Observations Data Model
The CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System project is developing information technology infrastructure to support hydrologic science. One aspect of this is a data model for the storage and retrieval of hydrologic observations in a relational database. The purpose for such a database is to store hydrologic observations data in a system designed to optimize data retrieval for integrated analysis of information collected by multiple investigators. It is intended to provide a standard format to aid in the effective sharing of information between investigators and to allow analysis of information from disparate sources both within a single study area or hydrologic observatory and across hydrologic observatories and regions. The observations data model (ODM) is designed to store hydrologic observations and sufficient ancillary information (metadata) about the data values to provide traceable heritage from raw measurements to usable information allowing them to be unambiguously interpreted and used. A relational database format is used to provide querying capability to allow data retrieval supporting diverse analyses.
Briefings
- Publishing Your Data with HIS Server - August 8, 2007 demo. [download PowerPoint (12 pages; 3.7MB) | download PDF script (8 pages; 187KB)]
- Breeze recording of the HIS Server briefing [access presentation]
- CUAHSI Observations Data Model Briefing - February 22, 2007. [download PowerPoint (33 pages; 3.3MB)]
- Breeze recording of the ODM briefing [access presentation]
Resources
The CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System Wiki
The CUAHSI ODM Web site at Utah State University (water.usu.edu/cuahsi/odm/) supports the ongoing development and use of the ODM. This Web site contains:
- CUAHSI Observations data model Design Specifications Documentation
- Blank SQL Server Schema
- Instructions for Attaching Blank SQL Server Schema
- ODM Tools Software
The following downloads are available for ODM Tools Version 1.0. Please consult the software manual for instructions on how to install and use ODM Tools. - ODM Controlled Vocabulary system that allows you to:
- Request changes to the controlled vocabularies
- Update your instance of the ODM from the Master Controlled Vocabulary set.
- ODDataLoader - This tool provides a simple way of loading observations data from a spreadsheet or file into an ODM database.
- Installation files and instructions are located at the San Diego Supercomputer Center-maintained ODDataLoader site.
- A tutorial on how to use the ODDataLoader is located at www.cuahsi.org/his/docs/OdDataLoader_Tutorial.pdf.
- Sample spreadsheet to be used with the tutorial is located at www.cuahsi.org/his/docs/BonnerDataToODM.xls.