Accessed by choosing Tools | Program Settings | Survey Data.
Use this command to set the way TPC manages your files. TPC displays the Survey Data dialog so you can change the file settings.
Turn this option on to create a backup TRV file with the extension TRB. If you load an existing TRV file, and make changes to it, a backup file is created from the original TRV file before it is overwritten. In effect, the backup file represents the state of the survey before you started editing it during this session. Subsequent files saves DO NOT write backup files. The backup file is not overwritten until the corresponding survey is opened and saved in a new session. Each TPC session (File Open, Edit, File Save) creates or updates the backup file.
The File | Save Survey As... does NOT create a backup file because the original survey file is not changed.
When turned on, TPC displays 'File Saved' each time you save the survey and waits for you to press the OK button.
This option is used on computer networks to prevent other users on the network from editing a network file at the same time as another user.
The file locking option prevents others from opening the survey file you have open. Locking is accomplished with a semaphore file with the $RV extension. If the user requests TPC to open a file for which the semaphore file exists (there is both a TRV and a $RV file for the survey), TPC will display a warning that the file is locked and will not open it.
If TPC does not shut down properly you will be prompted to unlock the file the next time you open it.
The Autosave options help prevent data loss in the event of a program or computer malfunction. The Autosave file that is written does not affect the current survey file. You will still need to choose the File, Save command to update the TRV file. When the TRV file is saved, the Autosave file is removed. Autosave files have the same filename as the survey, but with the TRA extension.
The timed autosave option writes a copy of the current survey at the specified interval.
This option forces TPC to write the Autosave file before Input/Output operations like serial communications and printing. These operations can sometimes cause computer lockups and loss of data.
When this option is turned on, TPC prompts you at the specified interval to save the survey. If you choose Yes, TPC saves the survey to its TRV file and continues on. If you choose No, TPC resets the timer and prompts you after another interval.
Turn this option On to show the 'New Survey Hints' dialog each time you start a new survey. This dialog provides directions for starting a traverse, starting a drawing or importing points into a new survey.