3. MINEDW Interface

The MINEDW graphical user interface (GUI) provides a comprehensive environment for creating, editing, and visualizing groundwater flow models. Built on the Itasca Software Framework, MINEDW shares a consistent interface architecture with other Itasca numerical modeling software, ensuring familiar workflows across the Itasca product suite.

Itasca Interface Framework Overview

The Itasca interface framework provides a unified architecture across all Itasca products (including PFC, FLAC3D, 3DEC, and MINEDW), featuring:

  • Command-Driven Architecture - All operations can be performed through commands, enabling full scripting capabilities and reproducible workflows

  • Consistent Layout System - Standardized pane arrangements and workspace management across all products

  • Integrated Scripting Support - Native support for FISH and Python scripting languages for automation and customization

  • Flexible Workspace - Customizable layouts with dockable panes, splittable views, and saved configurations

  • Unified Interaction Model - Consistent mouse controls, keyboard shortcuts, and menu structures across products

This framework ensures that skills and workflows developed in one Itasca product transfer seamlessly to others, reducing learning curves and improving productivity.

MINEDW Interface Components

The MINEDW interface consists of four primary components shown in Figure 3.10:

../../_images/fig_interface_overview.png

Figure 3.10 MINEDW main interface overview

Primary Interface Components:

  1. Workspace - Main visualization area for 3D model display, plots, and analysis results

  2. Main Menu Banner - Primary navigation system with comprehensive menus for all modeling functions

  3. Toolbar - Quick access icon-based tools for frequently used operations and commands

  4. Control Panel - Context-sensitive controls and settings that adapt to current modeling tasks

  5. Objects Panel - Hierarchical tree view of model components and data structures

Integrated Workflow Design

Each component works together seamlessly, providing an integrated workflow supporting the complete modeling process:

  • Model Setup - Use menus and control panels to define geometry, properties, and conditions

  • Model Execution - Launch simulations and monitor progress through the interface

  • Results Analysis - Visualize and analyze results in the View Pane with full 3D capabilities

  • Model Refinement - Iterate and refine models using the complete suite of tools

The interface adapts to different modeling phases, ensuring relevant tools and information remain accessible.

Startup Configuration:

  • Show Startup Dialog - Displays startup options dialog (see Figure 3.11) when MINEDW launches, allowing selection of “Open Last Project,” “Open Existing Project,” “Create New Project,” or “Cancel”

  • Open Most Recent - Automatically opens most recent project at startup and hides startup dialog

  • Start New - Automatically starts new project at startup and hides startup dialog

  • Do Nothing - Opens MINEDW with no project loaded and hides startup dialog

  • Splash Screen - Controls whether MINEDW splash screen displays at startup

../../_images/fig_main_menu_startup_options.png

Figure 3.11 The “Startup Options” dialog box

The following sections detail each interface component and its functionality: