A set of symbols is provided within Debrief. The symbols can either be attached to a text label, or used to highlight a current vessel location when stepping through tracks.

Twenty-two Symbols are provided in 3 sizes. When the 2 smaller sizes are shown, any internal characters (as used in the sonar buoys) are not plotted.

Figure 6.1. Symbols provided by Debrief

Note

In summer 2010 a set of scaled symbols were introduced. These are not shown at fixed screen sizes, but as representative sizes of the subject vessel - so they resize as you zoom in on a plot. In summer 2011 the range of vessels represented by scaled symbols was extended, plus it became possible to specify the length and width of the subject platform for a realistically sized vehicle representation. Figure 6.2. Scaled vessel symbols in Debrief

Symbols are assigned to buoys in a buoy pattern at the Pattern Builder stage. After selecting the type of pattern to be created the user is able to select which type of symbol is used for the buoys (at this stage only the buoy-related symbols are provided). For patterns which include a kingpin (Field, Barrier, Wedge), a kingpin symbol is plotted for the first buoy.

Any label placed on the plot has a symbol type property (although the symbol itself may not be visible). The symbol can be changed through the properties window, or by right-clicking on the label on the plot.

The final area where symbols are used is when stepping through tracks. Each vessel track has a symbol type property which is shown when the plot has SymbolHighlighter selected as the current highlighter.

To access this property, select the Properties button on the Tote (first button on bottom row), and change the current highlighter to "SymbolHighlighter". Now the current data point on each track will be shown using the symbol for that track.

	Tip
	By switching to Snail mode and reducing the reducing the Trail Length to zero, a GOP-type plot can be shown.