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STORET
Connecting STORET
with Other Applications
using OP3C
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STORET, EPA's water quality data repository,
provides a standard data structure and data entry
tools for water quality data. STORET also has its
own set of reporting modules for agencies to use.
However, agencies involved in water quality monitor-
ing and assessment activities often need to incorpo-
rate their STORET data into other software tools,
such as Microsoft Access or ESRI's ArcGIS, to create
custom queries, maps, or reports. Agencies may also
need to import their data into statistical software
packages such as SAS. Open Database Connectivity
(ODBC) addresses this challenge by providing a
method for transferring data between software
packages.
ODBC is an interface that enables programs to
access data in database management systems that use
Structured Query Language (SQL) as a data access
standard. Software applications that are "ODBC
compliant" can seamlessly exchange data. This means
that all ODBC-compliant applications can read and
analyze STORET data without having to extract or
convert data into a compatible form. ODBC can be
used to:"
Link STORET tables into database management
applications, such as Microsoft Access, SQL Server,
or Paradox.
Analyze STORET data with query or reporting
tools such as BrioQuery or Crystal Reports to
create charts, construct ad hoc queries, and perform
drill-down analyses.
Make maps or perform spatial analysis with
STORET data in geographic information systems
(GIS) applications, such as ArcGIS.
Create business graphics or pivot tables with
Microsoft Excel.
Perform statistical analysis with SAS, StatView,
or other statistical software.
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How can I use OD&C with STORET?
Because STORET is an Oracle-based system, and
Oracle is ODBC compliant, the capability to use
ODBC is inherent in the STORET system.
STORET contains several data views that facilitate
the use of ODBC (see below). These data views
allow you to access the data in STORET without
detailed knowledge of the underlying database table
structure. STORET data tables can also be accessed
directly through ODBC. How this capability is set
up depends on the installation, operating system,
and applications that will use ODBC (see inset).
Some useful data views in STORET
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Setting up an GP&C driver
in Windows 2OOO/XP
1. From Sfart/Settings/Control Panel/Administrative
Tools, double click "Data Sources (ODBC)."
2. Choose the System 0SN tab. Click "Add"
3. Choose a driver. For Oracle databases, choose the
Oracle ODBC driver.
4. In the driver set-up dialog box, enter "STORET"
for the data source and service names, and your
STORET user ID (e.g., STORUSER) for the
USERDD. See your administrator or contact the
STTORET hotline if you need assistance.
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Where can I get help using ODBC with STORET?
You may need to work with your database/network administrator to configure
ODBC for your installation. For more information, visit the STORET Web site,
www.epa.gov/STORET, or contact the EPA STORET assistance hotline at
1-800-424-9067 or at STORET@epa.gov.
EPA841-F-03-012b,
February 2004
US EPA,
MC 4503T,
Washington, DC
20460
Electronic copies of this document along with many others are available online at www.epa.gov/STORET
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STORET Import
Module (SIM)
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Who should use SIM?
Anyone who needs to load large amounts of data into
STORET from existing data management systems
can benefit from using SIM. SIM can be used by
anyone working with STORET, including federal
agencies, states, tribes, local governments, academic
groups, watershed organizations, and citizens.
Using SIM: A three-step process
Features of SIM
SIM provides a number of tools that can assist in
importing data to STORET. When describing the
data import configuration, SIM identifies required
data elements to avoid errors caused by missing data.
SIM allows the user to define default values when
certain data are missing. SIM also permits the user to
specify standard data formats for numeric data, such
as latitude and longitude coordinates. If a data set
includes values that are not valid in STORET, SIM
can set translations that will convert data to values
that STORET recognizes. SIM can save all these
"preferences" as a configuration format that can
be used again or edited for a slightly different
import format.
SIM is easy to navigate, either by selecting items
from drop-down menus or clicking buttons on forms.
Also, each form in SIM gives helpful information
specific to that form.
When data are imported using SIM, SIM identifies
problems with the data file and lets the user view the
data. If there are problems, the user can delete the
data from SIM and re-import a corrected file. If the
user realizes there is a mistake in the data set after it
has been migrated to STORET, SIM allows the
removal of the data set with a single click.
What is needed to run SIM?
A computer configured to run STORET already
has the hardware, operating system, and database
software needed to run SIM. The additional
requirements are 30 MB of hard drive space to install
the SIM product in a client/server mode, or 250 MB
to load a stand-alone version of SIM.
How is SIM acquired?
SIM can be downloaded from the STORET Web
site at www.epa.gov/STORET
Where is help with SIM available?
For more information about
SIM, visit the STORET web
site, www.epa.gov/STORET,
or contact the EPA STORET
assistance hotline at
1-800-424-9067
or at
STORET@epa.gov.
Electronic copies of this document along with many
others are available online at www.epa.gov/STORET
EPA841-F-03-012a, February 2004
US EPA, MC 4503T, Washington, DC 20460
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