view layout and restoring described by Annapurna Gupta

docs/components.rst

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Components
    mswms
    mscolab
    gentutorials
+   view_layout_and_restoring
    mssautoplot
    autoplot_dock_widget
    conf_sso_test_msscolab

docs/view_layout_and_restoring.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+View Layout and Restoring
+=========================
+
+Overview
+--------
+The View Layout and Restoring feature allows users to **save, manage, and restore workspace layouts** across sessions and operations.
+This ensures that users can continue their work seamlessly without needing to reconfigure their views each time they open the application.
+
+Enabling Restore Views
+----------------------
+Users can control the behavior of view restoration through the `restore_views` option in the configuration:
+
+- **Disabled (default)**: Views behave as usual; no restoration occurs.
+- **Enabled**: Loading a saved flighttrack or operation automatically restores previously opened views.
+
+Usage
+-----
+1. **Restoring Flighttrack Views**
+   - When opening a flighttrack, the last saved views for that flighttrack are restored automatically.
+   - Each flighttrack maintains its own view configuration.
+
+2. **Restoring an Operation Views**
+   - When activating an operation, the last opened views will be restored automatically.
+   - When switching between operations, the application remembers the last opened views for each operation.
+   - Any changes made to views in an operation (adding/removing views) are saved automatically when switching operations.
+   - Returning to a previous operation reloads the most recent configuration.
+
+3. **Sharing Views**
+   - Users can share their views with other participants in the same operation.
+   - Steps to share:
+     1. Activate an operation and open one or more views.
+     2. Select views in the **Open Views** section.
+     3. Rename views if needed.
+     4. Click **Share** to publish views for other participants.
+   - Other users can apply shared views via the **Manage Views** widget, ensuring collaboration without recreating views manually.
+
+Limitations
+-----------
+- Unsaved flighttrack views will not be restored.
+- Changes made for flighttrack while `restore_views` is enabled are only saved when switching operations or closing the application.
+
+Tips
+----
+- Ensure each shared view has a **unique name** within an operation to avoid conflicts.