SALnotes

The Spatial Analysis Lab (or 'SAL', which includes AH-14, AH-16, AH-24 and ES-318) is part of the Institute for Spatial Information and Analysis (along with the Huxley Map Library).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Current Installation (see Software List for details):
        - ArcGIS 9.2
        - Imagine 9.1
        - Office 2007 (see notes on using Office 2007)

The J:\ Drive:
    GIS Datasets:                    J:\GEO\GEO_data
    Class folders & Tutorials:    J:\Saldata

The "My Documents" folder has been re-directed to the U:/ drive

Some (less frequently used) software can be found:
        Start | Programs | MISC PROGRAMS

Use of the SAL:
    The SAL is open 24 hours a day
    When a class is in session, students are welcome to use available
        computers in the back so long as this is OK with the instructor.
    Please NO PRINTING DURING LECTURES

SAL Mission and History

The SAL has been established to provide access to specific hardware, software and databases which enhance instruction in various disciplines where displaying, analyzing and modeling of spatial relationships is a primary goal. Instructors and students in geology, geography, and the environmental sciences and social sciences are able to share these resources and to interact with each other on class projects and individual research efforts. This users guide outlines some of the basic requirements for working in this lab, and gives suggestions on how to make the best use of the facilities. The SAL is operated jointly by Huxley College and the Geology Department. The SAL has been funded, in part, by STF funds.

Originally, the SAL consisted of AH-16. It has now grown to include AH-14 (a mixed classroom/computer lab), AH-24 (a mixed classroom/projects computer lab) and ES-318 (the "Planning Studio"). Each of these rooms are available to students when classes are not scheduled. AH-16 is open 24/7 (though the building may not be).

System Log-in and Log-out

The SAL computers use the standard WWU Novel login. In addition, some data for classes and/or general spatial analysis is stored on the J:\ drive (servers maintained by Huxley). Access to the J:\ drive is connected to your Novel login: students currently enrolled in a Huxley or Geology class should have access automatically. Other students needing access to the J:\ drive should contact the SAL Lab Manager.

Access to Lab Printers

Three printers are available in the Spatial Analysis Lab:
        HP-9050 (BW) 2-Sided (the default printer)
            8.5x11
            11x17
        HP-5si (BW) Single sided (the backup printer)
            8.5x11
            11x17 (see notes for printing 11x17 inch on the 5si printer)
        HP 5550 (Color)
            8.5x11
            11x17 (manually feed into the fold-down Tray in the front)

Access to the color printer is limited to certain classes and to users & projects who need for color printing (typically with a faculty approval). The color printer is considerably more expensive than BW. When preparing reports which include graphics, please use the black and white printers for developing drafts and proof-reading. Use the color printer only when you are fairly certain of being ready for your final copy. See also the list of color printers & scanners at Huxley College.

Canceling a Print Job: If you have submitted a print job and then realized that the results will not be acceptable, you may interrupt the print job by accessing the appropriate print queue as follows:
    - Select START/SETTINGS/PRINTERS
    - Click on the designated printer
    - Select your print job and under the Document Menu
    - Click "cancel" to delete it from the list
If it is no longer on the list, it may be processing, in which case, it can be halted by following the instructions posted on the front of the printer.

Be aware that the printing of an excessively large number of sheets, or the printing of inappropriate materials (non-academic content) may lead to a loss of use of the printers to individual account owners. A log of all print jobs contains information on user accounts, number of pages, source documents and a date/time stamp. This log may be checked to determine excessive use.

Additionally, some SAL courses have access to large-format printing for posters and maps.

SAL Computers (C:\TEMP, etc.)

The computer hard-drives in the SAL contain the application software and operating system files. Users have read/write access to the TEMP folder (subdirectory) on the C:\ hard-drive for use while working on the computer. This C:\TEMP workspace is available to all users and over time can become cluttered with files created and left behind after the users log-out. This workspace should be treated as Temporary storage while you are working on a project. Any later user, at any time, may delete any or all files stored in C:\TEMP so do not store files on C:/temp when you log off (they likely won't be there when you return...). Good computer etiquette would suggest that you remove (delete) your files from C:\TEMP before you logout.

The 31 computers in AH-16 are identical in their software and hardware configuration. Other SAL labs have similar software, though often with some omissions, and occasionally with a few additions (notable in the Planning Studio). See the SAL software list for details.

SAL & WWU Computer Drive Letters

In addition to the Local Drives listed above, WWU's network provides access to a number of Network Drives (Servers). Upon logging in to the Novel network, a variety of drive letters will be assigned ('mapped'). While these mapped drives may vary with the individual user's account, the more common are listed below.

The J:\ Drive (Huxley's main server) which has two main components:
J:\GEO\GEO_data\ - Huxley College's spatial data server
J:\Saldata\ - Class folders and tutorials for Huxley College courses
(see also notes on using SAL_temp\ below)
The U:\ drive - Network storage space assigned to individual users (1 GB standard)
The S:\ Drive - group project folders (shared accesse)

(talk to Stefan to set up a folder on the S:/ drive for a class)