New release - version 1.2 of the Pplates tectonic reconstruction software
To download the new version of Pplates go to the repository
Step ONE - login - or create a login ID if you are a new user
Step TWO - download a ZIP file
Step THREE - download other components, including the manual, or examples of use cases, as necesary.
Pplates can be used to build
Virtual Worlds,
each
constructed for a
particular time in the past,
starting with the Virtual Earth made up of 3D meshes that
describe the
geometry of the
planetary lithosphere
in present subduction zones.
Pplates development continues at The Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) funded by RSES, the ANU Supercomputer Facility, and by the AuScope Simulation and Modeling group headed by Louis Moresi at Monash University in Melbourne.
This UPDATE is to announce the release of Pplates v 1.2.00. This version of the code replaces Pplates 1.1.00, and, as usual, it still being tested. Bug-fixed versions of this release can be expected in the following weeks. The User Manual has been updated, and comments, questions, and corrections are welcomed. There are also new USE CASES posted in the Software Repository (see NOTES below). Please take note of the new features listed below and in the User Manual and Use Case documentation. New users are welcome, and user feedback is welcome.
The Pplates Team welcomes Sam Hart, who has joined the development effort as a programmer. Pplates is developing faster than ever thanks to his efforts! At the same time, we wish a team member well: Marie-Aude Bonnardot has gone on to other things, and we thank her for her contributions to Pplates development!
Dr Joseph Kurtz
joe.kurtz@anu.edu.au
02-6125-8099
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Some of the New Features:
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Automatic Classification via an auto-saved script:
If you have many data files to be classified, you can now generate a script the first time you do it and then use the script to do the work for you in your next Pplates session.
Tearing a Mesh:
As meshes emulate lithospheric slabs in an increasing number of cases, the ability to modify meshes is being developed. The first "operator" that can modify a mesh has been offered as a "Tear a Mesh" option in the Classification Manager. This operation creates a split in the mesh along a designated line of nodes which can be opened during subsequent mesh interactions and movements.Tool02 (application):
This is a companion tool that can convert meshes stored as DXF files (specifically by GoCad) to Pplates meshes. It can now also read .gmt (Generic Mapping Tool) files and convert them to .bd files for use by Pplates.Displaying ocean floor ages.
The file of gridded data available from Earthbyte (ftp://ftp.geosci.usyd.edu.au/pub/agegrid/2008/Grids/) at the University of Sydney can now be displayed in the map window of Pplates.Faster response with gridded data.
Pplates now responds up to 4x faster when moving gridded data (e.g. topography) in the map window. (Thanks Sam!)
Moving meshes with GPS velocity data:
Pplates can convert GPS station location and velocities to mesh node locations and velocities. This is being used to calculate stress fields from displacements in the direction of current crustal movements.
Increased facilities for map tools:
The Pplates Map Window now offers a way to measure surface distance between two points, and a way to view mapped gridded data values at the location of the cursor.
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How to get Pplates
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The compiled application binary and documentation can be downloaded at from the Pplates Software Repository at http://rses.anu.edu.au/tectonics/Pplates/. When you visit there, simply click on the items you wish to download (there is no need to use the login menu on the side bar). If you have used the web site before, it will remember your email and download will proceed as before. If you're new, or your email address has changed, it will give you a form to fill in before proceeding.
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Note on Error Reports
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If the application crashes, you are usually offered the opportunity to send an error report to Apple. However, in this case it would only be constructive if you copied and pasted the "Problem Details" report into a text document and emailed it directly to Joe.Kurtz@anu.edu.au. Often simple to fix, these Error Reports are an easy way you can help improve Pplates, so Pplease have a go!
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Note on Future Emails:
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You are receiving this email because you have downloaded or expressed interest in Pplates. If you do not wish to receive further Updates, please send me an email stating such, and Happy Trails!
Pplates is being designed and built by Dr Joe Kurtz and Professor Gordon Lister. The outline and component map illustrates the various facets of this project.