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Introduction to Field-Map scripting

Field-Map is implemented for particular tasks via so called Field-Map projects which combine structure of the database, configuration of Field-Map functionality and additional functionality implemented via scripts or external dynamic libraries. All these features can be performed by Field-Map user. Thus it is possible to meet virtually any requirement of field data collection methodology which might be defined in particular research project.
Important part of the Field-Map adjustability is represented by scripting. Script in Field-Map is a programming code written in Object Pascal. As a scripting engine the RemObjects Pascal Script is being used (https://www.remobjects.com/ps.aspx). Standard set of Object Pascal keywords is expanded by many specific properties and methods (functions and procedures) supporting work with Field-Map features. The list of additional Field-Map scripting functionality is presented in separate document of this web page. Nearly thousand specific properties and methods are currently available and the set of scripting functions is being continuously developed in new versions of Field-Map.
Scripts in Field-Map are triggered by events. Field-Map software is interwoven with the network of events that happen in various stages of data flow. Hundreds of events can be used as a trigger points for scripts. The list of Field-Map events is presented in separate document of this web page.
The most commonly used events are events of the attributes, primarily the OnChange event. This event happens whenever the value of the attribute is being changed. Both direct change done via the screen interface by the user and change of attribute value done by another script trigger OnChange event. Programming code of OnChange script can be written in the Field-Map Project Manager or in Field-Map Data Collector.

Field-Map Project Manager

Script editor of Field-Map Project Manager

Field-Map Data Collector

Script editor of Field-Map Data Collector

When the script is written and compiled, it will be automatically run whenever the value of attribute has changed in Field-Map Data Collector. In this example the script runs message dialog on the screen with user defined message.

Example of the script triggered by OnChange event of the attribute

Example of the script triggered by OnChange event of the attribute

Together with automatic start of Field-Map scripts by events then Field-Map scripts can be launched from within other scripts both by changing value of another attribute or by direct scripting command. Such feature together with extensive network of events enables development of rather complex scripting chains similar to neural network with recurrent behavior where one action triggers another one. Thus the Field-Map scripting can range from very simple to rather complex. As a result the Field-Map project can be used for very productive development of the projects with advanced functionality of the custom software applications.