Loading a Map

How to Load a Backbone Map

If you have just started VCMap you will need to load a backbone map before you can do anything else. You may also want to load a new backbone map if you want to view data from a different perspective.

1. If you just started VCMap, the "Load a Map" dialog box will appear automatically. Skip to step 3.
2. Select "Map -> Load..." or use the keyboard shortcut "CTRL + L".

   

3. The "Load a Map" dialog box will contain 3 drop down menus: "Choose a Species", "Choose a Map", and "Choose a Map Release". There is also a check box labeled "Use this map as the Backbone". If you have not loaded any maps yet, the box must be checked. Begin by choosing a species from the "Choose a Species" menu.
   

   

   Next choose the type of map from the "Choose a Type of Map" menu.

   

   Finally choose which map from the "Choose a Map Release" menu.
   Note: If there is only one choice it will be made automatically.

   

4. Next you need to make sure that the "Use this map as the Backbone" box is checked. If you haven't loaded any maps yet this box is checked automatically.
5. Now you need to choose a chromosome from the "Chromosome" menu. This menu will only be available if the "Use this map as the Backbone" is checked so double check that it is.

   

6. Finally press the "Load" button. If you are loading your first map a progress bar will appear and the map will load. If you are loading a new backbone map, a box confirming that you want to load a new backbone map will appear. Press "Continue" to load your map.

How to load an off-backbone (comparative) map

1. Select "Map -> Load..." or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + L".

   

2. The "Load a Map" dialog box will contain 3 drop down menus: "Choose a Species", "Choose a Map", and "Choose a Map Release". There is also a check box labeled "Use this map as the Backbone". Begin by choosing a species from the "Choose a Species" menu.
   

   

   Next choose the type of map from the "Choose a Type of Map" menu.

   

   Finally choose which map from the "Choose a Map Release" menu.
   Note: If there is only one choice it will be made automatically.

   

3. Finally make sure the "Use this map as the Backbone" box is NOT checked and press the "Load" button to load your map.

Additional Information

• After opening up VCMap you must first load a backbone map. Additional maps can be loaded once the backbone is loaded.
• Upon clicking "Load" a load bar will appear while the map loads. A map takes a few moments to load.
• When loading a new backbone map (other than the first time) all previously loaded data will be cleared. A second dialog box will appear confirming that this is what you want to do.

See Also