Usage Definitions

The Edit Datasource dialog allows you to add, change and delete user-defined Usage DefinitionsClosedA usage defines how and where a coordinate system, datum or transformation is intended to be used. A usage includes both scope and extent. Area of use represents the geographic extent. A coordinate system or transformation can be tied to multiple usages., and to view all Usage Definitions. Each Usage Definition contains an Area of Use and a Scope.

Create a new Usage Definition

  1. Go to Datasource> Usage Definitions. An Edit Datasource dialog will open.

  2. In the right-hand pane, right-click and select New Object or click the Add (+) button below the pane.  A new blank Usage Editor dialog will open.  There are two tabs on the Usage Editor:

    Identification

    The Identification tab is used to name the object and associate identifying codes with it (if applicable).  

    • The Name field is where you need to enter the appropriate name for the definition; the name entered is the name that will be used to select the object in the main list.  
    • The Remarks field can be used to add notes on a definition and is optional.  
    • The Identifiers list may be used to add identifying codes for an object that may be referenced in other databases.  The GC code is a unique identifier assigned by the Calculator which cannot be altered.  To enter additional codes, right-click in the space below.
    • Deprecated may be checked to indicate an object is no longer being used, either because there are errors in the definition, or because it has been superseded by another object. If this is checked, you will be provided with a date picker to set the date on which the object was deprecated. This will default to the current date.

    Definition

    The Definition tab is used to define the object's parameters.  For Usage, you must select and Area of Use and Scope.

  3. Click OK to close the Usage Editor.

  4. To save the definition permanently, click the Save button on the right hand side of the Edit Datasource dialog.

  5. Click OK to close the Edit Datasource dialog, your new Usage definition is complete and may be used within the Calculator.

Change an existing Usage Definition

  1. Go to Datasource>Usage Definitions. An Edit Datasource dialog will open.

  2. Select the object from the Usage Definition list.

    Note: You can only edit objects shown in blue.

  3. Double click the object you want to edit to open its definition.

  4. Change any of the values and press the OK button.

  5. To save the definition permanently, click the Save button on the right hand side of the Edit Datasource dialog.

Delete an existing Usage Definition

  1. Go to Datasource>Usage Definitions. An Edit Datasource dialog will open.

  2. Select the object from the Usage Definitions list.

    Note: You can only delete objects shown in blue. If you want to hide other objects from the datasource view, see Datasource Filters.

  3. Select the object, right-click it and select Delete Object or click the Trash Can button below the object list.

  4. To save the deletion permanently, click the Save button on the right hand side of the Edit Datasource dialog.