Function-centric and data-centric operations

You can perform many graphical operations in Surpac quicker using a data-centric approach - by selecting the data first, then specifying an operation to be performed on the data.

Function-centric

When you invoke a function first, and then specify the data you want to use, you are performing a function - centric operation.

For example, when you click the button to Open a file or run the OPEN FILE function, Surpac displays a form. Then you select the file to be opened.

You can perform nearly all operations using the function-centric approach. For non-graphical operations, this is often the only option.

For example, to calculate volumes between two DTM surfaces, you must use the function-centric approach, such as by selecting Cut and Fill between DTMs from the Volumes menu.

Surpac starts in function-centric mode. To enter function-centric mode at any time, select the Orbit view button on the Tools toolbar.

Data-centric

When you select data first, and then specify the function to be applied to the data, you are performing a data-centric operation.

For example, when you right-click a file in the Navigator, a shortcut menu is displayed. On the menu, you then choose the operation to perform – such as Open.

Many graphical operations are quicker and easier to perform using the data-centric approach.

For example, you can select data in a string file, and then right-click to display functions that Surpac can perform on the data.

To enter data-centric mode, click the Select button on the Tools toolbar (or any of the buttons on the Tools toolbar except for the Orbit view button.