Entering and submitting observations overview

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REQUIREMENTS
Permission All user levels
Connectivity Online and offline

This document provides an overview about different possibilities for entering observations in the InfoEx system.

Background

In the new InfoEx system, the term observation only refers to true observations that were made in the field and pure data is submitted to the InfoEx. Examples are weather observations or avalanche observations. Observations are different from [[Definitions|assessments], which include interpretations of observations, such as a description of the snowpack or a hazard assessment. See Difference between observations and assessments for a complete description of the difference between observations and assessments. This document describes how to enter observations into the InfoEx system.

The new InfoEx offers much more flexibility for the entry of observations than the previous SnoInfo application. The main new features are:

  • Support for observation entry from multiple users on multiple computers
  • The integration of observation entry into workflows

Single versus multiple computer setup

The support for data entry from multiple computers was implemented to make it easier for larger teams to collaboratively contribute to the InfoEx and to integrate the InfoEx better into the existing operational procedures of such subscribers. However, not all subscribers work in teams that enter observations from multiple computers. Subscribers can select between the following two options for entering and submitting observations:

1.
Fig. 1: Flow of observations in the configuration for entry from single computer
Data entry from a single computer and direct submission to the InfoEx

This setting results in the following flow of information (Fig. 1):

  1. All users can enter observations on the single computer.
  2. Observation moderator submits observations from single computer directly to the InfoEx.
NOTE This setting is suitable for all operations that enter all of their InfoEx observations and assessment through a single computer. Subscribers with limited internet connectivity are advised to use this setup for their operation.
2.
Fig. 2: Flow of observations in the configuration for entry from multiple computers
Data entry from multiple computers and sharing within the operation before the submission to the InfoEx

This setting results in the following flow of information (Fig. 2):

  1. All users can enter observations on multiple computers.
  2. All users can submit their observations to the server for sharing within your operation.
  3. Observation moderator retrieves all of the observations entered by his/her team members and reviews them in detail.
  4. Observation moderator submits all of observations to the InfoEx.
NOTE This setting is suitable for all operations that enter their InfoEx observations on multiple computers (e.g., ski area with large patrol teams). Since observations are shared via the server, having a reliable internet connection is a requirement for this configuration.

Entering of observation within workflow

The workflow functionality of the InfoEx system aims to make the interaction with the InfoEx more organic and to better integrate it with the existing operational procedures of subscribers. See Workflow overview for more details.

The 'Observation' workflow module allows you to integrate the observation entry and review process directly into a workflow. See Workflow Observations module for details on the available functionality within workflows.

Related documents

Single versus multiple computer setup

Entering of observation within workflow

Functionality tested by

  • n/a
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