The Dataset Analysis Tools in Vensim use the loaded datasets to create graphs and tables. The Datasets tab of the Control Panel lets you manage which datasets are loaded.
Available displays a list of datasets that are available for use but are not currently in use. This list is made up of all the dataset (.vdf) files that are in the same directory as the model with which you are working. To load an available dataset, double click on it, or click on it and then click on the >> button.
Available - Info...gets information about an available dataset, including the model from which the run was made, the options used for the run, and any comment you might have entered (in the Standard tab of the Simulation Control dialog). Click on a run name then click on the Available - Info button.
Loaded displays a list of loaded datasets. To change the order of datasets, click the dataset in the loaded list (on the left) that you want to appear first. It moves to first place and becomes the only highlighted dataset.
Loaded - Info allows you to get information about a loaded run. Click on the run name and click on the Loaded - Info button.
The order of datasets in the loaded list determines their order in graphs and tables. For example, if you have configured the Document tool to report the values of variables, it reports them from the first dataset in the list. The Table tool uses the first dataset to choose an appropriate time axis. The Run Comparison tool (which requires that the datasets are simulation output) uses the first two loaded datasets.
To reorder datasets click on the one you want to appear first. Then Control-click on the one you want to appear second, then third and so on. Control-clicking a highlighted dataset removes the highlight and moves that dataset below any highlighted dataset.
Double clicking on a dataset in the Loaded list or clicking on a dataset and then clicking on the << button will remove it from the Loaded list and place it in the Available list. (If the loaded dataset was from a different directory it will just be removed from the Loaded list and will not appear in the available list.)
>> (Load) loads the available dataset that is highlighted. The name will be moved to the Loaded list. Loading a dataset does not remove it from disk. If nothing is highlighted in the Available list the Load button does nothing.
Note that double-clicking on a name in the Filename list has the same effect as clicking on the name and then clicking on the >> button.
<< (Unload) unloads all highlighted runs from the Loaded list. The Unload button does not remove any files from disk. If you unload a dataset it will no longer be shown in graphs.
Note that double-clicking on a name in the Loaded list has the same effect as clicking on the name and then clicking the >> button.
Delete deletes the highlighted dataset in the Available list from disk. You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the dataset. The delete button is helpful in cleaning up files.
Load From... allows you to load a dataset from a different directory. If you do this, the name of the dataset as it appears in the Loaded list and Analysis Tool output will include its full path. The Load From... button retains a memory of the last directory you loaded from to make it easier to load multiple datasets from another directory.
