GMS:Materials

Many of the data types supported by GMS (ex., elements, solids, borehole regions) have a material ID associated with each object. This material ID is an index into a list of material types. These material types often represent different types of soil or rock. A global list of material attributes is maintained that can be edited using the Materials command in the Edit menu.

The Materials are listed in a table or spreadsheet. New materials can be created by typing in the last row, or by copying and pasting from a spreadsheet, or by selecting the insert button.

Materials have an ID, name, color and pattern. If a numerical model interface is active (MODFLOW, FEMWATER etc.), the Materials dialog will show a tab control for each active model. Additional columns in the spreadsheet are added which correspond to the appropriate properties for the model.

A legend showing all the materials can be displayed in the Graphics Window. The legend can be turned on and off in the Display Options dialog.

Previous Versions

The Materials command in the Edit menu brings up the Material Editor dialog. The names and IDs of the current materials are listed in the box on the left side of the dialog. One of the materials is always selected. To select a different material, click on the name of the desired material in the list of materials. New materials can be created by selecting the New button. Materials are deleted by selecting the Delete button. A copy of an existing material can be made by selecting the Copy button.

The material color and pattern of the selected material are edited in the Global Options section of the dialog. The material color is edited by clicking in the Material color / pattern button.

If the Display material legend toggle is selected, a legend will appear in the bottom right hand corner of the Graphics Window which lists the name and color of the currently defined materials.

Also, model specific material properties can be edited using the Materials command. Depending on which models are currently initialized, tabs will appear on the right side of the dialog allowing the user to enter model specific material properties.

The material ID associated with an object can be changed using the Properties command in the Edit menu.