3.3. Using display modes

3.3.1. Configuring Display Modes

In addition to changing the properties for the Stepper Control, you can change the properties of the current display mode by clicking on the Edit Highlighter button visible at the top of the Edit Step Control properties page. The properties page will open for the current display mode, which allows us to edit only two parameters, these relate to the colour the highlight is drawn in, and the size of the highlight drawn (in screen pixels). Try increasing the size of the highlight and applying it, and you will see the highlight grow. Now Close this properties window and return to the Tote.

3.3.2. Normal Display Mode

The default display mode, called the Normal Display Mode offers a quick and easy way to move through tracks whilst retaining sight of all of the data by plotting a highlight over the current data point.

3.3.3. Snail Display Mode

However the next display mode, named the Snail Display Mode provides a more stylised view of the data only showing the current vessel positions. Now change the Current Display Mode property to Snail Display Mode and Apply. Quick as a flash, the plot will clear. Now switch back to the Tote and move forward a few steps. You will see a vector appear at the current vessel position.

This is such a useful thing to use that it can also be changed from the Stepper control itself, where a drop-down list of the two options is supplied.

The circle represents the current position, the stalk direction represents the current course, and its length gives a relative idea of the vessel speed (when compared to the length of the other vessel's stalk, boys will be boys). The dots trailing back from the current position are a snail trail of points going back in time. If you move forward and backward with the stepper control you will see these trails moving.

3.3.4. Relative Display Mode

The Relative Display Mode is a specialised version of the Snail Display Mode. It works identically, except that the plot is oriented to match the current heading of the primary track, so the vector on the primary track always points upwards.

Relative Display Mode is particularly useful for analysing one vessel trailing another. Make the trailing vessel the primary track, and the vessel being trailed the secondary track. As you step forward through the serial you will clearly be able to see the relative bearing of the contact as held by the trailing vessel. The sample shown below gives a demonstration of the use of this relative mode. You can quickly see that the blue vessel is directly ahead of the red trailing vessel, and your use of the Range Ring Highlighter gives us a quick indication of range.

3.3.5. Display Mode Properties

The Snail and Relative Display Modes have a few more editable properties than the Normal Display Mode. Access these properties using the Properties button: . In the properties window which opens, you are able to edit the following parameters: