Primary projects

The primary project is the working file for data and analyses. When you start PointStudio, the Open Project start-up dialog appears, from which you must open a project as the primary project. The most recently opened primary project files are displayed in the Recent projects tab of the Open Project dialog. You can either create a new project or open an existing project, as described below.

Starting a new project

To start a new project, follow these steps:

1. Click New on the Open Project dialog.

2. Browse to the location the project will be stored.

3. Enter a name for the project. The name should be meaningful so you can identify it later.

4. Click Save to finish.

PointStudio will open with the new project, with the project explorer displaying all the default standard containers, empty and ready for use.

Opening an existing project

To open an existing project, do one of the following:

• If it is in the Recent projects list, click on it.

  Or

• If it is not in the Recent projects list, click Browse, navigate to its location, then double-click on it or select it and click on Select Folder.

PointStudio will open with the existing project in its last opened state.

Alternative methods to opening an existing project

There several different methods for opening existing project files, as described below. Click to learn about each.

Opening older projects or databases with a new version of PointStudio

PointStudio has backwards-compatibility such that it will open older projects and database file formats. However, object types may change slightly between versions, so to be usable in a newer version of PointStudio, the project or database must be upgraded.

When opening an older project in a new version of PointStudio for the first time, you will see this message:

Select one of the following options to proceed:

• Backup to create a copy of the database in the current format and upgrade to the new format. Do this if you intend to open the project on an older version again.
• Continue to upgrade and use the latest version. Do this if you will not open the project again on the older version.
• Cancel to quit without upgrading. In this case the software will not open; you will need to launch it again.

Note:  It is possible to open upgraded projects or databases in older versions of PointStudio, if the changes are compatible. However, to be sure, you should select the Backup option if you plan to use the older version again.

Secondary projects

Secondary projects are other .maptekdb files that can be accessed to provide supplementary data for the primary project. These can be opened from within PointStudio via the Project drop-down on the Home ribbon. See Project for more information.

In-use projects

When you try to open a project that you already have open (in-use), the panel below will be displayed. Click one of the buttons, as appropriate:

• Share project to start a simultaneous session with the project.

• Terminate other to attempt to close the in-use session and start with a new session.

• Bring to front to display the in-use session. See Locked projects for instances where projects are being accessed by other users.

• Cancel to return to the in-use session.

Locked projects

When trying to open a locked project, the dialog below will be displayed. 

This can occur if the project is being accessed by another user, or if PointStudio was shut down incorrectly, such as if the previous session crashed before the project file could close properly. Click Yes only if you are sure the file is not currently in use elsewhere.

Data persistence

PointStudio does not include a file save button. Data persistence means that project files are automatically saved every minute to limit data loss to the last minute's activity. Project files are also saved when closing a session.

However, data can be lost from a project in exceptional circumstances, such as if the computer's power is suddenly cut, or if the computer resets, terminating the project session.

Note:   Persistence extends to placement of tool panels in the workspace. The next time you open PointStudio, panels will appear as they were at the end of the previous session. This might cause a problem if, for example, two monitors were used and a panel was placed on the second monitor. You can reset panel positions through PointStudio preferences. See Preferences > Manage preferences.