if (newTimestamp == 0 || newTimestamp == hierarchyTimestamp)
return;
// load the new data from the hierarchy file
DashHierarchy newHier = new DashHierarchy(hierarchy.dataPath);
newHier.loadXML(hierarchyFile.getPath(), templates);
// alter our current hierarchy to match the new changes
DashController.getHierarchyAlterer().mergeChangesFrom(newHier);
// update the timestamp to indicate success
hierarchyTimestamp = newTimestamp;
}