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Instructions for use |
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How to use a SoDa service
The SoDa Service contains several services (or resources) and its content is evolving as additional resources (databases, algorithms, end-user applications) are populating the SoDa Service. The services are organised in domains (e.g., environment, energy).
The SoDa Service can be launched by the item "Services" in the menu on top or "Access a Service" on the left menu. The domains are displayed on the main screen. Select your domain of interest in the list. The list of services is displayed. Select a service.
When activated, a service displays a request interface that depends on each service. This interface displays a map and a form (see example). Details on inputs are given in the service information page.
The map displayed shows the geographical coverage of the selected service. The geographical selection can be made in three ways (see example):
- click on the map. See example;
- enter latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. See example. See how to convert geographical coordinates in degrees and minutes into decimal degrees;
- search by name. Click on the button "Seach by Name" and then enter name of the desired city. See example.
The selection of the time period is usually done by selecting two dates (see example) or a month (see example). The month is noted from 1 to 12, 0 or 13 means the year (can be all values or yearly average). Other cases are possible.
Several formats of outputs are possible (see example). HTML is the default format. More on formats.
Once the necessary inputs filled in, the request is sent by clicking on the button "Execute SoDa Service". See example.
How to use a SoDa product
A product is usually a HTML page, called "SoDa Request Results". The top of the page gives the name of the producer and recalls the inputs. The results window comprises a series of values that are the answer to the request (see example). It may also comprise a graph (see example) or a Java applet (see example).
The numbers in the page can be copied and pasted into any spreadsheet or into a text file (see example). Some users prefer to select SoDaCSV (Comma Separated Value) as the output format in order to better ingest the SoDa product into other applications. In that case, the values are separated by a semi-colon (;). See how to select this output format.
If a graph is available (as in the example), it can be saved using the right button of the mouse. See example.
Last update: 10/26/11 5:47 PM
