def get_column_flat(self, field, components=None, computed_type='for_observations'):
        """
        TODO: add documentation

        return a single merged value (hstacked) from all meshes

        :parameter str field: name of the mesh columnname
        :parameter components:
        """
        return self.pack_column_flat(self.get_column(field, components, computed_type),
                                     components,
                                     offset=field=='triangles')