Overview of User Interface
Introduction
Starting with version 4, APSIM comes with a user interface that lets users
configure simulations using a drag and drop paradigm. This interface, unlike
APSFront, provides complete access to all APSIM parameters and supports
multiple point simulations.
Getting started
When first started (by clicking Windows Start Menu -> All Programs -> Apsim 7.3 r1387 -> APSIM User Interface), the interface shows a toolbar at the top, a toolbar at the bottom and two empty panes in between.
To create a simulation, click
New on the toobar at the top of the screen and select a simulation that is closest to the type of simulation you want to build.
This list of default simulations will be expanded over time. In fact, you can add
your own default simulations to this list allowing you to reuse common
simulations.
Description of a simulation
Simulation
Configuration Tree
Properties for selected component (clock)
The tree control on the left shows the components that make up the APSIM simulation
(Simulation Tree). Clicking on a component will show the properties for
that component on the right. The picture above shows the clock component
selected with it's properties on the right.
It is recommended that users work their way from top to bottom in the
simulation tree, checking each component's properties. Components can be renamed
by selecting them, pausing for a second and then clicking again. Components
may be deleted from the simulation tree by selecting the component and pressing
delete. They can also be renamed or deleted by right mouse clicking on them and selecting "Rename" or "Delete".
Remember though that deleting or renaming components usually has
implications for other components. For example, deleting a crop usually means
the management of that crop (e.g. sow, harvest etc), under the Manager
component, needs to be changed as well.
Note that you can change the order of components in the tree. You do this by right mouse clicking on the component and clicking
Move Up or
Move Down or you can hold down the Ctrl key and use the up and down arrow. The order of the components is not usually important it is merely cosmetic. The only exception is the order under the
Manager folder component.
Adding components to a simulation via Toolboxes
To add components to a simulation tree, click the
Standard button on the toolbar at the bottom of the window. This will show the standard toolbox containing many components and simulation
entities that can be dragged onto the simulation tree.
A toolbox is a collection of reusable simulation components. By default there
are many in the standard toolbox that cover a lot of the standard functionality
required. The onus, though, is very much on the user to know which combinations
of components work together. It is not expected that first time users will know
which components work together. The recommendation is to start with a pre-built
simulation and modify it, rather than starting from scratch. If in doubt, contact the
APSIM Forum.
