# Dictionaries ## Dictionaries Dictionaries are pre-made lists that populate drop-down fields (marked with a `?` symbol to the right of the field). Dictionary values have two representations: full text (e.g. "Cone Penetration Testing") and short code (e.g. "CPT") — the short code is what GeoDin actually stores in the database. Dictionaries support multi-language translations (e.g. English, Dutch); language switch happens at a setting level and applies to layer descriptions. Every dictionary is stored as a separate file with a `.GSD` extension in the syslib folder (`C:\ProgramData\GeoDin\System\`). Example dictionary files: `G1_Investigation_Method`, `BS5930_Walker_Secondary_Soil_Type`, `G1_EPSG` (coordinate systems), `Sample_Type`. Dictionaries are viewable/editable via `System > Dictionaries > [dictionary name]` — double-click to see all entries with short code and language translations. Some dictionaries are context-sensitive — e.g. the secondary soil type dictionary is restricted based on the primary ground type (clay+silt vs coarse-grain). Users can add their own terms to dictionaries (new clients, new labs, new soil types). When a user edits a dictionary, a timestamp is recorded and that dictionary becomes "frozen" — GeoDin distribution updates will no longer overwrite it, preserving user changes. Users should keep a list of dictionaries they have edited so they can request updates from GeoDin support when needed. Low-risk dictionaries (clients list, lab names) can be edited freely; higher-risk dictionaries (soil types, field patterns) require more care because missing distribution updates could matter. Some dictionary-backed fields allow free-text entry in addition to dictionary selection; free text does not add the value to the dictionary. When sending data to a client without the same custom dictionaries, the user must also send the `.GSD` dictionary files or the full syslib folder. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.geodin.com/concepts/dictionaries.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.