Getting Started Checklist - Utilties

Here are some things to remember when working with the RockWorks Utilities.

1. When you're starting a new project, launch RockWorks and create a new project using Project | Folder | Create New Project.
   • Each project has its own project folder.  Models and graphics are stored in the project folder, too.
   • Each project folder will also contain a reference SQLite database file. This is used to store the project's Output Dimensions (the project's 3D space) and a variety of accessory table that you can use to color-code maps, clip grids, etc. Note that you can choose to use a Microsoft Access compatible database (.MDB) if you prefer
   • The database file and the project folder share the same name ("SmithProject" folder would have the "SmithProject.SQLite" or "SmithProject.MDB" database file).
   • When you create a new project, you define your project coordinate system and units.
      
2. Once the project is created, you can enter your data.
   • The programs in the Utilities read row and column data from the Utilities Datasheet. This can be 2D spatial data that you want to contour, 3D spatial data for solid modeling, geochemical data to graph in a Piper plot, structural data for Stereonets, and much more. See Data Layout for some examples of the kinds of data you can process in the RockWorks Utilities.
   • You can import data into the datasheet from Excel files, and other formats. You can also copy/paste data into the datasheet (e.g. from Excel). Or, just type in the data.
   • Use the File menu to create new datasheets, save data, etc.
   • Use the Colums | Column Properties window to establish your column names and types: Define coordinate system and units for map (XY) coordinate columns; define units for elevation columns; set up color, symbol, pattern columns, etc.
   • Save your datasheet layouts as Templates for future work.
      
3. Establish the output dimensions.
   • You can type in the output dimensions, or click the Scan Datasheet button to pull the extents from the data.
   • If you'll be creating surface or solid models, be sure the number of nodes shown in the Output Dimensions pane dense enough (but not too dense!) to properly represent your data.
     
     
4. Create your map, model, or diagram using the menus at the top of the program window. See Utilities Tools - Summary for a list of all of the Utilities programs.
    
5. RockPlot2D is the display window for 2D (flat) graphic images such as maps, rose diagrams, and the like.  It contains a whole fleet of editing tools. Output your maps to Google Earth with the click of a button.
    
6. RockPlot3D is the display window for 3D graphic images, such as solid voxel models, isosurfaces, 3D surfaces, etc.  It is interactive, with rotation, zooming, appending, etc. Output your 3D scenes to Google Earth with the click of a button.
    
7. ReportWorks is a page layout window for images (Rw2D, BMP, JPG, TIFF, etc.), text, legends, shapes, and more.
   
   

See also:

• What's New in RockWorks17
• RockWorks Utilities Tutorial
  

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