The standard Output Files provide data covering the complete model domain in two (surface files) or three dimensions (atmosphere and soil). Each time, the model saves its state, a new output file is created.
These files are handy for analyses of the spatial distribution of the different variables, but on the other hand, there are many thinkable situations, where the user is interested in the temporal development of variables at certain points inside the Model Area (e.g. to compare them with measurements). Collecting these point data using the standard Output Files is an undesirable task as the information needed is hidden between a lot of other data and spread over several files.
The concept of receptors allows to collect data for selected points in the model area in a compact way without browsing through several files to find the required information.
For each receptor, a snapshot and a time series file is created. The Snapshot Files contain the data at the receptor at a given time e.g. a vertical profile in case of the Atmospheric File. The time series files contain the simulation data at the receptor for the complete simulation run (Click here for more information about the Receptor Files).

You can have up to 100 receptors placed in the Area Input File (or, if needed, in the Configuration File).
The Receptor Files are normal ASCII files which can be visualised with standard software products or using ENVI-view.

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