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Home > 2. Marine GIS > 2.1 Saga Setup

2.1 Saga Preliminary Setup

  • Exercise Title:  Saga Preliminary Setup

  • Abstract:  The overall program architecture, and typical user settings in Saga are specified for optimal working conditions.  Please note that the most recent version of Saga is visually quite different from most previous versions, so don't be surprised.

  • Preliminary Reading:

    • N/A

  • Required Software:

    • Saga (version 2.1.2 or higher)

  • Other Resources: 

    • N/A

  • Author:  Murray Brown and Lilian Krug

  • Version:  03-October-2018 (Using SAGA version 6.4.0)
1.  Run Saga.  Then immediately in the upper left corner you will see:
  • FILE - Adding data files
  • GEOPROCESSING - Tool library catalogue slightly different than Manager Tools tab. We will always use the later to access tools.
  • WINDOW - Selection of any/all of the 5 panels shown below
  • ? - Information about your Saga installation
2.  And this is the complete Saga GUI.  There are 5 panels, numbered as follows:
  1. Upper left panel is either TOOLS, DATA or MAPS (as selected)
    • If TOOLS, then you see the group names of many dozens of Saga data management, analysis and display tools
    • If DATA, then you also see TREE (folder-type view of open data objects), or THUMBNAILS (small image view of objects)
    • If MAPS, then you also see TREE and THUMBNAILS (same meanings)
  2. The upper middle panel is for PROPERTIES
    • Can be SETTINGS for specific property choices
    • Can be DESCRIPTION for short explanations of properties.
    • The options found in this panel (i.e. the tabs along the bottom) change, depending on the main tab selected in the workspace and the data or map object selected there.  Some possibilities include:  SETTINGS, APPLY, RESTORE, LOAD, SAVE, DESCRIPTION, LEGEND, HISTORY and ATTRIBUTES.
    • You may find this panel located on the right side in other MDL exercises. You can move it to any of the four sides of the working area by clicking on the top of the window and dragging it to the preferred side until a blue shade indicate where it will be fixed).
  3. The large gray space in the upper right is the working (map drawing) area. Usually opens empty.
  4. The DATA SOURCE panel in the lower left is for navigation to data or product folders; not widely used and can be closed (X)
  5. The wide panel in the lower right is for MESSAGES from Saga.  Usually closed (X) unless you are having trouble and want to see error messages.
3.  This is the usual appearance of the (new) Saga, with panels 4 and 5 turned off.
4.  You can open the TOOLS list and examine it to see some of the groups and exercise titles they include.

Whenever an object is selected in panel 1, its properties are displayed in panel 2.  Typically, you must go through the properties and set them appropriately for the data object and your intentions with the operation.
5.  Now we'll make some "global" settings that will be applied to all data and maps in Saga.
6.  Select MANAGER > DATA and then make sure you click on DATA at the top of panel 1.  These universal settings will appear in panel 2.

You can click on any item in the settings and an explanation will appear at the bottom.  Here is the explanation for START PROJECT's options.

The author recommends these settings.  You can study them and make your own choices after you have experience with Saga.  If you are in an MDL session, then don't hesitate to ask questions directly.
7.  Select MANAGER > MAPS and then make sure you click on MAPS at the top of panel 1.  These universal settings will appear in panel 2.

You can click on any item in the settings and an explanation will appear at the bottom.  Here is the explanation for ZOOM TO ADDED LAYER's options.

The author recommends these settings.  You can study them and make your own choices after you have experience with Saga.  If you are in an MDL session, then don't hesitate to ask questions directly.
8.  Now that you've set up the DATA and MAPS tabs as you want them, you can save these properties options.  Click on SAVE in the bottom right corner of panel 2 (for either the DATA or MAPS choices).
9.  Navigate to the LIBERIA > PRODUCTS > SAGA > PROPERTIES folder and enter a name like you see here.  Then click SAVE.

You can always revive these settings with the LOAD control in the bottom right corner of panel 2.
10.  Sometimes, to create more space for viewing maps, you can turn off the properties window, by clicking the SHOW OBJECT PROPERTIES control at the top left.

Bring the OBJECT PROPERTIES back again before you continue.
11.  Now, you're ready to use Saga.  It takes about 3-6 months to become completely comfortable with Saga or any GIS system, so don't worry if you feel overwhelmed right now. The MDL exercises will help you. Furthermore, you can find SAGA Documentation (User Guide and Tutorials) here.