Creating and Editing Entities

Owned by Isabelle Avery (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Jan 17, 2023 by Charlotte Dakin-Norris
4 min read

Introduction

This section covers the standardised methods of creating, editing, saving and deleting any feature, of any entity, on any page. Once grasped, a user will have the relevant knowledge to configure the software fully.

Within the Witness™ user interface, there are set processes for almost every aspect of configuration, and they are standard through the software. Given that the Witness™ user interface has been designed to be as intuitive and accessible as possible, these processes are not dissimilar to the processes of widely used software (e.g. for the creation of written documents or email management) due to the use of similar icons and actions.

Contents

Enabling Configuration Mode

This mode should not be confused with the Edit Mode or obtaining an edit lock. It only serves the purposes of adjusting the screen layout so it is better suited for making configuration changes. For example, enabling the Configuration mode will show the Configuration Tree if it is not already visible.

To enable Configuration Mode:

  1. Select the settings cog in the top right of the application or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+C.

  2. The cog will go green once the mode is enabled.

To disable Configuration Mode:

  1. Select the settings cog again or use the same keyboard shortcut again Ctrl+Alt+C.

  2. The cog will return to its default colour once the mode is disabled.

Standard Creation

When the Config Function is enabled, any new entity can be created using this process. This process can also be used under the Topology tab, to create new radar, and within the Events Scheduler on the System Menu.  

  1. New: Select to create a new entity or action. This will often start a wizard.

     

  2. This may be followed by a further selection of New options, dependent on your page and selected entity.

     

  3. Next/Back: If there are multiple options in the wizard, these keys will be available to toggle back and forth between them.

  4. Finish: Complete the wizard, and save your creation.

  5. Cancel: Cancel the creation process/wizard.

Standard Configuration

When the Config Function is enabled, any selected entity can be edited using this process. This is also the process for any settings editing, e.g. System Settings or Radar Settings.

Edit: Select to open up dialogue boxes, tick boxes and tables for editing. Make any changes.

Save: Confirm any changes made, and exit Edit mode.

Cancel: Cancel any changes made, and exit Edit mode to revert to the settings as they were prior to enabling Edit.  

These options are often also available:

Close: Closes window, if the configuration is taking place in a separate window. 

Log: Select to open the Entity Audit log for the particular entity being configured.

Validation Errors

Sometimes when you edit an entity, the Save button will be disabled. This is caused by a validation error, which means that you have not configured the entity correctly.

Witness™ provides assistance if this occurs. To check why you cannot save an edit:

  1. Hover your mouse over the Save button:

     

  2. The system will display a tooltip with the reason why there is a problem with your configuration.

Standard Area and Shape Manipulation

There are five incidences in which the creation and manipulation of a shape on the PPI display is required: 

  1. For a Carriageway:

    1. Plotting a Plum line

    2. Editing a Carriageway

  2. Plotting and Editing an Area

  3. Plotting and Editing a Contour Area

  4. Plotting and Editing a Breach Line

The processes for each of these differ slightly, but some actions are standard across all. 

Prior to this, the process will have began by enabling either New or Edit. 

Plum Line

  • Click+Drag the circular node icons to move the nodes.

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag when the🕂move icon appears to move the entire Plum Line.

  • Right Click square icon to create a new Node.

  • Right Click Node to delete a Node.

Carriageway

Area

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag the circular node icons to move the nodes.

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag inside the the Area to move the entire Area.

  • Ctrl+Alt+Click+Drag the circular node icons to move the nodes, then snap them to the position of other nodes. 

    • E.g. the nodes of the set Area shape, a secondary Area's nodes, Carriageway nodes.

  • Right Click square icon to create a new Node.

  • Right Click Node to delete a Node.

Contour Area

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag the circular node icon to move the nodes.

  • Right Click square icon to create a new Node.

  • Right Click Node to delete a Node.

Breach Line

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag the circular node icons to move the nodes.

  • Ctrl+Click+Drag the lines to move the entire Breach Line.

  • Ctrl+Alt+Click+Drag the circular node icons to move the nodes, then snap them to the position of other nodes. 

    • E.g. the nodes of the set Area shape, a secondary Area's nodes, Carriageway nodes.

  • Right Click square icon to create a new Node.

  • Right Click Node to delete a Node.

Select Save to confirm changes, Cancel to delete them.

 

Safety is everything.