Import a Layer from a Spectral Data Text File

Import a Layer from a Spectral Data Text File

Last Updated: 

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Software/Versions Affected:

  • Optics›5
  • Optics›6

You can import data from spectral data text files which conform to the format described in the International Glazing Database: Data Submission Procedure and Reference Manual. (The manual can be downloaded from the IGDB site.)

This file format is an extension of the format used for the spectral data library in WINDOW 4.1. It is possible to import files from a WINDOW 4.1 spectral data library, but if you are preparing new spectral data files, they should be in the extended format described in the manual. When you import a file, the program will check to see if any of the extended information is missing from the file — if it is, you will have a chance to enter the information before saving the imported layer to the user database.

To import spectral data text files into the user database:

  • Choose the menu option File|Import Text File(s)…
  • Select the file or files you want to import
    (you can import many files at once using a multiple selection – see Windows help on how to make a multiple selection)
  • Click ‘Open’ to begin importing
  • If the file is missing any extended header information, you will see the following message:

     
    'This file is missing some information, it could be a Window4 style text file. Would you like to fill in the missing information?'

    Choose ‘Yes’ to display the Change Glazing dialog box, where you can enter the missing data. Consult the Data Submission Procedure and Reference Manual for details on how to fill in the fields. The best solution is to alter your text files to conform to the specifications of the manual.

    If you do not want to manipulate this layer in Optics and do not want any extra information to be added to the database, Optics will fill in the minimum required data for you — press ‘OK’ on the Change Glazing dialog box, and Optics will describe the changes it has made. If these changes are acceptable, press ‘OK’ again to continue.

  • The imported file will be saved to the user database.

     
    You cannot save data for a layer with the same filename as another layer in the IGDB or your current user database. If a conflict is detected, Optics will ask you to rename the layer before saving it, or cancel the import.

  • Once the data is saved, the layer can be used in Optics, or imported into WINDOW. Make sure you look in the user database to find the imported data.

Note: The dialog box that allows you to select files always opens in the same directory — you can set which directory is opened by default using the menu option Tools|Options... then setting the location of the 'Default I/O Folder'

Note: Optics requires some data about the layer in order to allow layer transformation operations and to allow you to use the layer in a laminate. You will need to add the extra information to imported data that does not comply with the Data Submission Procedure and Reference Manual if you want to perform these operations in Optics. The best solution is to alter your text files to conform to the specifications of the manual and re-import them.