Exchange Number Structure

[christinerochon]

Hello,

I am new to using KiDAT/WISKI, and I am trying to run an 'example' file through KiDAT, and then enter the output files into WISKI. I have instructions to use the following exchange number structure: RegExp(<FileName>,(A-z)-9)+,1)_Cell(<CurrentColumn>,0). I understand that the Cell(<CurrentColumn>,0) is providing the parameter names, and that the FileName is supposed to provide essential information to let WISKI know where the data is going, however, my file name is WISKI Example...

Can anyone guide me as to how the file name should look/what it should contain to result in an appropriate exchange number structure? I have a station number, and a file number (associated with a logger, I believe). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I am assuming that the parameters must be assigned to the station and match the column header names in the import file. Does the time series also have to be created prior to importing the data?

Thank-you,

Christine

[SteveWKISTERS]

Hi Christine,

Glad to hear that you're picking up WISKI / KiDAT! I've provided a few pointers below and would be happy to set up a quick webex to review the basics of KiDAT.

Typically the file name will contain some sort of unique identifier that can be used as part of the exchange number structure. To be clear, the exchange number just needs to be a series of unique characters and does not need to have the Parameter name within it - although that definitely helps identify which data is being called and troubleshooting any issues. The time series needs to be created prior to importing the data because the Exchange Number is defined at the agent level (i.e. for each time series).

To test this out I would try:

1. Creating a time series for a sample parameter that you have data for, and adding an Import Agent to it. Note the Import Number / Exchange number field in the Import Agent - that's where we ultimately need to put the KiDAT output file name.

2. Determine your exchange number format. There are a number of options, but remember that they must be unique to the system.

   Examples include: 
   a) Station name_Parameter - i.e. TestStation_HG
   b) Station name_Parameter_Source  - i.e. TestStation_HG_WSC
   c) Stationnumber_Parameter - i.e. 0001_HG
   
or in more complicated systems, you could include the organization: i.e. Organization_Stationname_Parameter  - or SCRCA_TestStation_HG

Given that your just trying this out, lets stick with something simple that is easily obtained from the file. Hopefully somewhere in the file name or the file itself the Station Name or Number is defined. If its in the File Name, you can use the RegExp...statement that you included below. I'd guess that your statement is generating something like "WISKI Example_Parameter or WISKI_Parameter.

If its in the file itself you can simply map the value in lieu of the RegExp. i.e. Cell(Namelocation or 0,0)_Cell(<CurrentColumn>,0).

3. Test your KiDAT Task and make sure that it's spitting out files that are named per your expectations.

4. Go to the WISKI time series you'd like to import to and define the Import/Exchange Number using the KiDAT file name. I.e. Import number = TestStation_HG

5. Test to see if you've done this correctly by importing one time series. Go to File > Import > Time Series and choose one of the files that KiDAT has produced. If there are no errors, you've done everything correctly. If there are errors, click to view them and troubleshoot from there.


Good luck!

Steve with KISTERS

[christinerochon]

Thank-you for the advice. I appreciate how simply and clearly you stated the steps - I can definitely build from what you have explained.