mch user manual 2012 en

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Meteorology, Climatology and Hydrology InformationSystem (database)

MCH DB 2009User manual

2009

Carlos Cervantes

Version August 2012


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Contents

List of figures ....................................................................................................................................v

List of acronyms .............................................................................................................................. ix

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1

Structure of the manual....................................................................................................................1

Chapter 1.Getting started.................................................................................................................3

Scope and physical operating limits .........................................................................................3

1.1. System installation ....................................................................................................................4

System requirements ................................................................................................................4

1.2. Common tasks ..........................................................................................................................4

Data capture..............................................................................................................................4

Querying data on graphs ..........................................................................................................4

Querying data on maps ............................................................................................................6

Importing and exporting data ....................................................................................................7

Performing calculations and editing data .................................................................................7

Exporting data to text files and spreadsheets ..........................................................................8

DefinitionsGeneral tables..........................................................................................................8

Chapter2.Usingthesystem.................................................................................................11

2.1. Main menu...............................................................................................................................11Using the system menus ........................................................................................................11

Accessing the system .............................................................................................................13

2.2. File menu.................................................................................................................................13

2.2.1. Printer set up.................................................................................................................13

2.2.2. Exit ................................................................................................................................14

2.3. Maps menu..............................................................................................................................14

2.3.1. Maps by geographical position .....................................................................................15

2.3.2. Maps.Sketches or diagrams .........................................................................................19

2.3.3. Zone maps ....................................................................................................................20

2.3.4. Isolines on maps ...........................................................................................................23

2.3.5. Maps by geographical projection..................................................................................27

2.4. Graphs menu...........................................................................................................................27

2.4.1 Graphs of daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data..........................28

2.4.2 Graphs comparing several variables for daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and

annual data .............................................................................................................................33


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2.4.3 Graphs comparing several stations for daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and

annual data .............................................................................................................................35

2.4.4 General queries. Graphs. ..............................................................................................37

2.5. Capture menu..........................................................................................................................432.5.1 Capturing daily data.......................................................................................................43

2.5.2 Capturing detailed data .................................................................................................45

2.5.3 Capturing SYNOP messages in FM12 format ..............................................................47

2.5.4 Capturing SYNOP messages in CREX format .............................................................50

2.5.5 Exporting data from tables.............................................................................................51

2.5.6 Importing data to tables .................................................................................................53

2.5.7 Updating data between servers.....................................................................................54

2.6. Data editing and calculation menu..........................................................................................55

2.6.1 Editing daily data in listings ...........................................................................................56

2.6.2 Editing data using graphs. .............................................................................................58

2.6.3 Availability of daily data .................................................................................................60

2.6.4 Detailed calculations on daily data. ...............................................................................63

2.6.5 Calculating by station, station group and zones on maps ............................................64

2.6.6 Queries decoding SYNOP FM12 messages..............................................................68

2.6.7 Queries decoding SYNOP CREX messages.............................................................69

2.6.8 Query decoding METAR / SPECI messages.............................................................70

2.7. Definitions................................................................................................................................71

2.7.1 Stations ..........................................................................................................................74

2.7.2 Automatic stations by satellite identifier ........................................................................78

2.7.3 Station groups................................................................................................................79

2.7.4 Groups of automatic stations.........................................................................................80

2.7.5 Station types ..................................................................................................................80

2.7.6 Instruments by station....................................................................................................81

2.7.7 Defining maps by geographical position using two points ............................................82

2.7.8 Defining maps by geographical position using quadrilaterals.......................................83

2.7.9 Defining stations on sketches or diagrams ...................................................................84

2.7.10 Defining MCH and general maps ................................................................................85

2.7.11 Station metadata..........................................................................................................88

2.7.12 Station locator ..............................................................................................................89

2.7.13 Variables ......................................................................................................................91

2.7.14 Acceptable values........................................................................................................92

2.7.15 Checks by formula .......................................................................................................93


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2.7.16 Checks by proximity.....................................................................................................94

2.7.17 Conversion tables ........................................................................................................95

2.7.18 Conversion formulae for derived variables..................................................................97

2.7.19 Variables for automatic stations by satelli te identifier .................................................98

2.7.20 Acceptable values for automatic variables..................................................................99

2.7.21 Derived variables .......................................................................................................100

2.7.22 Data in SYNOP-CREX messages.............................................................................101

2.7.23 SYNOP-CREX message templates ..........................................................................102

2.7.24 FTP transmission options ..........................................................................................102

2.7.25 FTP transmission addresses.....................................................................................103

2.7.26 Users..........................................................................................................................104

2.7.27 Access levels .............................................................................................................1042.7.28 General database operation......................................................................................105

2.7.29 Variables from automatic stations for web page.......................................................105

2.7.30 Map options for web ..................................................................................................105

2.7.31 Data sources..............................................................................................................106

2.7.32 Time zones ................................................................................................................106

2.7.33 Units ...........................................................................................................................107

2.7.34 Catchments ................................................................................................................107

2.7.35 Sub-catchments .........................................................................................................1082.5.36 Hydrological regions ..................................................................................................108

2.5.37 States / Departments / Provinces..............................................................................109

2.7.38 Municipalities / Boroughs / Parishes .........................................................................109

2.7.39 Regional management / offices.................................................................................110

2.8 Window menu.........................................................................................................................110

2.9. Help menu .............................................................................................................................111

Annexes................................................................................................................................... 113

Annex A - System installation ......................................................................................................115

Annex B Obtaining MCH database information from Excel spreadsheets ..............................135

Annex C Preparing a map in DXF to load into MCH for presenting information in zone maps......................................................................................................................................................143

Annex D Tools for exchanging MCH information with other systems and between MCHlocations .......................................................................................................................................147

The EnviarMCH.exe command ............................................................................................149

The CargMCHftpctl.exe command .......................................................................................149

The CargFtpMCH.exe command..........................................................................................150


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The CargaSynopMetarB.exe command...............................................................................150

The DXFaBinGeogr.exe command ......................................................................................152

Digitizing tapes with DigitBan.exe ........................................................................................153

To digitize rectangular type tapes: ...............................................................................154

To digitize rectangular-circular type tapes ..................................................................156

To digitize sun tapes, rectangular and rectangular-circular......................................158

Scheduled tasks....................................................................................................................159

Annex E Calculating daily data from detailed data...................................................................161

Calculation types..........................................................................................................................163

LAST .....................................................................................................................................164

CUMULAT.............................................................................................................................164

MEANLAST...........................................................................................................................165 FREQUENC..........................................................................................................................165


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Listoffigures

Figure 1: Main menu ................................................................................................................................................ 11Figure 2: Map of system menus............................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 3: Entering the user ID and password ...................................................................................................... 13Figure 4: File menu................................................................................................................................................... 13Figure 5: Printer configuration window................................................................................................................ 14Figure 6: Maps menu ................................................................................................................................................ 14Figure 7: Maps by geographical position 1.......................................................................................................... 15Figure 8: Maps by geographical position 2.......................................................................................................... 16Figure 9: Maps by geographical position 3.Colour ranges................................................................................ 17Figure 10: Maps by geographical position 4.Colour selection.......................................................................... 17Figure 11: Maps by geographical position 5.Exporting data and printing. ....................................................18Figure 12: Maps by geographical position 6.Map exported to a graphics file ............................................... 18Figure 13: Maps by geographical position 7. Data exported to a text file ......................................................19Figure 14: Maps by geographical position 8. Data exported to a spreadsheet............................................... 19

Figure 15:Maps.Diagrams or sketches .................................................................................................................. 20Figure 16: Zone maps 1............................................................................................................................................ 21Figure 17: Zone maps 2.Defining colours and fills ............................................................................................. 21Figure 18: Zone maps 1.Defining stations or station groups by zone............................................................... 22Figure 19: Zone maps 1.Defining stations or station groups by zone............................................................... 22Figure 20: Isoline maps 1. ....................................................................................................................................... 23Figure 21: Isoline maps 2.Query 2 tab. ................................................................................................................. 24Figure 22: Isoline maps 3.Isoline data 1 tab. ....................................................................................................... 24Figure 23: Isoline maps 4.Isoline data 2 tab. ....................................................................................................... 25Figure 24:Isoline maps 5.Isoline data 3 tab.......................................................................................................... 26Figure 25: Isoline maps 6.Area option. ................................................................................................................. 27Figure 26:Graphs menu ........................................................................................................................................... 28

Figure 27:Graphs 1................................................................................................................................................... 29Figure 28: Graphs menu .......................................................................................................................................... 30Figure 29:Graphs menu ........................................................................................................................................... 30Figure 30: Graphs menu .......................................................................................................................................... 31Figure 31: Graphs menu .......................................................................................................................................... 31Figure 32: Graphs menu .......................................................................................................................................... 32Figure 33: Graphs menu .......................................................................................................................................... 32Figure 34: Graphs several variables 1 .................................................................................................................. 34Figure 35: Graphs several variables 2 .................................................................................................................. 35Figure 36: Graphs several stations 1 ..................................................................................................................... 36Figure 37: General query 1. .................................................................................................................................... 37Figure 38: General query 3.Select by example options....................................................................................... 37

Figure 39: General query 3.By station. ................................................................................................................. 39Figure 40 :General query 4.By station group. ...................................................................................................... 40Figure 41: General query 5.Stations near to a point........................................................................................... 41Figure 42: Capture menu ......................................................................................................................................... 43Figure 43: Capturing daily data 1.......................................................................................................................... 44Figure 44: Capturing daily data 2.......................................................................................................................... 45Figure 45: Capturing detailed data.Manned and automatic stations ............................................................... 46Figure 46: Capturing SYNOP FM12 messages. 1. ..............................................................................................48Figure 47: Capturing SYNOP FM12 messages.2................................................................................................. 49Figure 48: Capturing SYNOP FM12 messages.3................................................................................................. 49Figure 49: Capturing SYNOP CREX messages 1. ............................................................................................... 50Figure 50 :Capturing SYNOP CREX messages 2. ............................................................................................... 51


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Figure 51: Exporting data 1. ................................................................................................................................... 52Figure 52: Exporting data 2. ................................................................................................................................... 53Figure 53: Importing data 1. ................................................................................................................................... 54Figure 54: Importing data 2. ................................................................................................................................... 54

Figure 55: Updating data between servers. .......................................................................................................... 55Figure 56: Data editing and calculation menu..................................................................................................... 56Figure 57: Editing data in listings. ......................................................................................................................... 57Figure 58 : Editing da ta in listings 2....................................................................................................................... 57Figure 59: Reviewing data using graphs 1............................................................................................................ 58Figure 60: Reviewing data using graphs 2............................................................................................................ 59Figure 61: Reviewing data using graphs 3............................................................................................................ 60Figure 62: Availability of daily da ta 1................................................................................................................... 61Figure 63: Availability of daily da ta 2................................................................................................................... 62Figure 64: Availability of daily da ta 3................................................................................................................... 62Figure 65: Availability of daily da ta 4................................................................................................................... 63Figure 66: Reviewing data using graphs 1............................................................................................................ 64

Figure 67: Calculating data by station, station group and zones on maps, 1. ................................................ 66Figure 68: Calculating data by station, station group and zones on maps, 2. ................................................ 67Figure 69: Calculating data by station, station group and zones on maps, 3. ................................................ 68Figure 70: Querying SYNOP FM12 messages. .................................................................................................... 69Figure 71: Querying SYNOP CREX messages. .................................................................................................... 70Figure 72: Query decoding METAR / SPECI messages .................................................................................. 71Figure 73: Definitions menu .................................................................................................................................... 72Figure 74: Capture form ..........................................................................................................................................72Figure 75: Capture form 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 73Figure 76: Capture form 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 73Figure 77: Stations 1................................................................................................................................................. 75Figure 78: Stations 2................................................................................................................................................. 76

Figure 79 : Stations 3.Data from dams................................................................................................................... 77Figure 80: Stations 4.Data from hydrometrics. .................................................................................................... 78Figure 81: Station groups 1. .................................................................................................................................... 79Figure 82: Station groups 1. .................................................................................................................................... 80Figure 83: Station types............................................................................................................................................ 81Figure 84: Instruments by station ........................................................................................................................... 82Figure 85: Two-point geo-referencing................................................................................................................... 83Figure 86: Geo-referencing by quadrilaterals...................................................................................................... 84Figure 87: Defining stations on sketches or diagrams........................................................................................ 85Figure 88: Vector maps by geographical position 1............................................................................................ 86Figure 89: Vector maps by geographical position 2............................................................................................ 87Figure 90: Vector maps by geographical position 3............................................................................................ 87Figure 91: Station metadata .................................................................................................................................... 89

Figure 92: Station locator 2..................................................................................................................................... 89Figure 93: Station locator 1..................................................................................................................................... 90Figure 94: Station locator 3..................................................................................................................................... 90Figure 95: Variables 1.............................................................................................................................................. 92Figure 96: Acceptable values per variable............................................................................................................ 93Figure 97:Checks by formula .................................................................................................................................. 94Figure 98: Checks by proximity .............................................................................................................................. 95Figure 99: Conversion tables 1 ............................................................................................................................... 96Figure 100: Conversion tables 2 ............................................................................................................................. 96Figure 101: Conversion tables 2 ............................................................................................................................. 97Figure 102: Conversion tables 2 ............................................................................................................................. 98


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Figure 103: Variables for automatic stations by satellite identifier.................................................................. 99Figure 104: Acceptable values for automatic stations ...................................................................................... 100Figure 105: Acceptable values for automatic stations ...................................................................................... 101Figure 106:Data in SYNOP-CREX messages ..................................................................................................... 101

Figure 107: SYNOP-CREX message t emplates .................................................................................................. 102Figure 108: FTP transmission options ...............................................................................................................103Figure 109: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 103Figure 110: Defining users .................................................................................................................................... 104Figure 111: User access levels .............................................................................................................................. 104Figure 112: Automatic variables for web............................................................................................................105Figure 113: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 106Figure 114: Data sources.......................................................................................................................................106Figure 115: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 107Figure 116: Units ....................................................................................................................................................107Figure 117: Catchments .........................................................................................................................................108Figure 118: Sub-catchments .................................................................................................................................. 108

Figure 119: Hydrological regions ........................................................................................................................109Figure 120: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 109Figure 121: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 110Figure 122: FTP transmission options ................................................................................................................ 110Figure 123:Installing MCH.Server step 1 ...........................................................................................................117Figure 124:Installing MCH.Server step 2 ...........................................................................................................118Figure 125:Installing MCH.Server step 3 ...........................................................................................................119Figure 126:Installing MCH.Server step 4 ...........................................................................................................121Figure 127:Installing MCH.Server step 5 ...........................................................................................................122Figure 128:Installing MCH.Server step 6 ...........................................................................................................123Figure 129:Installing MCH.Server step 7 ...........................................................................................................124Figure 130:Installing MCH.Server step 8 ...........................................................................................................125

Figure 131:Installing MCH.Server step 9 ...........................................................................................................126Figure 132:Installing MCH.Server step 10 .........................................................................................................128Figure 133:Installing MCH.Server step 11 .........................................................................................................129Figure 134:Installing MCH.Server step 12 .........................................................................................................130Figure 135:Installing MCH.User step 1 ..............................................................................................................131Figure 136:Installing MCH.User step 2 ..............................................................................................................132Figure 137:Installing MCH.User step 3 ..............................................................................................................133Figure 138:Installing MCH.User step 4 ..............................................................................................................134Figure 139:Excel Tools .......................................................................................................................................137Figure 140:Excel Tools Add-ins..................................................................................................................... 137Figure 141:Excel Tools .......................................................................................................................................138Figure 142:Excel Tools Add-ins..................................................................................................................... 138Figure 143:ODBC definition for MySQL5 1.......................................................................................................138

Figure 143:Installing MySQL ODBC................................................................................................................... 139Figure 145:SQL.REQUEST function in Excel .................................................................................................... 139Figure 146:DXFaMCH.exe routine...................................................................................................................... 145Figure 147:Loading SYNOP, METAR / SPECI and SYNOP-CREX messages 1 ..........................................151Figure 148:Loading SYNOP, METAR / SPECI and SYNOP-CREX messages 2 ..........................................151Figure 149:Loading SYNOP, METAR / SPECI and SYNOP-CREX messages 3 ..........................................152Figure 150:Loading SYNOP, METAR / SPECI and SYNOP-CREX messages 4 ..........................................152Figure 151:Converting DXF maps to binary for MCH ..................................................................................... 153Figure 152:Digitizing tapes. 1............................................................................................................................... 154Figure 153:Digitizing tapes. 2............................................................................................................................... 155Figure 154:Digitizing tapes. 3............................................................................................................................... 156


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Figure 155:Digitizing tapes. 4............................................................................................................................... 157Figure 156:Digitizing tapes. 5............................................................................................................................... 158Figure 157:Digitizing tapes. 6............................................................................................................................... 159Figure 158:Digitizing tapes. 7............................................................................................................................... 159


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Listofacronyms

Acronym Description

English Spanish English Spanish

DAPS DAPSData Collection System Automatic ProcessingSystem

Sistema de Procesamiento Automtico paraRecoleccin de Datos

DCP PCD Data Collect ion Platform Plataforma de Coleccin de Datos

DRGS ETRD Direct Readout Ground Station (satellitereceiver)

Estacin Terrena de Recepcin Directa (dedatos de satlite)

ERIC ERICClimatalogical Data Bank for Mexico on CD-ROM

Extractor Rpido de InformacinClimatolgica (en Disco Compacto)

FTP FTP File Transfer Protocol Protocolo para Transmisin de ArchivosGMT GMT Greenwich Mean Time (time zone) Hora segn el meridiano de Greenwich

GOES GOES Geostationary Operational EnvironmentalSatellite

Satlite Geoestacionario de Alta Resolucin

LAN LAN

Local Area Network (for computer

connections)

Red de rea Local (para conexiones de

computadoras)NESDIS NESDIS

National Environmental Satellite, Data andInformation Service (USA)

Servicio Nacional de Informacin y DatosSatelitales del Medio Ambiente, de los EUA

NOAA NOAANational Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (USA)

Administracin Nacional de Ocenos yAtmsfera, EUA

PDT PDT Platform Descript ion Table (at NESDIS) Tabla para Descripcin de Plataforma (en elNESDIS)

SHEF SHEF Standard Hydrological Exchange FormatFormato Estndar de IntercambioHidrometeorolgico

SQL SQL Standard Query Language (for databases)Lenguaje Estndar Interactivo (para bases dedatos)

WAN WAN Wide Area Network Red de rea Extendida

WMO OMM

World Meteorological Organization (of the

UN)

Organizacin Meteorolgica Mundial (de

Naciones Unidas)


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Introduction

MCHBD is a system for managing meteorology, climatology and hydrology data, storing data in a

database (MySQL). It works in clientserver mode on a LAN/WAN, has a web intranet module for

some datacapture functions, queries, graphs and maps. The network communication protocol mustbe TCP/IP.

ODBC technology oriented, it allows the database to be queried by external tools using that protocol.

The variables to be managed can be defined. Each variable can handle detailed data (data with a

frequency of less than one day, with an accuracy of up to one minute) in native form, and daily data.Daily data can be calculated from detailed data. Daily data can be used to calculate cumulative daily,

weekly, dekadal (three times a month), monthly and annual data. Normals or means can be

calculated for various periods for daily, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data.

Information can be presented on maps (images, vector maps and sketches).More than 40 types of

geographical projections are available for vector maps), graphs and tables. Query output can beexported to various types of graphs and text files and spreadsheets.

Information from automatic stations can be uploaded if needed using additional functions. There

are generic import functions to load historical information from tabseparated text files.

MCHBD09 is an application running in the Windows graphical environment.

Structureofthemanual

This manual is structured as follows: Chapter1,Gettingstarted, gives a general explanation of the

systems objectives and scope, a description of the management of some parts and a summary of the

most common operating sequences of the system. Chapter2,Using thesystem , offers a detailed

explanation of every function in the system, in the order that they appear in the system menus. We

recommend using the Simplified Guide for an alternative way of operating the system. AnnexA

explains how to install the system on a new computer and a new computer network. Annex

Bexplains how to obtain MCH data from Excel spreadsheets. Annex C contains information on

preparing and loading maps in DXF format into MCH to represent data by map zones. AnnexD sets

out the formats of the various MCH tools for scheduled tasks and interchanging information

between MCH servers, while AnnexEdocuments the method for calculating daily data from detaileddata.


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Chapter1.Gettingstarted

The Meteorology, Climatology and Hydrology Information System is written in Delphi 2006 and

uses the freely available MySQL 5 database. It comprises (a) a clientserver module used foroperating and administration functions, (b) a number of utilities for certain information loading and

management functions and (c) an executable module for various tasks, also written in Delphi, fordata capture and dynamic queries via the web of data, graphs and maps. The web module operates

under Apache which is an opensource server. It also uses a number of opensource information

management tools and data: GMT Tools, ImageMagick, GhostScript, NetCDF, Proj4.

The system can define any number of variables to be managed. The data of the variables are stored

as doubleprecision numbers (15 significant figures).Each variable can handle detailed data (data

with a frequency of less than one day, with an accuracy of up to one minute) in native form, and

daily data. Daily data can be calculated from detailed data. Daily data can be used to calculate

cumulative daily, weekly, dekadal (three times a month), monthly and annual data. Normals or

means can be calculated for various periods for daily, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data.

Information can be presented on maps (images, vector maps and sketches).More than 40 types of

geographical projections are available for vector maps), graphs and tables. Query output can be

exported to various types of graphs and text files and spreadsheets.

The system is administered with four levels of security: administrator, full user, user and capture. It

is also possible to consult the system without a user ID in clientserver or web mode.

Clientserver mode works over a LAN/WAN using the TCP/IP protocol. Data can be synchronized

between several servers under MsSQL functions and with special tasks under FTP and manually

within the user module.

MCH is a configurable system in which it is possible to define variables (more than 50 are defined by

default), measuring stations, conditions for verifying input data, maps and sketches onto which theinformation is displayed. There is a whole set of tables of information relating to the measuringstations and the data.

Information from automatic stations can be uploaded if needed using additional functions.

There are generic import functions to load historical information from tabseparated text files.

MCHBD09 is an application running in the Windows graphical environment. The functions

programmed for operation by users are grouped under menus and submenus. There are some

shortcut buttons for the most frequently used functions.

As in any Windows application, there are two ways of activating a function in the system: using the

mouse pointer or keystrokes.

Chapter2,

Using

the

system, describes all the functions in the system in local mode (LAN/WAN)

and how to use them, following the order they appear in the system menus.

Scopeandphysicaloperatinglimits

Variables.Limited only by the size of the database, limited in turn only by the available disk space.Each variable is associated with a set of tables for the detailed, daily, weekly, dekadal, monthly and

annual data and their respective normals / means.

Maps. Maps in image form are always processed in .bmp format, but many image types can be

converted into this format. The position of stations on maps is indicated with objects for displaying

the individual information of each station when the mouse pointer rolls over them and we havefound that it works even with 1,500 stations on a map (this is limited by the way in which Windows


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handles graphic objects, and functionality declines when the operating system has to control many

objects

Graphics.To enable a graph to be enlarged, there must be up to 300,000 data points, but we have

tested graphs with up to 1.6 million points.

Users.Limited by the database manager, depending on the parameters set when it is set up.

Openwindows.The functions for querying data in maps and graphs allow multiple windows to be

opened.

1.1.Systeminstallation

The system distribution disk contains an automated procedure for installing the MCH system. The

system can be installed in server and user modes. A more detailed description of installation can be

found in Annex A.

System

requirements

Running the system as a work station for querying and processing data (clientserver) requires acomputer preferably with a processor speed of 1.5 GHz or faster, a video resolution of at least 1024

x 768, a network connection to the computer serving the central database, and 1 GB of RAM.

Operating system Windows 2000, Windows XP or later. Disk space 5 GB. Local or networked colour

or monochrome printer. If graphs are to be printed in wide format, a local or networked plotter.

To run the system as a database server, a computer with a processor speed of 2 GHz or faster, videoresolution of at least 1024 x 768, 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard disk, 100 GB of free space for the

database, operating system Windows 2000 professional, Windows XP, Windows 2000 server or

Windows 2003 server or later. If possible, a colour tabloidsize or larger printer or a colour plotter.

The system operator must be familiar with the Windows operating system.

1.2.Commontasks

Most of the system functions are briefly described by subject with references to how to access each

function and the user level required to do so.

Datacapture

Data can be entered into the system via the user module or intranet web functions.

Capture requires user level 4 and restrictions can be applied to determine what each user can

capture.

Daily data can be captured under menu option Capture/

Capture

daily

data and detailed data

under menu option Capture/Capturedetaileddata. Capture of SYNOP messages in FM12 formatunder menu option Capture/CaptureSYNOPmessages/CaptureSYNOP FM12messages and

capture of SYNOP messages in CREX format under menu option Capture / Capture SYNOP

messages/CaptureSYNOPFM12messages.

Capturevia thewebmodule takes place in the MCH server http://servidormch/mch under the

Capture menu option. This option can be used to capture detailed and daily data.

Queryingdataongraphs

Queries in tables and graphs in the user module are to be found under the same function.


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Any user with access to the system can perform queries.

For daily data there is menu option Graphs/Graphsdailydata, for detailed data there is Graphs/

Graphs detaileddata, for weekly data there is Graphs/Graphsweekly data, for dekadal data

there is Graphs/Graphsdekadaldata, for monthly data there is Graphs/Graphsmonthlydata

and for annual data there is Graphs/

Graphs

annual

data.

Comparative queries can be carried out on up to six variables per station for:

daily data several variables menu option Graphs / Comparative graphs severalvariables/dailydataseveralvariables,




daily data several variables menu option Graphs / Comparative graphs several

variables/

daily

data

several

variables,


Comparative queries can be carried out of up to 6 stations for one variable for:

daily data several stations menu option Graphs/Comparativegraphsseveralstations/dailydataseveralstations,



daily data several stations menu option Graphs/Comparativegraphsseveralstations/

dailydata

several

stations,



There is also a general type of query that can be applied to other tables in the system or for making

composite queries. The query graph can be exported to a graphics file and the query data can be

exported to text or spreadsheet files.

All the data query functions have the option to export the data to text files, commaseparated value

(CSV) files and spreadsheet files (up to 65,535 lines), in the form of the query output.There is also ageneral way of exporting data from the tables in the system under menu option Capture/Export

datafrom

tables.

There is a function for locating stations using key combination and under menu option

Definitions/Stations/Stationlocator.

Dataqueriesinthewebmodule are available in the MCH server http://servidormch/mch undermenu option Data queries. This offers options for daily, detailed, monthly, annual, weekly and

dekadal data.

Datagraphsinthewebmodule are available in the MCH server http://servidormch/mch under

menu option Graphs. This offers options for querying daily, detailed, monthly, annual, weekly and

dekadal data in graphs and tables.


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Queryingdataonmaps

There are five type of queries on maps. To query data on maps on which the information is to be

displayed, maps have to be prepared beforehand.

Queries on maps can be exported to a graphics file of the map being represented. The data can beexported to text or spreadsheet files.

Any user with access to the system can perform queries.

Queryingdataonmapsbygeographical positiononimages.This is available for:

daily data under menu option Maps/Dailydatamaps/Dailymapsbygeog.posn.,

detailed data under menu option Maps/Detailed datamaps/Detailedmapsbygeog.posn .,

weekly data under menu option Maps/Weeklydatamaps/Weeklymapsbygeog.posn.,

dekadal data under menu option Maps/Dekadaldatamaps/Dekadalmapsbygeog.posn. ,

monthly data under menu option Maps/Monthlydatamaps/Monthlymapsbygeog.posn. and

annual data under menu option Maps/Annualdatamaps/Annualmapsbygeog.posn.

You first have to prepare an image that is georeferenced by means of two points or a set of

quadrilaterals. The stations to be represented have to be defined as a station group.

Queryingdataonsketchesanddiagrams.This is available for:

daily data under menu option Maps/Dailydatamaps/Dailymapssketch,

detailed data under menu option Maps/Detaileddatamaps/Detailedmapssketch,

weekly data under menu option Maps/Weeklydatamaps/Weeklymapssketch,

dekadal data under menu option Maps/Dekadaldatamaps/Dekadalmapssketch,

monthly data under menu option Maps/Monthlydatamaps/Monthlymapssketch, and

annual data under menu option Maps/

Annual

data

maps

/

Annual

maps

sketch.

Where representation on a map is inconvenient for some reason, e.g. some of the measuring stations

are positioned very close together, a diagram or sketch can be prepared in an image file, with a

manual definition of each station on the map. This option can be used when for some reason maps

are available in mosaic sections.

Queryingdataonzonemaps.This is available for:

daily data under menu option Maps/Dailydatamaps/Dailyzonemaps,

weekly data under menu option Maps/Weeklydatamaps/Weeklyzonemaps,

dekadal data under menu option Maps/Dekadaldatamaps/Dekadalzonemaps,

monthly data under menu option Maps/Monthlydatamaps/Monthlyzonemaps, and

annual data under menu option Maps/Annualdatamaps/Annualzonemaps.

This requires a DXF format file (nivel 12) to have been prepared beforehand with a different layer

for each zone (states, regions, departments, municipalities, etc.)and loaded using the DXFaMCH.exe

routine. Each zone of the map can be associated with a station or a station group. The fill value of

each zone is the value of the station or station group and is represented with a fill type and colour

that can be defined for each value range.

Queryingdataon isolinemaps.This is available for daily data under menu option Maps/Daily

datamaps/Dailyisolinemaps. It works by summing a date range, so that it can be used in general

for any period and summing can also be done by month or year to make averaged monthly and

annual isolines over a given period. The stations to be represented have to be defined as a station

group.


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Querying data on maps by geographical position on vector maps (includes more than 40

geographical projection types).Maps may be taken from the World DataBank WDBII loaded as .mhc

files, special maps in .mhc format or maps loaded using the DXFaMCH.exe routine. This is available

for:

daily data under menu option Maps/

Daily

data

maps

/

Daily

geog.

projn

maps.

detailed data under menu option Maps/Detaileddatamaps/Detailedgeog.projnmaps,

weekly data under menu option Maps/Weeklydatamaps/Weeklygeog.projnmaps,

dekadal data under menu option Maps/Dekadaldatamaps/Dekadalgeog.projnmaps,

monthly data under menu option Maps/Monthlydatamaps/Monthlygeog.projnmapsand

annual data under menu option Maps/Annualdatamaps/Annualgeog.projnmaps.

Mapqueriesinwebmode are available in the MCH server http://servidormch/mch under menu

option Maps. This offers options for querying daily, detailed, monthly, annual, weekly and dekadal

data in maps and tables. Maps must be defined as images georeferenced by two points.

All the data query functions have the option to export the data to text files, commaseparated value

(CSV) files and spreadsheet files (up to 65,535 lines), in the form of the query output. There is also ageneral way of exporting data from the tables in the system under menu option Capture / Export

data from tables.

Importingandexportingdata

These functions require user level 2 or 3.

There is a special data export function under menu option Capture / Export data tables for

generating text files for transferring information to other systems from most of the system tables. It

has options that can be used to import data as a data backup facility. There is also a data import

function under menu option Capture / Import data from tables which can be used as analternative way of loading data from legacy sources or for interchanging information with other

institutions that is in the required format.

Data can be updated between MCH servers using menu option Capture/ Update databetween

servers.

Performingcalculationsandeditingdata

These functions require user level 2 or 3.

Detailed data are those with a frequency of less than one day. Calculation of daily data from detailed

data is used when data are available at regular intervals during the day, either from manualprocedures or from measurements in automatic stations. The option for calculating daily data from

detailed data is under menu option EditandCalculations/Calculations/Calculatedailydata

fromdetailed

data. This calculation option is mainly designed for calculations of daily data from

automatic stations and also for some cases of conventional stations.

Using daily data it is possible to calculate cumulative daily data from the start of the year; weekly,dekadal, monthly and annual data can also be calculated. Daily, weekly, dekadal, monthly and

annual data can be used to calculate normals (or means if not all the conditions for normality

defined by WMO are satisfied) for any desired number of periods. The option to calculate by station,

station groups and zones is under menu option EditandCalculations/Calculations/Calculations

bystation,groupsandzones.

There are several mechanisms for editing data during capture. There are other mechanisms for

editing and displaying coded messages. To edit daily data using graphs, use menu option Editand


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Calculations/Editdata/Editdailydatawithgraphs. To edit data using a listing there is menu

option EditandCalculations/Editdata/Editdailytextdata.

Consult SYNOP FM12 format messages under menu option Edit and Calculations / SYNOP

messages/SYNOP FM12messages. Consult SYNOP CREX format messages under menu option

Editand

Calculations

/

SYNOP

messages

/

SYNOP

CREX

messages. Consult METAR / SPECI

messages under menu option EditandCalculations/METAR/SPECImessages.

Exportingdatatotextfilesandspreadsheets

All the data query functions have the option to export the data to text files, commaseparated value(CSV) files and spreadsheet files (up to 65,535 lines), in the form of the query output. There is also a

general way of exporting data from the tables in the system under menu option Capture/Export

datafromtables.

DefinitionsGeneraltables

Within the user module, the system administrator has several facilities for configuring the MCHworking environment.

These functions require user level 2.

Definingstations

GeneralstationdatacanbedefinedandeditedundermenuoptionDefinitions/

Stations/Stations.

Automatic stations are defined by satellite identifier under menu option

Definitions/Stations/AutomaticstationsbysatelliteID.

Station groupsaredefinedundermenuoptionDefinitions/Stations/ Station

groups.

Definition of variable types associated with station types under menu option

Definitions/Stations/Stationtypes.

Capturefrom instrumentsbystationundermenuoptionDefinitions/Stations/

Instrumentsbystation.

Captureofmetadata from stationsundermenuoptionDefinitions/ Stations/

Stationmetadata.

StationlocatorundermenuoptionDefinitions/Stations/Stationlocator.

Stationsonmaps.These functions define how stations are located on maps, georeference maps or

define projections of vector maps.

Defining the position of stations on sketches, diagrams or maps by direct location undermenu option Definitions/Stations/Stationsonsketchmapordiagram .

Georeferencing northoriented maps, in orthogonal projections and linear proportions byaxis or linear approximations, menu option Definitions/Stations/Stnsonmapsbygeog.

posn2-point.

Georeferencing maps as an approximation by quadrilaterals, menu option Definitions/Stations/Stnsonmapsbygeog.posnquadrilaterals.

Defining maps by geographical projection, menu option Definitions/Stations/DefineMCHandgeneralmaps.


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Definingvariables

Defining variables and creating data tables associated with the new variables, menu optionDefinitions/Variables/Variables.

Defining acceptable values for daily and detailed data, by station variable or generic by

variable, menu option Definitions/

Variables

/

Acceptable

values.

Defining acceptable values for automatic stations, by station variable or generic by variable,menu option Definitions/Variables/Acceptableautomaticvalues.

Defining checks by formula by variable, menu option Definitions/Variables/Checks.

Defining checks by proximity of other stations by variablestation, menu option Definitions/Variables/Proximitychecks.

Capturing conversion tables for derived or converted variables, menu option Definitions/Variables/Conversiontables.

Defining derived variables by tables, menu option Definitions / Variables / Derivedvariables.

Defining derived variables by formulae, menu option Definitions/Variables/Conversionformulae.

Automatic stations are defined by satellite identifier under menu option Definitions /Stations/AutomaticstationsbysatelliteID.

Defining automatic station variables for displaying on the web, menu option Definitions/Definitionsforweb/Variablesforautomaticstations.

Defining data for SYNOPCREX messages, menu option Definitions/SYNOPCREX/SYNOPCREXdata.

Defining data templates for SYNOPCREX messages, menu option Definitions/SYNOPCREX/SYNOPCREXtemplates.

Othertables

Defining Regional Management / Offices, menu options Definitions / Other tables /

Regionalmanagement.

Defining states / provinces / departments, menu options Definitions/Othertables/Statesdepartmentsprovinces.

Defining Municipalities / boroughs / parishes, menu option Definitions/Other tables/Municipalities.

Defining catchments, menu option Definitions/Othertables/Catchments.

Defining subcatchments, menu option Definitions/Othertables/Sub-catchments.

Defining hydrological regions, menu option Definitions / Other tables / Hydrologicalregions.

Defining time zones, menu option Definitions/Othertables/Timezones.

Defining data origins or sources, menu option Definitions/Othertables/Datasources.

Defining units, menu option Definitions/Othertables/Units.

Transmissionandwebmanagement

Defining map options for presenting station information on the web, menu optionDefinitions/Definitionsforweb/Intxxnetmapoptions.

Defining FTP transmission options for station groups and daily and detailed data variablesfor transmission to other servers or sites, menu optionDefinitions/Transmissions/FTPtransmission options.

Defining web addresses of FTP servers for data transmission, menu optionDefinitions/Transmissions/FTPtransmissionaddresses.


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Chapter2.Usingthesystem

This chapter explains how to use the user module in the clientserver environment.

2.1.Mainmenu

MCHBD is operated by means of a system menu and a number of submenus to send and execute queries

on maps, queries on graphs, capture and export / import of data, editing and calculation, and general

system data definitions.

Depending on the level of the user, one or two toolbars are displayed with icons for directly accessing

some of the functions available in the menus.

Figure 1: Main menu

System functions are made available to users according to the permissions level of their user ID.

Usingthesystemmenus

Menus are used in line with the general rules common to all Windows applications. They are used by

pointing and clicking (clicking means pressing the left button of the pointing device in most cases amouse) over the desired option.

The menus can also be used via the keyboard. When the menu options have an underlined letter (e.g.

File), this option can be selected directly by typing Altplus that letter. When you are in a submenu, typethe underlined letter alone and the cursor will go to the selected submenu option.

The system has the following menus: File,Maps,Graphs,Capture,Editandcalculations,Definitionsof

generalsystemtables,WindowandHelp.

The main menu map of the system functions is as follows:


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Figure 2: Map of system menus


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Accessingthesystem

Figure 3: Entering the user ID and password

When entering the system, the user is asked for an ID and password. The system can also be used in

consultation mode only. Access to system functions depends on the level of the user.

2.2.Filemenu

Figure 4: File menu

2.2.1.Printersetup

This function is used to set up the main properties of the printer that the system will use for functions

requiring printing facilities. This option makes use of the operating systems print manager.


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Figure 5: Printer configuration window

2.2.2.Exit

Exit the system by clicking on the icon on the main system screen or using menu option File/Exit.

2.3.Mapsmenu

Figure 6: Maps menu

Queries in maps are similar for all periods. The differences are slight in terms of the way in which the

dates are entered and the default values for the colours of the ranges representing the measured valuesfrom the stations.


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Each query can be called many times by selecting the menu option the desired number of times for the

same query in different situations. When too many screens are open they can be minimized; rolling over

them with the mouse for a few seconds displays a tool tip showing full details of the query option, station

and variable. The various open query windows can also be managed under the Window option of themain menu. The Close all option closes all open windows. The number of queries is limited by the

operating system memory and the physical memory installed in the computer on which you are working.

Maps are processed by building summaries between dates supplied, which means that this option can

offer calculations that are not available elsewhere in MCH.

2.3.1.Mapsbygeographicalposition

This function is similar for querying daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data. We explain

it here for daily data, but the only differences for the other periods lie in the way in which the dates areentered.

To represent something here you first have to prepare an image and define its georeferencingcoordinates. If it is an orthogonal projection and each axis is linear or approximately so, two points are

sufficient to georeference it under menu option Definitions / Stations / Stations on map by

geographicalposition,twopoints. Other projection types can be approximated using quadrilaterals forgeoreferencing under menu option Definitions/Stations/Stationsonmapbygeographicalposition,

fourpoints.

You also need to define the station group under Definitions/Stations/Stationgroups.

Figure 7: Maps by geographical position 1.

To make a query on a map, in the Querytab:

1. In the Mapcombo box, select the map on which you want to represent data.

2. In the Variablecombo box, select the variable to be represented.


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3. Select the station group in the Station group combo box. When the map has been defined

previously, the station group associated with the map scrolls down when you leave the Map

combo box.

4. If you want to represent only one date, enter only enddate.

5. If you want to represent a period, check the startdate option and enter startandenddates.If you want the data to be summed (or averaged, depending how the variable has been defined),

check the summed data option .

6. When the variable is of a type that allows extreme data such as temperature, mean, maximum orminimum values can be represented.

7. Click the query button.

Figure 8: Maps by geographical position 2.

Displayingstation

data

As you roll the mouse pointer over the location of each station, the station code,value of the variable, station name and geographical position are displayed.

Usingthezoom. In the main map pane, clickdrag to draw a dotted rectangle and show the zone in the

secondary map pane. To move to another place outside the secondary pane, clickdrag in the pane to

move the position of the map in the pane; this redraws the dotted pane in the main map pane to display

the part being shown.

When the data are not summed, a pair of buttons are active to move forward and backward between two

consecutive periods, so that a single query can contain many maps, for each of the periods in the range.

These control buttons are marked with the symbols.


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Figure 9: Maps by geographical position 3.Colour ranges

DefiningcoloursandotherdataThe Definitionstab in the upper pane is used to define the limit valuesof the ranges. For each defined range, the circle representing the position of the station on the map is

filled with the colour corresponding to the range in which it falls. Six ranges can be defined. If you want

fewer ranges, force the limit of the last desired range with a very high value. Doubleclicking on the colour

box displays the colourselection palette of the operating system. When selecting a colour, the colour is

shown in a box and its value in hexadecimal.

Figure 10: Maps by geographical position 4.Colour selection

Exportingdata. The Printand exportdata tab has options for exporting the map as a graphics file,

printing the screen in its current state and for exporting data to a commaseparated values (CSV) text file

or spreadsheet file.


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Figure 11: Maps by geographical position 5.Exporting data and printing.

When the map is to be exported as a graphics file, account is taken of the Heading1 and "Heading2

data supplied and the header includes the variable data and the date of the data, and the codes of the

stations on the image are included. You have to provide the file extension to determine which format itwill be converted into. The .bmp format is offered by default.

Figure 12: Maps by geographical position 6.Map exported to a graphics file

When exporting to a text file, enter the name of the file in which you want to export the data.Whenexporting to a spreadsheet, you need to have Excel installed. The spreadsheet of the exported data opens

in a window and the user has to save it.

Precipitation 2003/07/27


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Figure 13: Maps by geographical position 7. Data exported to a text file

Figure 14: Maps by geographical position 8. Data exported to a spreadsheet

2.3.2.Maps.Sketchesordiagrams

This function is similar for querying daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data. We explain

it here for daily data, but the only differences for the other periods lie in the way in which the dates are

entered.

To represent something here you first have to prepare an image and define the position of each station

using menu option Definitions/Stations/Stationsonmaps,sketchesordiagrams.

The map works in a similar way to the geographical position.


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Figure 15:Maps.Diagrams or sketches

2.3.3.Zonemaps

This function is similar for querying daily, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data. We explain it here

for daily data, but the only differences for the other periods lie in the way in which the dates are entered.

A zone is a closed polygon shaded with a fill type and colour. The map has to be loaded into the system

from a DXF level 12 file using the DXFaMCH.exe routine. The value of a station or station group is

associated with each zone.

In the top pane there are three tabs defining the query criteria.

In the Querytab:

1. In the Mapcombo box, select the map on which you want to represent data.


3. If you want to represent only one date, enter only enddate.

4. If you want to represent a period, check the startdate option and enter startandenddates.Ifyou want the data to be summed (or averaged, depending how the variable has been defined),

check the summed data option .

5. When the variable is of a type that allows extreme data such as temperature, the mean, maximumor minimum values can be represented.


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Figure 1: Zone maps 1.

In the Definitionstab:

6. Select the ranges, fill colours (doubleclick on each colour box) and the fill type.

Figure 2: Zone maps 2.Defining colours and fills

In the Definitionstab:

7. Select the associated zone or station for each zone of the map. To associate a datum with a zone,click on the zone in the Zones/Stationgroups pane, then doubleclick on the station group in

one of theStationgroup orStationspanes.


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Figure 3: Zone maps 1.Defining stations or station groups by zone

8. In the Query tab, click the Qrybutton.

Figure 4: Zone maps 1.Defining stations or station groups by zone

Usingthe zoom.In the main map pane, clickdrag to draw a dotted rectangle and show the zone in the

secondary map pane.To move to another place outside the secondary pane, clickdrag in the pane to move

the position of the map in the pane; this redraws the dotted pane in the main map pane to display the part

being shown.


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Exportingdata. The Printand exportdata tab has options for exporting the map as a graphics file,

printing the screen in its current state and for exporting data to a commaseparated values (CSV) text file

or spreadsheet file.

2.3.4.Isolinesonmaps

This function is available for daily data. The map is built on the basis of the global cartography available in

NetCDF format, using the Generic Mapping Tools and GhostScript routines. A detailed explanation of

some of the parameters for generating maps can be found in the documentation of the Generic Mapping

Tools routines.

You also need to define the station group under Definitions/Stations/Stationgroups.

Figure 5: Isoline maps 1.

In the top pane there are three tabs defining the query criteria.

In the Querytab:

1. Select the name of the map in the Mapcombo box. The first time you use it, you have to key in the

map name. In this case, the definition will be constructed on the basis of the parameters supplied

later.


3. In the Stationgroupcombo box, select the station group to be used to generate the isolines map

(isohyets, isotherms, isobars, etc.).

4. Enter the startandenddates and check the startdate option. If the data are to relate to oneday only, just enter the enddate and do not check the start date option.


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Figure 21: Isoline maps 2.Query 2 tab.

In the Query2

tab:

5. Select the desired colour set option from the Colourscombo box.

6. In theJPGresolutioncombo box, select the desired number of dots per inch in the final map.

7. Select the desired isoline map type from the Map type combo box.

8. Key in Heading 1 to identify the map.

Figure 6: Isoline maps 3.Isoline data 1 tab.

The default data in the Isolinedata1 tab will suit many cases, but can be edited as required.

9. The Degree format option offers five alternatives for identifying the geographical coordinates on

the map.

10.The font options are measured in points; type a number followed by p (no space), e.g. "10p for10 point. A point is 1/72nd of an inch. The options are Labelfont, HeadingfontandAnnotations

font.

11.The meanvaluescell is a fraction of a degree. If you want any value to be properly preserved,

without being averaged for drawing isolines, 0.001 is recommended. Since the cellofvaluesforareadepends on the size of the geographical area, a suitable value may be 0.01 or 0.001.

12.Line thickness is measured in points. The options are International boundaries, StateboundariesandRivers.


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13.The smoothing level of plotted lines is the polynomial degree of the curves. A value of 4 is

recommended.

14.Annotation

spacing

is measured in inches. The value 2i/4 is recommended.15.Colours are defined as three numbers between 0 and 255 separated by slashes, in which each

element defines part of the colour in RGB (red/green/blue) format. You can use a drawing tool to

check the composition of a desired colour (e.g. in Paint, doubleclick on a colour and then Define

customcolours).The options are RivercolourandSeacolour.

Figure 23: Isoline maps 4.Isoline data 2 tab.

The default data in the Isolinedata

2 tab will suit many cases, but can be edited as required.

16.The Geographical region is defined by four points bounding the zone to be covered by the map

and separated by / without spaces in between. Data are to be supplied in the form

minimum_longitude/maximum_longitude/minimumlatitude/maximum_latitude.Examples:

118/86/14/33 (meaning 188W/86W/14N/33N) and 58.5/53/35/30 (meaning

58.5W/53W/35S/30S).

17.Line thickness is measured in points. The options are Annotatedisolines,Standardisolines and

Plottingline.

18.Colours are defined as three numbers between 0 and 255 separated by slashes, in which eachelement defines part of the colour in RGB (red/green/blue) format. You can use a drawing tool to

check the composition of a desired colour (e.g. in Paint, doubleclick on a colour and then Definecustom colours).The options are Annotatedisolinescolour andStandardisolinescolour.

19.Plotting axes defines how many steps there are on the lines and how often they are marked on the

axes. Examples are 1d1 for every degree and 5d5 for every five degrees.

20.The selected plotting value determines the spacing of the isolines. The main one is the value thatwill be annotated on the isoline, while the secondary one is plotted but without the associatedvalues. It is a number. The options are Annotatedspacing and Standardspacing: Examples are

20 and 10.

21.Heading data are constant to define the position of the headings on the map. It is recommended to

change only the first two entries to adjust the position as required. The first position is X and the


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second is Y (positions are measured in inches on the paper with the axis at the bottom left). The

third entry is the font size in points, e.g. 3.0 7.2 18 0.0 1 6. The options are Heading1dataand

Heading2data.

22.The Valuecombo box determines whether the value (or mean), maximum or minimum is shown.

23.After selecting the perspective map type in the Query tab, the options Projection angle andProjection height appear. We recommend values of 180/70 and 4 respectively.

Figure 24:Isoline maps 5.Isoline data 3 tab

In the Isolinedata3tab:

24.The paper and size are defined as P (portrait) or L (landscape).The paper size should not

exceed 9 inches, as the routines always leave a margin at the bottom left of the paper. The map isscaled in accordance with the value set here. Since the proportion of the maps varies depending

on the selected geographical region, we recommended adjusting the map by trial and error. The

map definition is stored in the database.

25.In the Querytab, click the Qrybutton.


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Figure 25: Isoline maps 6.Area option.

As the maps are being prepared, a file of type xxx.bat is created, containing the commands required to

produce the map, where xxx is the name of the map. You can use it to generate special editions of the

maps produced that are beyond the scope of MCH but can be made within GMT Tools.

2.3.5.Mapsbygeographicalprojection

This function is similar for querying daily, detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data by

geographical position.

To represent something here you first have to define a map by geographical projection using menu option

Definitions/Stations/DefineMCHandgeneralmaps.

In the map combo box, maps with the prefix G refer to maps in the global database and those with prefixH refer to the special MCH type. Otherwise, maps works in a similar way to the geographical position.

2.4.Graphs

menu

Queries on graphs also produce data tables. Queries work in a similar way for all period types: daily,

detailed, weekly, dekadal, monthly and annual data. The differences lie only in the way in which the data

are entered.


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Figure 26:Graphs menu

2.4.1Graphs

of

daily,

detailed,

weekly,

dekadal,

monthly

and

annual

data

There are two types of daily data. Daily data with a single value for the day, such as precipitation or

evaporation, and daily data with extreme values for each day, plus the mean value such as airtemperature. This latter category also includes other variables such as barometric pressure, and a few

others where when reported manually probably only a single value is kept but if measured by automatic

stations the extreme values, such as the level of a river or dam, are available.

The detailed data are entered into the system by capture, capture of SYNOP data, loading data from

automatic stations or digitizing tapes.

Daily data are entered into the system by capture or are generated by calculations from detailed data.

Monthly, annual, weekly and dekadal data are calculated from daily data under the option Calculation of

data by station, group or zone.

This type of query shows only existing data. When queries are by station group and one station has no

data, it appears in the data table only once.


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Figure 27:Graphs 1.

In the top pane of the window there is a control with several tabs where you define the data query.

To run a query, in the Querytab:

1. In the Variablecombo box, select the variable to be plotted.

2. I

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