19 - 1   Using the Compare Toggle

To compare data sets, first load multiple grid data files, then activate the Compare checkbox in the Data Set section of the sidebar. You can then use the Compare Options dialog to choose which data sets to use in the comparison and to change which is the active (or master) data set.

19 - 1.1   Loading Multiple Data Files

Tecplot RS allows you load any number of grid data sets. For each data set, choose “Load Grid Data” from the Project menu (see Section 12 - 1 “Loading Grid Data”). Data sets after the first are inactive until made active by selecting them in the Manage Data dialog (Project > Manage Data). Refer to Section 12 - 2 “Managing Grid Data” for information on managing multiple grid files in Tecplot RS.

After you have loaded the data sets the first time, you might want to save a project file so you can load the data sets in fewer steps in the future. Refer to Chapter 22: “Projects” for additional information.

19 - 1.2   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 “Force unlinked grids to sync” is selected, grid views between datasets are always synchronized when compared regardless of size and extent. If not selected, then RS will automatically synchronize views if it determines that the grids in each data set are similar in terms of size and extent. Normally it is not necessary to select this option.

 

Note that if you are recording a macro, checking/unchecking this toggle is not recorded.

If you need more information about a data set before choosing it, see instead the Grid 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.

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.