Surfer
FAQs
for version 8 Version
History
This document covers frequently asked
questions about Surfer Version 8.
Q1. How can I get the latest version of Surfer?
Q2. How do I handle latitude/longitude data in Surfer?
Q3. How can I print a subset area of a map?
Q4. I am having a problem printing ("Out of global memory" error, only a portion of the map prints, etc.).
Q5. How do I create a
block diagram in Surfer 8 like the one shown on your web site?
Q6. Do you have more information about using variograms in Surfer?
Q7. Where do I find
my serial number?
Q8. Is technical support free?
Q9. I have a more technical question about the program, where can I find the answer?
Q1. How can I get the latest version of Surfer?
A. Minor updates (e.g. version 8.00 to 8.01) may be downloaded for free if your serial number is registered. Connect your computer to the Internet, then click the Help | Check for Update command in Surfer. This will download the latest patch and install it on your machine. Information about the latest version is listed on the
Version History page.
If you are running Windows Vista, you must run the program as administrator to update the program. For additional information on this, please refer to our
Knowledge Base.
If you experience any problems with this command or would like to download the full version of the updated software, please email your registered Surfer 8 serial number to
surfersupport@goldensoftware.com. Once your serial number is verified, we will send you download instructions.
Major upgrades (e.g. version 7 to version 8) cost US$139 plus shipping. Refer to the
order form for more information.
Q2. How do I handle latitude/longitude data in Surfer?
A. Post your data in unprojected latitude/longitude using decimal degrees, with west and south directions shown as negative values. Latitude is the Y and longitude is the X. For example, 105 degrees 30 minutes west would be represented as -105.5 degrees. To convert from degree-minute-seconds
(dms) units to decimal degrees (d.dd), use the formula:
d.dd = d + (m / 60) + (s / 3600)
For additional information, refer to our Knowledge
Base.
Q3. How can I print a subset area of a map?
A. Choose the Map | Limits menu and specify the x and y minimum and maximum coordinates of the area of interest. Choose the Map | Scale menu to specify the size of the map, then File | Print.
Q4. I am having a problem printing ("Out of global memory" error, only a portion of the map prints, etc.).
A. You may be able to work around the problem by changing some of the printer settings. Different printer drivers have different settings, but here is a list of the most common remedies:
- Turn off print spooling.
- Change the print mode to "raster" or "bitmap" to reduce the printer memory requirements.
- Change the printer driver to use the computer's memory instead of the printer's memory.
- PostScript drivers often require more memory than non-PostScript drivers for the same printer. Change drivers if possible and test the print results.
- Check for other compatible printer drivers in your printer documentation. For example, the HP LaserJet 4 driver could be used with the LaserJet 5 printer.
- Enable the Page Protect mode if available.
- Verify the version of your printer driver and possibly update it. For example, the HP DesignJet 750C driver version 4.33 requires 80% less memory than version 4.11
- Turn off View | Auto Redraw to free up additional memory.
- Resample the bitmaps in a graphics program (Corel Draw, Paint Shop Pro, PhotoShop) to reduce the number of pixels and color depth in the bitmaps.
If the remedies above do not help, please contact surfersupport@goldensoftware.com
with the exact nature of the problem, your operating system (i.e. Windows 98), the printer model, and the print driver version number.
| Q5.
How do I create a block diagram in Surfer 8 like the one shown on
your web site? |
| A.
Create surface maps from grids of each of the layers.
Overlay the surface maps, enable the Show Base option, and specify
a different fill color for each layer.
|
 |
Q6. Do you have more information about using variograms in Surfer?
A. Download the variogram tutorial in PDF format.
Q7. Where do I find my serial number?
A. The serial number is on the registration card glued inside the cover of your reference manual. Please complete the registration card and return to Golden Software or
register online at our web
site. With this information, we will be able to mail you announcements of upgrades and newsletters. Newer versions of our products will also allow you to find your serial number by going to Help | About Surfer in the program. The box will show the serial number, as shown below.
Q8. Is Technical Support free?
A. Yes, Technical Support is free to all users for as long as you own the product. You must
register your product in order to receive technical support. You can reach technical support by
phone, fax,
or email.
Q9. I have a more technical question about the program, where can I find the answer?
A. For more technical questions and answers, please visit our Knowledge Base at:
http://www.goldensoftware.com/activekb/.
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