The Workspace

All assets within ReefMaster, such as tracks and waypoint sets, are stored in a single database file known as a Workspace. Workspace files have the file extension .rm2db (ReefMaster 2.0 DataBase). Note that earlier versions of ReefMaster use the extension .rmdb.

When a new workspace is created, ReefMaster creates a new folder on disk, in which the ReefMaster database file is stored, along with all associated files, such as waypoint and background images.

The above image shows the data and folders associated with the workspace ‘workspace_demo’. Note that the workspace database file workspace_demo.rmdb is held within a folder of the same name (minus the file extension). Also present within this folder are sub folders that contain background and waypoint images.

Note that files and folders within the workspace folder should never be edited or deleted.

Backing up the Workspace

As always, when saving important data to computer disk, regular back-ups should be maintained. As all of the data required for a workspace is held within the folder that contains the workspace, the simplest way to back-up a workspace is to make a copy of the workspace folder and all of its contents, including any subdirectories. To save disk space, the copy can be compressed using a tool such as WinZip™.

Saving Work Within the Workspace

All changes to a workspace, such as adding or deleting assets, or changes to individual assets, are written immediately to the database file. This behaviour means that there is no separate "Save" function within ReefMaster. There are advantages, and also some disadvantages, associated with not having to explicitly save work. Advantages include the reduced risk of losing work due to application crashes or power outage. A disadvantage is less ability to roll back changes made in error by reverting to a previously saved file. In order to mitigate this, most destructive actions, such as deleting track points or moving waypoints, have an undo facility. Be aware that this undo information is lost once the application is closed.

Creating a new Workspace

To create a new workspace, use the New Workspace button in the New Asset page of the File menu:

The New Workspace window is shown:

·Type a name for the new workspace in the Name field. Note that as the workspace name will also be the file name for the workspace folder and database file, only valid Windows file name characters are permitted as part of the workspace name. Invalid characters will be stripped before the workspace is created.

·Select a location on disk for the new workspace, either by typing the path in by hand, or clicking the Browse button and selecting a folder. The path can be any location on disk with appropriate write permissions.

·Once a valid path has been selected, the OK button will become enabled. Click OK to create the new workspace.

New workspaces can also be created by clicking the New button on the ReefMaster startup window, or by using the New Workspace button in the quick access toolbar.

Opening an Existing Workspace

Open a workspace by selecting the Open Workspace menu option in the File menu, to show the Open Workspace page:

·To open a workspace shown in the Recent Workspaces list, click the workspace name.

·To create a new workspace, use the New Workspace button.

·To open an existing workspace that is not shown in the recent workspaces list, click the Browse button and select the required workspace file using the open file window. Note that you must select the workspace file, with extension rmdb or rm2db.

·A file explorer window can be opened to a recent folder by clicking on the folder in the Recent Workspace Folders list.

·Workspaces can also be opened by using the button in the quick access toolbar or from the ReefMaster startup window.