Specifications

A Remote Automated Water Quality Stream Gauging System Design 18
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5. DATA RETRIEVAL
5.1. Automatic downloading
Data is automatically downloaded from a gauging site using a dedicated dial-up server
running LoggerNet
software. This software provides download scheduling, data collection
and data storage from Campbell Scientific loggers.
5.2. Data processing
5.2.1. Importing data
Downloaded data files are processed using Microsoft SQL Server 2000 DTS. This process
separates the raw data into the data arrays defined in the programs FSL file and inserts them
into the relevant tables in a database. The file is then appended to an archive file that is
stored on a secure server.
5.2.2. Alert system
Another DTS queries all specified databases to determine if alarm conditions have been met.
It is possible to specify any criteria to trigger an alarm condition. For the stream gauge this is
usually defined by a water depth value above the event threshold or if a sample has been
collected. Once an alarm condition is met, the service is configured to send an email to a
specified address and / or an SMS to a specified number.
5.2.3. Data retrieval
All data that is uploaded into a database can be viewed and downloaded via web page
interfaces. This process is limited to authorised users only.
5.2.4. Web reports
The most recent data from each station is presented on the World Wide Web (Figure 10).
This is a useful tool for site management. It can be used to identify what local conditions are
like, how many samples have been collected and when maintenance may be required. Local
landholders are particularly interested in the rainfall records.