OBIS: User interface concepts
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Common user interfaces
OBIS allows to store, manage and visualize a number of different data types as described in OBIS: getting started, e.g. time series data and geodata. In general, the main user interfaces of all of these data show a similar layout and offer the same functionality which will be outlined in the next sections. As an example for the management, visualization and download of data, the geodata data type will be used here. As geodata we can define a dataset that has a spatial aspect or component.
Data overview
The Geodata overview lists all datasets, a contact person or organisation and a reference date. Each column can be arranged in descending and in ascending order. To list the column in alphabetical order, click on the name of the corresponding comumn. Click again to see the records in reversed order. You can also list the datasets according a specific contact person or a reference date. The link below the table allows to export the list of datasets as a CSV file.
In the menu on the left side you see different sub items of the geodata section. The functionalities "New import", "New Metadata" and "Edit map" will be described in detail in the section OBIS: Edit Geodata.
Browsing data
With a click on details in the row of a specific dataset all information linked to this dataset appear. First all metadata are listed. In the section "document" the files for download are available. The buttons above the table can be used to navigate between single data sheets.
In the section "View map data" Geodata will be visualized. For the visualization process you will be redirected to JanusWeb, a product of Codematix GmbH Jena, which is an integral part of the information system. By default all layers connected to this dataset were displayed. You have the possibility to activate layers by clicking the respective checkboxes. On the right side a reference map is shown and a legend appears below.
Searching data
The search function on the left side menu allows the search for datasets by free text or selection list. You can switch between these two modes by clicking either "Search with free text" or "Search with selection list". You can search according many different attributes, e.g. latitude, longtitude, spatial representation type and many more (see the screenshot of the search mask below). If you mark the checkbox in the column "Exact", the search will be carried out without wildcards. If you do not mark the checkbox, the search items entered in the entry field will be searched for as a string in the data entries irrespective of case sensivity.
Editing data
The editing of geodata will be realized at the GUI of JanusWeb. Via the link "Edit data" in the menu on the left side you will be redirected automatically. A new screen appears.
For each dataset you have the opportunity to edit or export.
Links between datasets
In many cases, a single OBIS dataset is a compound, consisting of more than one element. As an example, a time series dataset may consist of
- a metadata description of that dataset
- the real time series data
- links to a measurement station the time series data have been measured at
With regards to geodata you have
- one or more documents containing the real data or preview images of them
- a map layer to be used to display interactive maps in through the OBIS mapserver
