Interface Tutorial

This tutorial focuses on the general layout and functionality of the POLAR ICE application. This includes high-level layout and document-level layouts for SIPs and other custom document types. Click on the tabs below to display information in the Description window or the Helpful Hints window.
Description Helpful Hints
Document Specific Tools

The left-gutter of each document contains links to various tools, information, and support specific to your SIP document type.

This portion of the visible screen can be hidden from view at any time. The primary areas of support provided in the left gutter are as follows:

  • Sub-sectional navigation
  • Section tools
  • Worksheet Tools
  • Collapsing the Left Gutter

    There are times within your document that the information in your browser is wider than your existing screen resolution permits. When this scenario occurs, you will be forced to scroll left/right to view all information about a document. You have the option of collapsing the "left-gutter and provide more realestate for the presentation of information.

    Gutter Collapse image

    To expand the left gutter after collapsing, click the expansion icon above the "Navigation Hidden" text:

    Gutter Expand image
    Sub-sectional navigation

    Section navigation allows you to navigate quickly and easily through the primary areas of the section. In the example below, "Project Home" is considered to be the first sub-section of the "Project" section. Remember, the project section is defined by the tabbed sectional navigation at the top of the document, as outlined here.

    Each sub-section holds specific information and questions related to the sub-section. For example, "Participant Roster" contains information about project participants. Where-as "Project Home" contains overview information about your project.

    sub-section navigation image

    Through utilizing sub-sectional navigation, you will be able to focus more clearly on a set of related questions

    Section tools

    Section Tools provide capabilities that apply to the entire section, not just an individual sub-section. There are several options within this toolset to assist you in completing your document.

  • Help - section level help
  • Section Map - an outline view of the entire section
  • Validate Section - allows you to run validation for just the section
  • Comments - allows you to include comments regarding your project that are not caputred through sub-section questions
  • Print <Section Name> Section - allows you to print to PDF just the current section
  • section tool image
    Worksheet Tools
    Worksheet tools provided capabilities that apply to the entire document, not just one section. There are several options within this toolset to assist you in completing your document.
    • View in Read-Only Mode - allows you to toggle your view of the document to "read-only" if you are just reviewing data in the document and do not wish to make any changes. (Only shown in an "un-submitted" document)
    • View All Cart Contents - allows you to view the contents of your cart across all sections
    • Site Map - an outline view of the entire document
    • Search - allows you to search for a specific piece of text throughout your document
    • Print Entire Worksheet - allows you to print all sections of your document into a single PDF file
    • Print Partial Worksheet - allows you to select the sections to print to a single PDF file
    • Submit/Validate Worksheet - allows you to validate and/or validate and submit your document to NSF for processing
    worksheet tools image
    POLAR ICE Utilities
    POLAR ICE Utilities allow you to navigate to other documents you may be involved in or have access to. This includes SIPs for previous research seasons.
    • Select Worksheet - allows you to view and select worksheets within the currently selected project
    • Select Project - allows you to view and select worksheets across different projects in which you are involved
    • Log Out - Logs you out of the POLAR ICE application
    POLAR ICE utilities image
    Tutorial Complete

    This tutorial is complete. Please select a different tutorial from the tutorial menu at the top of the page.

    Document Specific Tools

    GENERAL

    • SAVE TIP: While you are viewing a sub-section, clicking the same sub-section name in the "Section Navigation". This will act as a "save" for the current section. You will be able to continue working on the same section after the page reloads.