United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA/600/S4-87/023 Feb. 1988
&EPA Project Summary
Environmental Methods Testing
Site Project: Data Management
Procedures Plan
E. H. Barrows
The Environmental Methods Testing
Site (EMTS) Data Management Proce-
dures Plan identifies the computer
hardware and software resources used
in the EMTS project. It identifies the
major software packages that are avail-
able for use by principal investigators
for the analysis of data. It establishes
standard methods for the transfer of
data sets between the two principal
operating locations. The procedures to
add data to the EMTS data base, to
extract data, and to generate reports
are detailed. The responsibilities for the
controlled, orderly and efficient use of
the resources are delineated.
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Environmental Monitoring Sys-
tems Laboratory, Research Triangle Park,
NC, to announce key findings of the
research protect that Is fully documented
In a separate report of the same title (see
Project Report ordering Information at
back).
Introduction
The purpose of the Environmental
Methods Testing Site (EMTS) project is to
advance the state of the art of assessing
human exposure to environmental pol-
lutants. Characterization of this site re-
quires a well-managed computerized data
base to store and efficiently retrieve data.
The approach is to set up a single, well-
characterized site, and then invite princi-
pal investigators to conduct relevant field
studies at this site.
The EMTS Project has selected the
Chattanooga Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area (SMSA) for this purpose.
The SMSA contains the city of Chat-
tanooga, Tennessee and the six counties
surrounding it.
The overall output goals of the EMTS
project are to provide computer graphics
and analysis and terminal views of data.
These goals are met by providing a com-
mon data base for users, providing pro-
ducts that will assist users in the conduct
and analysis of their studies, and providing
products that will assist EPA in advancing
methodologies for assessing human
exposures.
Data Processing Configurations
The general flow of data in the EMTS
will normally be directed from various
originating sources into the NCC IBM
3090/200 computer at RTP for data col-
lection and initial manipulations. These
data will be stored in a relational data
base environment using FOCUS, and from
these data, customized subsets will be
extracted for analysis and manipulations.
Analysis resources of two principal types
are available for the EMTS project: (1)
statistical packages on the IBM mainframe
may be used for analyzing tabular data
sets, and (2) the Geographic Information
System available on the DEC VAX 11 /785
at the EMSL/LV facility may be used for
analyzing spatial data sets. Data trans-
mission resources include tapes and
telecommunication facilities to move files
between computer systems. Access
methods available to the investigators to
access the computer systems are
discussed.
Responsibilities and Procedures
The EMTS Data Set Inventory System
is a PC-based system maintained by the
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ERC to provide an index of all data sets
included in the EMTS data base.
EMSL/RTP will process data sets and
assist investigators in the statistical
analysis of data. Selected data sets will
be built by EMSL/RTP for transfer to
EMSL/LV and entry into the GIS. The
ARC/INFO system at EMSL/LV will be
used to create spatial representations of
data and to perform analysis of data.
E. H. Barrows is with Northrop Services. Inc.. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
R. H. Jungers and T. C. Lawless are the EPA Project Officers (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Environmental Methods Testing Site Project: Data
Management Procedures Plan,"(Order No. PB 87-229 654/AS; Cost: $11.95,
subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officers can be contacted at:
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
U.S. OFFICIAL^.
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Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA/600/S4-87/023
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