How to Create a

HydroDesktop Plugin in Five

Easy Steps

Prerequisites:

Install Visual Studio

www.visualstudio.com

Prerequisites:

Install the Latest Version

of HydroDesktop

hydrodesktop.codeplex.com

Step 1: Create a New Project of Type

"Class Library"

Right Click the Project -> Properties

Build -> Output -> Output Path

Navigate to Plugins Folder:

e.g. C:\Program Files\CUAHSI HIS\

HydroDesktop 1.6.13\Plugins

Step 2: Set the Output Build Path to

the HydroDesktop Plugin Folder

Right Click References -> Add Reference… -> Browse

e.g. C:\Program Files\CUAHSI HIS\

HydroDesktop 1.6.13

Essential References:

DotSpatial.Extensions &

DotSpatial.Controls

Step 3: Add References to the

DotSpatial GIS libraries

Step 4: Implement the Class, 'Extension'

in the Main Class of Your Plugin

Add using statements

DotSpatial.Extensions

DotSpatial.Controls

Implement Extension

Step 5: Add code to the "Activate"

and "Deactivate" methods

Allows you to initialize

your plugin when

activated

Perform cleanup upon

deactivation

Finished! Do something cool.

Add buttons to a Menu:

using DotSpatial.Controls.Header;

Place in Activate()

var action = new SimpleActionItem(“Button", Button_Click);

action.RootKey = HeaderControl.HomeRootItemKey;

App.HeaderControl.Add(action);

Place in Deactivate()

App.HeaderControl.RemoveAll();

Finished! Do something cool.

Add a Menu:

Place in Activate()

Var rootItem = new RootItem(Key, “Caption”);

App.HeaderControl.Add(rootItem);

Add a Dockable Panel:

using DotSpatial.Controls.Docking;

Place in Activate()

var dockablePanel = new DockablePanel(Key, “Caption”, UserControl, DockStyle.Fill);

App.DockManager.Add(dp);