11. Workflows

Introduction

A workflow can be used to quickly execute a series of tasks, or as a presentation tool displaying both data and text.

In its simplest form, a workflow is a list of commands, each connected to a data set in the project. The user can execute the commands one by one or use the workflow execute to run through all commands in a series.

Example of a basic workflow

In this section:

Workflow toolbar

Icon	Description
	Lets you add an element to the workflow.
	Saves your workflow.
	Paste an element at top level in the workflow tree.
Recorder	On/off recording command actions into a workflow
	Executes the whole workflow from the top.
	Jumps to the first executable element.
	Executes the selected element.
	Jumps to the last executable element.
	Lets you create a workflow toolbar that will appear in the main toolbar in Geocap.
	Moves the selected element up.
	Moves the selected element down.
Close	Closes the workflow.

Creating a workflow

To create a new workflow select File > New > Workflow. The workflow will appear empty, below the project.

Adding commands to the workflow

There are three ways to add commands to the workflow:

Click the add element icon and select a command from the list.
Copy commands from the Toolbox and paste into the workflow. The currently selected project object will automatically be assigned as input dataset to the workflow element.
Enable the workflow recorder in the workflow toolbar. Commands will then automatically be added to the workflow as they are executed.

After a command has been added you need to select which dataset the command should be performed on:

Right-click the command and select edit
Select the appropriate dataset in your project
Click the green arrow.

Browsing in a dataset to the workflow display command

You will also have the option to change the display parameters if applicable.

Workflow organization

You will normally organize commands into groups (folders). This lets you execute all commands inside a group in one go. Groups are added by adding the command Group.

Groups and commands can be re-organized by using copy/cut and paste and using the icons to control the execution order of the commands.

Consider giving the workflow elements descriptive names such as Display Coastline rather than just Display.

Important commands

Group - Lets you group commands into folders.
Clear graphics - Removes all displays from the graphical window.
Actor Manipulator - Lets you remove specific displayed datasets from the graphical window.
Script - Lets you use the shell commands in the workflow, which enables you to control the z-scale, scale to data, set window in 2D/3D mode etc.

Executing a workflow

There are several ways to execute a workflow:

Clicking will execute the whole workflow in one go.
Clicking on a group will execute all commands in that group in one go, and move the focus to the next group.
Clicking on a command will execute that command and move the focus to the next command.

Use the check box next to the commands to select which elements that are to be executed when running the workflow.