10 - 1   Preparing for Comparison

To compare data sets, first load multiple XY data files. If you compare data sets using the sidebar, you also need to specify the active data file. The comparison uses the active data file for reference values.

10 - 1.1   Active Data Set

When you load multiple files, only one file functions as the active data set. Tecplot RS will display the active data set by default in all plots and will use it to determine which entities and variables appear in the selection lists. When doing comparisons, Tecplot RS uses the active data set as the data set to which it compares the other files.

The Compare Options dialog, accessible by clicking the Options button in the Data Set section of the sidebar, lets you choose the active data set.

 

If you need more information about a data set before choosing it, see instead the XY page of the Manage Data dialog. The active data set appears highlighted. The Active Data Set box lists a summary of the entity types available.

To change the active data set, simply highlight the file name in the Available Data Sets box. The information in the Active Data Set region of the dialog will update accordingly. When you close the Manage Data dialog, the plot and the sidebar will reflect the new active data set.

If no data file has been loaded previously, the new data file will be the active set, and each subsequent data file will be treated as an inactive data set. You can change the active data set at any time by selecting a different data set in the Available Data Sets region of the Manage Data dialog.