Dear Argus Numerical Environments User:

Because of the rapidly growing number of individuals, universities and
organizations which use the Argus PIE technology there are a lot of new
developments which may provide you with new tools and technologies.

To inform you of these new developments we will issue an electronic News Letter
from time to time. Although most of the information is also available from our
web site, we think it will be more convenient for you if we highlight the new
developments in News Letters. The News Letters will also contain links to related
http and ftp sites for additional information.

If you rather not receive future copies of the news letter please email us at
support@argusone.com.

We suggest that you do continue to visit the Argus web site regularly for news
and updates.


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---       A R G U S  N E W S  L E T T E R
---       From the staff of Argus

---       Argus NL#1	April 18, 1997
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Most of the items in this e-mail can be found at Argus' Web 
site, with live links to referenced web sites:
 

  
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IN THIS ISSUE
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NEW NAME: Argus ONE - Argus Open Numerical Environments

PRODUCT NEWS
[1]  New Revision - 3.0v
[2]  Main New Features in revision 3.0v
	2.1 Group Layers
	2.2 Object Rotation
[3]  Download 3.0v
[4]  New drivers for PC portability enabler
[5]  Plans to stop support for MS Win 3.11

COMING SOON
[6]  Rotated Grids
[7]  Nonuniform Coordinate System
[8]  MetaGraphis

NEW PIEs
[9]    MODFLOW GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
[10]  HST3D GUI from Optimod
[11]  New Geostatistical PIEs from SRI - (Free)
[12]  A GUI PIE for NAPL MODEL
[13]  Generic Project PIE - (Free)
[14]  Virtual Nodes PIE - (Free)

PIEs ON THE WAY
[15]  SUTRA GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
[16]  MOC3D GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
[17]  MODPATH GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
[18]  NEW GEOSTATISTICAL PIEs and HELPER APPLICATIONS FROM SRI

USERS TELL ABOUT Argus ONE
[19]  Prof. Steve Wheatcraft, University of Nevada-Reno


NEW NAME: Argus ONE - Argus Open Numerical Environments
-------------------------------------------------------
- The general name for the Argus technology and family of products is now:
  Argus ONE which stands for Argus Open Numerical Environments.
- The Plug-In Extension Technology is referred to as ArgusPIE Technology.
- Plug-In Extensions are referred to as PIEs (pronounced as in apple pies)
- The various discretization modules are referred to as
   Argus MeshMaker(TM)

These changes will be gradually introduced into all future versions of
documentation, publications and disk directory names.

-----------------------------------
PRODUCT NEWS
-----------------------------------
[1]  New Revision - 3.0v

A new revision, 3.0v, of Argus ONE is now available. 3.0v includes two new
important features and some bug fixes. Below find ftp addresses for the
upgrade for the various platforms supported.

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[2]  Main New Features in revision 3.0v
       2.1 Group Layers
       A new type of layer is introduced. The name of the new layer type is
       Group Layers. Group Layers are empty layers which are used to group
       other Argus ONE layers. Group type layers are mainly used in the Layers
       Floater window and allow one to collapse, expand, hide and show all the
       layers which belong to a Group Layer. All layers which are listed below
       a Group type layer and up to the next Group type layer (if any) belong
       to that group. Group type layers are added as any other Argus ONE layer.
       
       Group type layers can also be used in export template and PIEs.
	
       2.2 Object Rotation
       The Scale... Menu item, under the Special Menu, is now Rotate and Scale...
       The dialog now allows one to rotate selected objects, the active layer or
       the whole project.

       Rotation of grids is planned for the next release.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[3]  Download 3.0v

To download the new revision visit our web site at 

or download directly from our ftp site at:

For Windows: ftp://ftp.argusone.com/pub/temp/ANE_V3_Upgrade/Win/ANE30v.zip
For SGI: ftp://ftp.argusone.com/pub/temp/ANE_V3_Upgrade/SGI/ANE30v.tar.Z
For PowerMac: ftp://ftp.argusone.com/pub/temp/ANE_V3_Upgrade/MacPPC/ANE30v.sea.hqx

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have files or PIEs that you installed into your current
installed version of Argus ONE, install the new version in a different
directory (to avoid overwriting the existing one) and then copy these files into
the new directory. If you are upgrading from the former revision (3.0t) you can
replace the MeshMakr.exe and MeshMakr.dat in the current directory with the same
files from the newly installed version. (on PowerMac and SGI these files are 
ArgusNE PPC and MeshMakr.dat)

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[4]  New drivers for PC portability enabler
New drivers for all MS Windows versions are available from our site. If you
encounter problems such that Argus ONE does not recognize the portability
enabler download the hinstall.zip, unzip it and follow the readme instructions
to install the new drivers.

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[5]  Plans to stop support for MS Windows 3.11
Microsoft new development environment version 5 does not support
development of 32 bit clean codes and PIEs that run on 16 bit OS such as
Windows 3.11. As a result, Argus will no longer be able to offer its products
(all 32 bit clean) on MS Windows 3.11. In one of the following revisions
we will announce that the PC version runs only on Windows 95 and NT.
We strongly recommend that if you still use Argus ONE on MS Win 3.11,
you upgrade your system to Win 95 or NT.

-----------------------------------
COMING SOON
-----------------------------------
[6]  Rotated Grids
We have added a capability to rotate grids. It is now under final debugging
and we hope to release it in the next minor upgrade revision. Grid rotation
is important when there is a need to align one of the grid axis with some
physical or geographical theme in the system, thus allowing a reduction
of the total number of grid blocks.

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[7]  Nonuniform Coordinate System
For some problems the X or the Y coordinate of the system is exaggerated. This
need can be accommodated today by scaling the project in a nonuniform way.
However, since this solution is not very convenient we intend to implement an
option to work in a nonuniform coordinate system.
This capability is planed to be released after the rotated grids capability described
above.

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[8]  Universal Graphics Engine
Code name "MetaGraphics" we now develop new capabilities which will allow
Argus and PIE developers to easily export graphics from within Argus ONE
to external programs using any format. This will allow Argus ONE users to
export all graphic objects created within Argus ONE to formats such as DXF,
Shape, TIFF, BMAPS, Bitmaps, Pict, Postscript, etc. It will also allow for
the use of native copy/paste on all platforms supported.
First release of this new graphic engine is expected by the end of May.

-----------------------------------
NEW PIEs
-----------------------------------
[9]  MODFLOW GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
The USGS used Argus ONE and the PIE technology to develop a GUI for MODFLOW.
MODFLOW, developed and maintained by the USGS, is the most commonly used
groundwater flow model.  The MODFLOW pre- and post processing PIEs
fully automate the use of MODFLOW from within the Argus ONE workplace.
BothPIEs install MODFLOW specific menus and dialogs which seamlessly
integrate within Argus ONE.

The MODFLOW PIEs, published as Open-FIle Report 97-121, are available from
the USGS web site or can be ordered by mail. The web site includes the PIE
documentation in text, postscript and Adobe Acrobat Reader formats.

Also available are the full source codes of the PIE (Visual C++) for any one
who wishes to enhance the PIEs or to use them as a reference for developing
other PIEs.

The PIE was developed by Dr. Allen Shapiro (ashapiro@usgs.gov) with the
support of the Office of Ground Water, US Geological Survey.

TO DOWNLOAD the MODFLOW GUI PIEs visit:
http://water.usgs.gov/software/modflow-gui.html

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[10]  HST3D GUI from Optimod

Optimod has developed an Argus ONE GUI for HST3D, a 3-D Heat and Solute
Transport USGS Model. The first version was implemented using an external
Visual Basic program which launches Argus ONE. After the user imports all GIS
information into Argus ONE layers (prepared by Optimod's external program),
it is synthesized onto the user's grid and exported in HST3D format using the
export template created by Optimod. Optimod's external code then integrates
the synthesized data with HST3D control parameters set by the user in its
dialogs and executes HST3D.

Optimod's HST3D GUI's second version is to be fully integrated within the
Argus ONE workplace using the PIE technology.

Optimod's HST3D GUI is available from Scientific Software Group (SSG) and
from Argus.

For additional information contact:
SSG at: e-mail: info@scisoftware.com and http://www.scisoftware.com

or visit: http://www.argusone.com/HST3D-ANE.html

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[11]  New Geostatistical PIEs from SRI - (Free)
Subterranean Research, Inc. (SRI) has developed PIEs for Argus ONE that allow
interpolation of observations using NEAREST NEIGHBOR, ARTIFICIAL
NEURAL NETWORK, and INVERSE DISTANCE SQUARED interpolators. These
interpolators operate on information stored in Argus ONE Data type layers.

SRI PIEs are an excellent example of a seamless integration of state of the art
technologies within the Argus ONE workplace. SRI used existing FORTRAN codes
it developed, and integrated them using the PIE technology.


TO DOWNLOAD the SRI PIEs visit:
http://www.argusone.com/sri2.html

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[12] A GUI PIE for NAPL MODEL
RCGRD-UVM used Argus ONE and the PIE technology to develop a GUI for NAPL.
NAPL, developed by Dr. Joseph Guarnaccia, is a simulator for two- and
three-dimensional multiphase flow and contaminant transport in near-surface
granular soils. The GUI PIE fully automates the use of NAPL from within the
Argus ONE workplace. The PIE installs NAPL specific menus and dialogs which
seamlessly integrate within Argus ONE.

The PIE was developed by Jose Olivares (olivares@uvm-gen.emba.uvm.edu)
for RCGRD-UVM with Dr. Pinder (pinder@emba.uvm.edu).

To find out more about NAPL and the NAPL GUI PIE contact Dr. Pinder or
Mr. Olivares. 
To find out about other GUI PIEs from RCGRD-UVM visit:
http://www.argusone.com/PTC.html

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[13]  Generic Project PIE - (Free)
The GenericProject PIE developed by Argus, allows anyone to easily automate
the creation of a "stationery" project. This PIE installs a menu for creating a
new project defined by the user. It uses 3 text files in which the user
stores the project name, the layer structure and an export template. The
three text files are respectively the user.val, user.lay and user.met file.

The GenericProject PIE is available for the PC and Macintosh. If you need it
for other platforms please contact support@argusone.com

TO DOWNLOAD the GenericProject, documentation and example visit:
http://www.argusone.com/Download.html#Generic Project

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[14]  VirtualNodes PIE - (Free)
The VirtualNodes PIE, developed by Argus, allows users of the Quad and Tri
finite element MeshMakerª modules to export 6 node triangular elements,
and 8 and 9 node quadrilateral elements. Using this PIE users can export
6, 8 and 9 node FEM topologies and also evaluate node values at these extra
nodes. The VirtualNodes PIE defines arrays in which the mesh topology is
stored and reorganized and from which the extra nodes numbers,
connectivities and locations are read by export templates.

The PIE comes with 3 example export templates (for 6, 8 and 9 FEMs).
The source code is also available for anyone who wants to change, enhance
or use it for other purposes.

TO DOWNLOAD the VirtualNodes PIE, documentation and examples visit:
http://www.argusone.com/Download.html#VirtualNodes

-----------------------------------
PIEs ON THE WAY
-----------------------------------
[15]  SUTRA GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
The USGS uses Argus ONE and the PIE technology to develop a GUI for SUTRA.
SUTRA, developed and maintained by Dr. Clifford Voss of the USGS, is a
Finite-Element Simulation Model for Saturated-Unsaturated
Fluid-Density-Dependent Ground-Water Flow with Energy Transport or
Chemically-Reactive Single-Species Solute Transport.

The SUTRA GUI PIE includes two PIEs, one for pre-processing and the other for
post-processing. The SUTRA PIEs fully automate the use of
SUTRA from within the Argus ONE workplace. Both PIEs install SUTRA specific
menus and dialogs which seamlessly integrate within Argus ONE.

The SUTRA PIEs are expected to be released soon. 

If you wish to test a pre-release version contact Dr. Voss or Argus.

The SUTRA PIE is developed by Dr. Clifford Voss (cvoss@usgs.gov) and
David Boldt with the support of the Office of Ground Water,
US Geological Survey.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[16]  MOC3D GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
The USGS uses Argus ONE and the PIE technology to develop a GUI for MOC3D.
MOC3D, developed and maintained by Dr. Konikow and Dr. Goode of the USGS,
is a three-dimensional method-of-characteristics ground-water flow and
transport model.

MOC3D uses the method-of-characteristics to solve the transport equation
on the basis of the hydraulic gradients computed with MODFLOW. As a result,
the MOC3D GUI PIE is implemented as an integrated part of the MODFLOW GUI PIE.

The MOC3D GUI PIE fully automates the use of MOC3D from within the Argus ONE
workplace. The PIE installs MOC3D specific menus and dialogs which seamlessly
integrate within the MODFLOW GUI PIE and Argus ONE.

The MOC3D PIE is expected to be released by June 1997.

The MOC3D PIE is being developed by Dr. Konikow and George Hornberger.

For additional information contact Dr. Konikow (lkonikow@usgs.gov)

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[17]  MODPATH GUI PIE from the USGS - (Free)
The USGS uses Argus ONE and the PIE technology to develop a GUI for MODPATH.
MODPATH, developed and maintained by Dr. Pollock of the USGS, is a particle-
tracking postprocessing model for MODFLOW.

MODPATH computes three-dimensional flow paths using output from
steady-state or transient ground-water-flow simulations by MODFLOW. 
As a result, the MODPATH PIE GUI will be implemented as an integrated part of
the MODFLOW GUI PIE.

The MODPATH GUI PIE fully automates the use of MODPATH from within the
Argus ONE workplace. The PIE will install MODPATH specific menus and dialogs
which seamlessly integrate within the MODFLOW GUI PIE and Argus ONE.

A release date has not been set.

For additional information contact Dr. Pollock (dwpolloc@qvarsa.er.usgs.gov)

The MODPATH PIE is being developed by Dr. Pollock.

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[18]  NEW GEOSTATISTICAL PIEs and HELPER APPLICATIONS FROM SRI
Subterranean Research, Inc. may be releasing one or more 
"Helper Applications" that can be used with Argus ONE, yet are not 
Plug-In Extensions.

Such Helper Applications are intended for time consuming tasks that the user
may wish to execute outside the Argus ONE workplace.

-----------------------------------
USERS TELL ABOUT Argus ONE
-----------------------------------
[19]  Prof. Steve Wheatcraft, University of Nevada-Reno

Subject: A Versatile and Powerful Tool for Quantitative Analysis of
Groundwater Flow and Transport.
An in depth discussion by Prof. Wheatcraft on the use of Argus ONE.

To read visit:
http://www.argusone.com/UsersTell.html


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NOTE TO USERS OF THE SITE ADDRESSES LISTED IN THIS E-MAIL: Be careful
when copying and pasting site addresses (URLs) into your web browser. Do
not include the enclosing angle brackets ( "<" and ">" ) when copying a
URL into your web browser. Also, any URL that is two lines long has a
return character embedded at the end of the first line, so you must
delete this character before you use the URL in your browser. If left
in, this character will prevent your browser from locating the desired
web page.
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Copyright (c) 1997 Argus Holdings, Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
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If you have any suggestions or comments regarding the Argus News Letter, 
we'd like to hear from you. You can send an e-mail to

   
 
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