One of the main scenarios where import directories are intended to be used is when you have your own source of GRIB files and you want LuckGrib to import them with the minimum amount of effort.

There are two main reasons why you may have your own source of GRIB files:

• you are outside the range of the internet (for example, when sailing offshore) and you have a system for obtaining GRIB files through email - perhaps using a service such as SailMail

• you have a preference for a weather model which is not downloadable directly within LuckGrib - however you want to use LuckGrib to visualize these files

By using an import directory, you will be able to import a GRIB file into LuckGrib as easily as copying a file into a folder.

Note: you can import GRIB files into LuckGrib by using the Import Files… menu item in the File menu. Doing this means that you need to be explicit about each file you import. This is perfectly fine, and if you want to use this technique to import all of your files, that will work. The import directories capability is meant to make this process easier. If you regularly import files into LuckGrib, you may want to consider using an import directory.

Setting up an import directory

Creating an import directory within LuckGrib is simple. Just follow these few steps:

• Create a folder somewhere on your computer. We recommend creating a folder on your Desktop, called something like “GRIB Import”

• Launch LuckGrib and then invoke the menu item Manage Import Directories…, found in the File menu

• When the import directory window appears, click on the New Import Directory button and browse to the folder you created and then click the Open button

That’s all there is to it. Once you have created an import directory, every time you launch the app it will look for new GRIB files in all of its import directories and import them. If LuckGrib is running when you add a new GRIB file to one of its import directories, LuckGrib is notified and will immediately import it.

Its much simpler to use than to explain.

Once a GRIB file has been imported into LuckGrib, you can delete it from the import directory, or leave it there, its up to you. If you delete the file from the import directory, the associated file is not deleted from LuckGrib. (The only way to delete files in LuckGrib is to explicitly delete them.)

For example…

The author is using an import directory for the files he downloads via SailMail, while sailing offshore. When a new GRIB file is received by the SailMail system, he right clicks on the GRIB attachment and saves the file into the import directory. By the time he gets back to LuckGrib, the file is already imported and ready to view.

People can get tired when sailing offshore - anything that can make life a little easier is welcome. That’s what import directories are for - to make your life a little easier.