# Localization perspective
## Localization Levels

AWIPS uses a hierarchical system known as *Localization* to configure many aspects of EDEX and CAVE, such as available menu items, color maps, and derived parameters.  This system allows a user to override existing configurations and customize CAVE.  For example, a _**User**-level_ localization file will supercede any similar file in a higher level (such as **Site**).

!!! note "There are three *levels of localization*, starting with the default **BASE**"

	* **BASE** - default
		* **SITE** - 3-letter WFO ID (required) overrides base
			* **USER** - user-level localization overrides site and base

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## Localization Editor

The Localization Perspective acts as file editor for the XML, Python, and text files which customize the look and feel of CAVE.  This perspective is available in the menu **CAVE > Perspective > Localization**.

Users may copy and add files to available directories at their own **User** localization version.

Examples of things that can be accessed through the perspective include (this list is not all-inclusive):

* NCP Predefined Areas, Color Maps and Style Rules

* D2D Volume Browser Controls

* D2D Bundles - Scales (WFO, State(s), etc.)

* CAVE Map Overlays, Color Maps and Style Rules

* GFE Tools and Utilities

![image alt text](../images/localizationEditor.png)

The left panel contains a directory heirarchy of CAVE files for D2D, GFE, and NCP, which can be copied and edited as *user* localization files.

![image alt text](../images/localizationHierarchy.png)

There may be several versions of each file including **BASE**, **CONFIGURED** (GFE only), **SITE**, and **USER**.  Each file version is listed separately under the actual file name.

The **_File Editor_** view opens the selected configuration file in an appropriate editor.  For example, a Python file is opened in a Python editor, and an XML file is opened in an XML editor.

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## Customizing CAVE Menus

Navigate to **D2D > Menus** and select a submenu (e.g. **satellite**).  This directory lists all of the menu file contributions made by this data plugin.   Most data menu directories will have an `index.xml` file from which you can investigate the menu structure and make needed changes.

Selecting a file such as `index.xml` (by double clicking, or expanding) will show a sub-menu with a default localization level (typically **BASE** or **CONFIGURED**). Double-click this file to open in the file editor (you may need to click **Source** at the bottom of the view to see the raw XML).  Right-click this file and select **Copy To** > **User (_username_)** and you will see the file localization versions update with the new copy. Select this file to edit, and override, the existing version.

![copy to](../images/copyToMenu.png)

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## Add new Predefined Area to NCP

In the Localization Perspective, navigate to ‘**NCEP - Predefined Area Menus**’, double-click ‘**AreaMenus.xml**’, and then right-click ‘**BASE**’ and select ‘**Copy To - User**’.

![image alt text](../images/image_4.png)

You will see a new ‘**USER (username)**’ entry for the file **AreaMenus.xml**.

![image alt text](../images/image_5.png)

Double-click the new file and copy or create a new AreaMenuItem entry, such as a new CONUS Mercator projection called **CONUS_Mercator**:

    <AreaMenuItem subMenuName="" menuName="CONUS (Mercator)">

        <source>PREDEFINED_AREA</source>

        <areaName>CONUS_Mercator</areaName>

    </AreaMenuItem>

![image alt text](../images/image_6.png)

Now you can either copy and paste an existing xml area file, or simple create one in the NCP.  Switch back to the NCP, and select ‘**Area - World**’ to load a known Mercator projection.  Zoom in to the continental United States and then from the menu bar select ‘**File - Save Area**’ and name it **CONUS_Mercator** so it matches the name string given in the above AreaMenuItem.

![image alt text](../images/image_7.png)

![image alt text](../images/image_8.png)

You can switch back to the Localization Perspective to confirm that the file was saved.  It will be viewable under **NCEP - Predefined Areas** and, in this example, be called **CONUS_Mercator.xml**.

![image alt text](../images/image_9.png)

CAVE needs to be restarted in order for the new menu item to show up under the NCP **Area** menu.

![image alt text](../images/image_10.png)

Switch to the new Area to confirm.

![image alt text](../images/image_11.png)

On your workstation you can find the new USER localization files in ~/caveData

	find ~/caveData -name CONUS_Mercator.xml

	./etc/user/mjames/ncep/PredefinedAreas/CONUS_Mercator.xml
	./.localization/NCEP/Predefined Areas/CONUS_Mercator.xml
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