Thursday 19 June 2014

Location Analysis

The ability to display results in a fancy way are all fine features of Ranges 9 but it is nothing if it cannot perform analyses to produce these results in the first place. The new version of the software can now run analyses, and there is a new Location Analysis screen to start this off.

The new screen is functionally similar to the one in Ranges 8. You click to choose a particular location analysis from the list then choose the files that are required. Option boxes appear according to the analysis chosen and the user must select those relevant to his investigation. Particular ranges and locations can be selected for analysis (we have already seen the new selection screen) and there are a few options pertinent to output files created. Hints for the user appear at the bottom of the form as they used to and he is unable to run the analysis until all required files and settings are specified.

But the form has had the Ranges 9 make over. All controls have a consistent size and shape. They have relevant labels with the correct capitalisations and, as they appear, the controls are positioned neatly one above the other.

The analysis window is a popup but it is not "modal" i.e. buttons on the main interface still respond when the analysis window is open. This means you can choose a different analysis window or click to view the statistics without closing the current analysis.

The new location analysis dialog