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Version: 3.4.7

Create a VRGS Project

There are a few simple steps to create a VRGS project and check that everything is correctly set up. We'll go through them here.

  1. Select the VRGS File menu and choose "New" 📁.

    • Simply navigate to the directory/folder where you wish to save the model and give the project an appropriate file name.

    • A new VRGS project is created, saved immediately, and a blank 3D model window with no data loaded appears in VRGS. We'll add data in the next step!

  2. But before that, let's check your project structure.

    • In your chosen directory you will see your VRGS project file, which has a .vgpx extension. Alongside it is a directory/folder with the same name as the .vgpx file, but appended with Data.

    • For example, if your project is called MyNewProject, the following will appear in your chosen directory/folder:

      • Directory/folder
        • |-- MyNewProject.vgpx
        • |-- MyNewProject Data

    • The .vgpx file is the project file you open. It is a small JSON file holding the project settings — coordinate system, display options and the like.

    • The Data directory/folder holds everything else: large data items such as point clouds, meshes and images, and a DATABASES sub-folder containing SQLDBv4.db. That SQLite database is where your interpretations live, so it is every bit as important as the .vgpx.

    • It's important to note and keep track of the project directory and its contents in order to back up or transfer your project. The .vgpx file on its own is not a project — always move or copy the Data folder with it. The full layout is described in The project directory structure.

Opening older projects

Projects made with VRGS 3.3 and earlier have a binary .vgp file instead. VRGS still opens those, and converts them as it goes: from 3.4 onwards saving writes the .vgpx sidecar and the database, and never rewrites the old .vgp. Once a project has been saved by 3.4, the .vgpx is the file to open.

Let VRGS back you up

VRGS can autosave on a timer, and can keep a dated .zip of the project and its database in <project> Data\VGP_BACKUP each time you save. Both are switched on in Project Properties → Saving & Backup; File → Backup DB and VGP writes one on demand. See Managing backups and Project Properties.

Let's add some data to our new project!