I posted the following on Cloudy Nights to check if other users experience the same frustrations with planning and filtering as I do. Bill requested that I redirect my posted here. The original post has been modified herein.
1. It appears that the Planner is nothing more than a observation list generator, because in the end, you end up with a list. In theory, no issues there. However, once turned into a list, there is no way to know what filters were chosen, and you've screwed if want to change one teeny-weeny parameter - you have to start over from scratch!!!
2. If you have existing lists, you cannot use these for a nightly plan - w.t.f.!
3. List ordering direction is inflexible - you can only sort in ascending order, and you cannot sort on multiple fields.
4. It's not clear how you create additional observations for the same object. After you create an observation, you only get an option to edit the observation.
How I would like to see the planning/filtering logic work:
1. The planning function should use an existing list and apply filters to the list. This planning list(s) should be shown in a separate "Planning Lists" window or similar. In the planning list window objects that rise after dawn, transit in the middle of the day, and set long before dusk do not need to be displayed. Such objects can never be seen (except during a total eclipse of the sun). In real time, the list should be updated to display objects meeting the filter criteria and updated to remove objects no longer meeting the filter criteria. From this list, the other functions found in observation lists window should be available. In essence, the planning window is a "projection" of the observing list window with specific planning lists that have applied filters. One should be able to review and modify the applied filters on a list as needed. I mentioned that in real time, the objects in the list should be updated. However, from a planning perspective, another view is required, which is a static list of all of the objects that will be viewed in the plan.
2. It should still be possible to generate a list based on criteria (except for date and time), that will appear in the observation lists window. In fact, the generated list should be created in this window. However, it should be identified somehow as a list based on applied filters, which can be viewed and modified.
3. It should be possible to order an observing list or planned list in any direction (ascending or descending), and any order (e.g. altitude first, then magnitude, etc.).
4. Extra - You can end up with many observing lists. I'm starting the AL Binocular Observing Program, and there are about 7 or 8 lists for that alone! So it would be great if lists can be grouped.
