To run Delft Dashboard from the Matlab command line, Matlab should evidently be installed on the user's computer. As Delft Dashboard is mainly developed in Matlab version 2009b, it could be that some functionalities are not working properly in the newest versions of Matlab. The Matlab scripts of Delft Dashboard can be found in the OpenEarthTools repository on https://svn.oss.deltares.nl/listing.php?repname=OpenEarth+Tools. As Delft Dashboard may use Matlab scripts and functions all across the OpenEarthTools directory, it is strongly recommended to download ('checkout') the complete Matlab directory of the OpenEarthTools. To access this repository the user needs to join the OpenEarth community by requesting a free username and password. More information on OpenEarth and its guidelines can be found on: http://publicwiki.deltares.nl/display/OET/OpenEarth+developer+in+five+easy+steps
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After downloading the OpenEarth scripts, add them to the Matlab path either by running 'oetsettings.m' from the OpenEarth Matlab directory or 'ddsettings' from the Delft Dashboard directory. Delft Dashboard can now be start up by typing DelftDashBoard (or in short ddb) from the command line. The start page will open with the view of the world map and, as default, the Model Maker toolbox active.
Note that Delft Dashboard downloads its data from the OpenDAP server (opendap.deltares.nl) and a number of other sources. Therefore, the user needs to have access to the internet (and allow these websites) to be able to use Delft Dashboard to its full extent. If Delft Dashboard cannot make connection to these websites the first time it is used, the program will fail to start up. After the first start-up, Delft Dashboard will be able to run without internet connection, but it will not be able to update datasets or download information from the servers. This may hamper the use of the tool.