Open a RockWorks17 Project Folder

Project Folder | Open

Each project you work on in RockWorks must have its own folder, called a Project Folder, on your computer. The Project Folder is where the following items are stored:

• The borehole database (.SQLite) of the same name as the folder, for storage of borehole data and miscellaneous project data
• Your RockWorks Datasheet files (.RwDat)
• Graphic files, grid and solid models, and other accessory files for the project

! We have made slight changes to the internal structure of the SQLite database since RockWorks17. When you open an existing RockWorks17 project, a copy of it will be created, the database updated, and a new folder will be created. Thus, your original project won't be affected.

! All RockWorks17 datasheet (.rwDat), grid (.rwGrd), solid model (.rwMod), 2D graphic (.rw2D), 3D graphic (.rw3D) and ReportWorks (.rwRpt) files are fully usable between versions.

Step-by-Step Summary

Step-by-Step Summary

Follow these steps to open a RockWorks17 project:

1. Click on the Project Folder | Open menu option.

   

2. Use the Browse button to browse for the folder in which the RockWorks17 project is stored and click OK.
   ! You need to select the name of the FOLDER; the program is not asking you to select the name of any particular file.
   ! Don't select the "System" folder inside your project folder.
   
3. The program will display a window that reads:

   =====================================================
   This project appears to be a RockWorks17 project.
   "full project path"

   To upgrade a RockWorks15/16/17 project to the new format, a new project folder
   and database will be created and your old RockWorks project data copied into it.

   =====================================================
   Do you wish to proceed?
   =====================================================

4. Click No to cancel this process and return to the previous project folder.
   Click Yes to continue with the process of opening and updating a RockWorks17 project folder.

   If you select Yes, you'll be presented with a series of screens where you will define the location of the new project folder, the coordinate system and units for the existing project, and the output coordinates for the new project.

5. Folder tab: Use this tab to define the folder for the new, updated version of your RockWorks17 project.
   
   • New Project Folder: The default name that will be displayed here is the name of your RockWorks17 project (such as "Airport"), now in the new RockWorks Data folder.

   • 

     If this is not acceptable, you can use the button to browse for a different location for this new project folder.
     ! Do not save the updated RockWork project in the RockWorks17 project folder.

   • Database Engine:
     • Use Default Database Engine: Choose this option to use the default database engine (SQLite).
     • Customize the Database Engine (Advanced): Select this option to display advanced settings that allow you to customize the database to be used. (More info...)
     • 
       
   • New Project Settings:
     • Create New Project with Data or Settings from an Existing Project:This should be the default setting. This will enable RockWorks to bring in data from the existing project.
     • 
       
   • Click the Next button, at the bottom of the window, to proceed to the next tab.
   • 
     
6. Project Template
   • Base the New Project on the Following Project: The default displayed here will be the name of the RockWorks17 project you're opening. This should remain selected.
   • 
     
   • Use the database structure, types tables and borehole data: This should be the default selection, so that all data from the RockWorks17 project will be brought into the new RockWorks project. This option should remain selected.
   • 
     
   • Copy Project Menu Settings: This should be checked by default so that the menu settings (such as gridding methods, contour line styles, etc.) will be brought into the new project. Leave this checked.
   • 
     
   • Copy Project Support Tables: This should be checked by default so that the "Misc Support Tables" will be brought into the new project. Leave this checked.
   • 
     
   • Copy Other Files: Use this button to define which of your external files will be copied to the new folder. The file formats have not changed since RockWorks17 and the files are fully usable in the new version. See RockWorks File Types for details. You can choose any of the following:
     • Utilities Datasheets (.RwDat files)
     • Grid Models (.RwGrd files)
     • Solid Models (.RwMod files)
     • RockPlot2D diagrams (.Rw2D files)
     • RockPlot3D diagrams (.Rw3D files)
     • ReportWorks diagrams (.RwRpt files)
     • Scripts (.Rcl files)
     • 
       
   • Click the Next button at the bottom of the window to proceed to the next tab.
   • 
     
7. Project Coordinates - You won't be able to change the settings on this tab at this time, since your RockWorks17 project already has coordinate and unit information saved in the database. After the update process is complete, you can change the coordinate labels or reproject the coordinate values as necessary.
   
8. When you have made all of your selections, click the Finish button to proceed.
   

The existing RockWorks17 project will be copied into the new folder and loaded into the Borehole Manager. You'll see the boreholes in that project now listed in the Name pane, and their data loaded into the data tables.

Back to RockWorks Projects - Overview

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