The GeoDin user interface
Overview of the GeoDin user interface - the database panel, tree navigation, system configuration, and key interface controls
The GeoDin interface is organized around a hierarchical tree view on the left, a central methods ribbon, and key controls for graphics, help, and system settings.
This page is a tour of that workspace: the panels you start from, how the tree is structured, the interface controls around it, and the methods you run on a selected object. Read it top to bottom for orientation, or jump to the reference tables for the data sections, controls, and shortcuts.
Databases panel
The Databases panel is the starting point of your work in GeoDin. Each database contains Projects, and each project consists of Objects (such as boreholes and locations), Measurement Points, and Documents.
Database types
GeoDin supports client-server databases, which can be hosted on a single computer or across a network. Databases are color-coded:
Yellow - network-level databases (shared by a group of users for collaboration)
Blue - local databases (accessible only to the individual user)
Tree hierarchy and navigation
The GeoDin tree hierarchy follows a consistent pattern:
The Measurement Points branch holds Locations and Samples sub-branches, each containing their own measurement records.
Clicking different levels in the left-hand tree populates the central "methods" ribbon with actions applicable to the selected item. Right-clicking a tree item shows the same methods in a context menu (e.g., New Project, Close Database, Maintain, Optimize).
A project's Documents area lives directly under the project level and can hold folders and files - cross-sections, PDFs, videos, or any other file type.
System panel
The System panel provides access to system-level configuration. Within this panel, you can access and edit pre-made dictionaries, data types, and object types - including those for G1 locations and AGS standards.
Central ribbon
When you select a location within a project, the central ribbon displays the available methods for that object. Methods are activated by double-clicking the method icon.
Beta design mode (opt-in)
From GeoDin 15.5 (release 15.5.0.185, April 2026), an opt-in Beta design is available: a customizable title bar that unifies the top navigation, layout controls, and Help/Info in a single header. You can switch between the Beta and Classic design at any time from the title bar; the Classic design remains unchanged and is the default. Screenshots in this documentation show the Classic design unless noted.
Reference: Interface controls
Bottom-left controls
Layout Overview
Quick view of available layouts for the current object type
Edit Graphics
Opens the layout editor to modify or create graphic templates
Top-right controls
GeoDin Help
F1
Opens context-sensitive help documentation
Information
Alt+I
Shows version and license validity
SQL Protocol
Alt+S
Opens the SQL protocol log
Log Folder
Alt+H
Opens the log file directory
Inside the help window
F1 opens the help at the chapter describing the current function or option; Alt+F1 shows the last viewed chapter instead. Close the help window with Esc or the Hide help button. The window has its own navigation:
Chapter tree
The structured view of all chapters in the upper-left section. Links inside chapter text appear as blue underlined writing and jump to the linked chapter
History
The arrow buttons at the upper left move back and forward through previously viewed chapters; the Last viewed theme icon selects one from a menu
Search for field
The lower-left area lists all chapters alphabetically; typing a term reduces the list to chapters whose names contain it, regardless of case or position
Full-text search
Searches the contents of all chapters (case-insensitive). Matching chapters are added to the list, and the term is highlighted yellow in the opened chapter
Print icon
Prints the current chapter
Reference: Understanding data management sections
When you navigate to an object (borehole) in the tree, the following data sections are available under Data Management:
General Data
Location metadata - coordinates, elevation, project information, classification
Layer Data
Geological layer descriptions - stratigraphy, petrography, colors, consistency
Samples
Physical samples taken from the borehole, with depth intervals
Well Design Data
Casing, screens, backfill, piezometer installations
Data Sequences
Continuous depth-indexed data (CPT traces, geophysical logs, custom measurements)
Measurement Data is accessed via the Measurement Points branch and contains test results (e.g., triaxial, consolidation, Atterberg limits) linked to specific samples or locations.
For detailed information about each section, see:
Working with methods
All available methods for the selected object(s) appear on the right-hand side of the object manager under Methods. To run a method, double-click its icon. Because many methods apply to either a single object or several selected objects, it is important to select the right objects before starting a method.
Example. The method Measurement data is available for a single measurement point as well as for a group or query. With just one measurement point selected, only data for this point is loaded into the measurement data editor. If a group of measurement points (for example, a query) is selected, all the measurement data for the selected points is loaded.
There are two main types of methods:
Discrete methods
A discrete method must be completed before further operations in the object manager are carried out, or another method is started. For example, when the method Delete project is chosen, the new window dialog allows the choice between carrying out the delete action or cancelling. While this window is open, you cannot choose another method nor select another object.
Parallel methods
Parallel methods remain active until they are ended by closing the method window. When a parallel method is active, you can select and start other methods in the object manager. Parallel methods retain their direct connection to the object manager and react to changes in object selection. An example is Data management: choose an object, double-click the method symbol, and the object is loaded in the editor for editing general data, borehole logs, and so on. If another object is chosen, it is automatically opened for editing - the editor does not have to be closed first.
An unlimited number of parallel methods may be used concurrently. This means you can edit borehole data and its graphical presentation simultaneously.
Selection-bound methods
Some methods take a selection from the object manager on startup and then keep that selection even if you click elsewhere in the tree. The Cross-section assistant is the typical example: the initial boreholes shown in the assistant are those selected as a group when the method started. You can expand the selection from inside the method using the Add button or by dragging further objects into the method's window.
Methods without a selection
A handful of methods can be started directly from the task bar at the bottom of the object manager, without first selecting anything in the tree. GeoDin-Graph (the CAD module for creating drawings independent of any database object) is one example - you do not need any object selected to launch it.
Switching between active methods
Switching between active methods is done by clicking the method's symbol in the Active Methods toolbar. The method currently in use is highlighted by a blue frame.
F8
Switch to the method on the right
Ctrl+F8
Switch to the method on the left
F9
Maximize or minimize the object manager's Objects and Methods windows
Ctrl+F9
Maximize or minimize both at once
For the complete list of shortcuts across all editors, see Keyboard shortcuts.
On the right side of each method symbol, a small switch closes the method - even when the method is in the background. The Close all methods switch on the right side of the Active Methods toolbar closes every active method in one step.
All methods available for a selected object are also available as a popup menu via right-click on the tree entry - the methods window does not need to be maximized to start a method.
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