Combine and renumber strings
This function is a useful utility for combining strings together from files which have different Locations but identical ID numbers and changing the string numbers in the process. It is also useful for changing the numbers of strings within a single file.
To run this function: Choose Edit > String > Renumber range, or File tools > Combine/split file options > Combine and renumber strings, or...
Some examples of where you might use this function are:
- You have two sets of string files. The first set has a Location of `low_grade' with strings 1,5 and the second set has a Location of `high_grade' with strings 1,5. Each set of string files has an ID range of 100,200,10. You want to merge the two sets of files so that the strings for each ID number are in single file with the low_grade strings being 1,5 and the high grade strings being 6,10. This function will perform this task.
- You have a single string file which has strings 1,5;11,20 and you want to change the strings so that they are numbered 1,15 with no gaps in the sequence. This function will also perform this task.
A form is displayed to allow you to enter the number of files per layer, that is the number of different locations from which the strings are to come from, the ID range of the files which are to be processed and the Location of the new files which are to be created.
Number of input files per layer
Enter the number of different locations which are to be merged together using this function. In example 1 above you would enter 2. In example 2 above you would enter 1 file per layer.
Id range
Enter the ID range of the files which are to be combined. If any of the files specified do not exist the process will continue but a warning message will be issued.
New location
Enter the location of the new file which is to be created.
Retain descriptions
Respond with (Y)es if descriptions are to be transferred to the new files and (N)o if descriptions are to be ignored.
Complete the COMBINE AND RENUMBER STRINGS form and choose Apply to display a second COMBINE AND RENUMBER STRINGS form to allow you to enter the Input location, the Input string range and the Output string range. This form is displayed for each input location which was entered in the first COMBINE AND RENUMBER STRINGS form.
Define the strings for location number
This field is a display only field. The number displayed will range from 1 to the number of input files per layer which was entered in the first COMBINE AND RENUMBER STRINGS form. This is primarily intended to help you keep track of where you are in defining the inputs.
Input location
Enter the location of the files to be combined and renumbered.
Input string range
Enter the range of strings from this location which are to be transferred to the output files. If these strings don't exist then processing will continue. Any strings other than the specified strings are ignored and will not be copied to the output file.
Output string range
Enter the range of strings which the new strings are to be numbered as. It is important that the number of strings defined by the input string range and the number of values defined by the output string are equal. If this is not so then a warning message will be displayed and you must correct the error.
For example an input string range of 1,10 and an output string range of 11,20 have an equal number of values and so it is acceptable. This will result in the following:
| Input string | becomes Output string |
|---|---|
| 1 | 11 |
| 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 13 and so on |
An input string range of 1,10 and an output string range of 50,55 do not have an equal number of values and is not a valid range.
Result
The input strings from each location are copied to the new location and the string numbers are changed as defined. This process is repeated for each id number which has been defined. Various messages are displayed in the message window during processing to advise you of progress.