To the left is a tree view of the modules in the project and the standard MIM. If a module is expanded the tables contained in that module are visible.
In the main work area several windows showing the contents of the modules can be displayed. Windows can be closed, minimized and maximized just like normal windows.
In addition to the usual buttons to open and save etc. there is a search field that searches the entire project in the toolbar.
Below the main work area there is another tree view. This view presents the results of the consistency check performed on the project.
At the bottom is a status bar that displays messages from the program.
Navigating in Modules and Tables
When double-clicking a module in the project tree a window showing that module will appear in the main work area. If there is already a window displaying the module it will be moved to the front. If you want two windows showing the same module simply right-click on that module and choose “Show Module in new Window” to create a new window.
If you double-click a table in the project tree that module will be opened and that particular table shown.
Every module window has a drop down box in the toolbar that changes which table is shown in the window.
The Module Overview
The module overview provides a short summary of the contents of the module. The type, title, purpose and description give an idea of why the module was written. A list of the tables and how many entries they contain together with thumbnail pictures of the object-and interaction class trees give an overview of the contents of the module. The overview also contains information about how many errors, warnings and information the module generated. Note that this information is depending on the context and will not necessary be the same if the module is opened in another project. A new feature in HLA Evolved is the possibility to assign a glyph (icon) to each module which can be used as a symbol for the module.
Understanding the Class Tree
The Object Classes and Interaction Classes are shown in a graphical tree. This provides a nice overview of how the classes are connected. If the module is dependent on other FOM modules the tree is superimposed on grayed-out versions of the classes in those modules. This makes it easier to see where your classes fit in with other FOM modules. It is also possible to get a list of all attributes for an object class. Not only those specified on the class but those inherited from its parent classes even if the parent classes are in another module and are only referenced by means of scaffolding.
To easier navigate big class trees a mini map in the lower left corner shows a thumbnail view of the tree and marks the area you are currently viewing.
Looking at Datatypes
Datatypes and other data are displayed in a tabular format that mirrors the definitions of the OMT standard. Datatypes are edited in dialogs that provide support for entering correct and consistent data.
A Look at the Issue List
The issue list presents all the issues found when performing a consistency check on the project. Issues can be conflicts between different definitions, using a datatype that is not specified or anything else that is not allowed by the OMT standard. The checking is automated and the list will be updated for every change in the project or any of its modules.
The issues found are associated with the module that caused it. This means that one inconsistency can cause several issues to appear in the tree. For example if two Dimensions with the same name in different modules have different upper bounds this will cause two errors, one in each module.
Searching Concepts and Inspecting References
Searching the project is a time saving feature since it can be used for example to quickly find a specific entity or to find where a datatype is used. The search finds both uses of the concept and references to the concept in text.
Convenience Features
There are several convenience features that simplify working with Visual OMT. Among these are Drag & Drop which makes it easy to rearrange classes in the class tree view and move entries in between modules. Cut, copy and paste can also be used to move or duplicate data.
Undo and redo makes it possible to undo mistakes and changes that did not have the desired effect.
Throughout the program there are tooltips that explain the functionality of the program and helps the user understand the different fields and their allowed input.
Import and Export
Visual OMT can import and export from HLA 1516-2000 and can export HLA 1.3 FED data. This means that it can be used for editing your FOM regardless of which HLA standard you are working with.
