Using the module WinCan Meta DB (Indexing Tool)

Problem

How do I have to configure the module WinCan Meta DB to run a query over a group of projects?

Solution

The WinCan Indexing Tool (Meta Database) is located under C:\Program Files (x86)\CDLAB\WinCanVX\WinCanMetaDB.exe. You can start it from there or via the Windows start menu:

Open

1. Start the Indexing tool
   During the first startup, you will get a warning that there is no index database available. Apply with OK:

   Open

   

    

2. Create new index datatabase
   Create a new index database at the desired location
   
   

    

3. Set index database as default
   Set the created database as default so that you don’t have to select it again during the next startup:
   
   

    

4. Configure index fields
   As next, you have to specify the desired fields that should be indexed from the WinCan VX database. Click on the calculator button:
   
   

   Make sure to check the “Visible” option, othwerwise the field will not appear in the overview grid.
   If you want to index fields from the upstream- or downstream manhole, you have to select “NODE” as table and from.* (upstream manhole) or to.* for downstream manhole fields:
   
   

   If you want to index fields with a special file type (like data/time) make sure to select a predefined row with “Date/Time” as data type:
   
   

    

5. Index WinCan VX projects
   Once you have configured the desired indexing fields, you can run the indexing process. You have three options:
   
   

    

6. Using the filter
   All fields that have been added to the index can be filtered. The appear right below the index grid. Select the desired value and hit Apply:
   
   

   If you want to open the project containing the section, click on the button of the first column:
   
   

   Make sure that WinCan VX is launched before pressing this button.
   
   

7. Keep index up to date
   In order to keep the index database up to date, select the option “Update MetaDB tool when project closes”. This will automatically update the index file when you close the project in WinCan VX:
   
   

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