USERS MANUAL
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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USERS MANUAL: SAROAD
(STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
OF AEROMETRIC DATA)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Air Programs
Research Triangle Park, N. C.
July 1971
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The APTD (Air Pollution Technical Data) series of reports is issued by the Office
of Air Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, to report technical data of
interest to a limited number of readers. Copies of APTD reports are available
free of charge to Federal employees, current contractors and grantees, and non-
profit organizations - as supplies permit - from the Office of Technical Information
and Publications, Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box 12055, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina Z7711 or from the National Technical Information
Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151.
2nd printing November 1971
Office of Air Programs Publication No. APTD-0663
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FOREWORD
SAROAD (Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric Data) is the data-handling
system adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency and is recommended for
use nationwide.
This manual informs state and local air pollution control agencies of how to
include their data in the National Aerometric Data Bank,, Some agencies will sub-
mit data on SAROAD paper forms, some on punched cards in SAROAD format, and
some on magnetic tape in SAROAD format. Sections of this manual are addressed
to each of these methods of submitting data, and, to the extent possible, each
section is self-contained; therefore, certain instructions common to all users are
repeated in each section.
SAROAD consists of a set of standard formats for recording validated mea-
surements for different pollutants and associated meteorological observations with
various averaging times and a set of standard codes for identifying such items as
pollutants, site locations, and methods of sampling and analysis. At its inception,
SAROAD entailed six basic forms: a single form for identifying site location and
five data forms. In several years of use, state and local agencies have suggested
improvements to the site form and several of the data forms. This manual
describes in detail how to use these improved forms. Although we would prefer
working with these improved forms, agencies may use any of the earlier SAROAD
forms to incorporate data into the bank. In the sections that follow, this manual
defines the applicability of SAROAD formats to various levels of state and local
data-handling capability, and explains in detail the mechanics of recording data in
SAROAD format and submitting them to the National Aerometric Data Bank.
Questions, comments, and requests regarding SAROAD maybe sent to:
National Aerometric Data Bank
Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27711
Forms, codes, and other information can also be obtained from this address.
m
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This document was prepared under the direction of Mr. Gerald Nehls. The
Environmental Protection Agency extends appreciation to the following agencies
for their contributions in reviewing this manual:
Arlington Health Department (Virginia)
Colorado Department of Health
Connecticut State Health Department
Fairfax County Health Department (Virginia)
Los Angeles County Air Pollution Control District
Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Pennsylvania State Department of Health
Vermont Department of Health
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 SAROAD Site Identification Form 8
2 SAROAD Hourly Data Form 12
3 SAROAD Daily Data Form 14
4 Card Format Used for Data Recorded at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-,
and 12-Hour Intervals 16
5 Card Format Used for Data Recorded at 24-Hour or Longer
Intervals 17
6 Card Format for 1-Hour Interval Data 19
7 Various-Interval Values (Less than 24-Hour) Punched on Cards. . 20
8 Card Format 24
A-l Portion of Typical Flow Diagram 39
C-l SAROAD Multiple-Parameter Data Form 44
C-2 SAROAD Multiple-Station Data Form 45
D-l SAROAD Composite Data Form 48
E-l Example of Data Coding 52
F-l Organization of Files on Tapes 56
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
F-l Minimum Information Required About Tape/File Characteristics . 57
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . 1
FLOW AND TYPE OF DATA . 1
RETRIEVING DATA FROM DATA BANK 1
DATA PROCESSING 3
DATA GENERATION 3
DATA RECORDING 3
DATA VALIDATION 4
DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL. . 5
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION. 5
RECORDING DATA IN SAROAD FORMAT 7
SITE IDENTIFICATION 7
RECORDING SITE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION .......... 7
RECORDING AND SUBMITTING DATA ON SAROAD FORMS ...... 11
SAROAD Hourly Data Form (Intervals Less Than 24 Hours) .... H
SAROAD Daily Data Form (Intervals Greater Than 24 Hours) ... 12
SUBMITTING DATA ON PUNCHED CARDS (SAROAD FORMAT) .... 15
General Instructions 15
Data Intervals of 1 Hour 15
Intervals Longer Than Hourly, Less Than Daily 18
Daily or Longer Intervals 23
Converting Data from SAROAD Forms to Punched Cards 23
SUBMITTING DATA ON MAGNETIC TAPE (SAROAD FORMAT) .... 26
CONVERTING EXISTING DATA TO SAROAD FORMAT ........... 27
SUBMITTING PAST DATA NOT IN SAROAD FORMAT 29
CODE TABLES 30
APPENDICES
A. DEVELOPING A MINIMAL COMPUTERIZED DATA PROCESSING
SYSTEM 37
B. SITE DESCRIPTION DEFINITIONS. ................. 41
C. OPTIONAL FORMS 43
Vll
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D. COMPOSITE DATA FORM 47
E. EXAMPLES OF ASSIGNING START-HOUR AND LOCATING FIRST
OBSERVATION 51
F. DETAILED INFORMATION FOR SUBMITTING DATA IN SAROAD
FORMAT ON MAGNETIC TAPE ..... 55
G. SUBMITTING PAST DATA IN NONSAROAD FORMAT . 59
viii
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USERS MANUAL: SAROAD
(STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
OFAEROMETPJC DATA)
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting standard methods
of handling air quality and related meteorological data to facilitate the exchange of
technical information needed for air pollution abatement, control, and research.
EPA has adopted a standard coding structure and formats known as Storage and
Retrieval of Aerometric Data. (SAROAD) to implement this standardization. EPA
uses the SAROAD system in operation of the National Aerometric Data Bank, which
contains air quality and meteorological data (in SAROAD format) supplied by
various monitoring facilities across the United States. This data bank is a key
element in the developing National Aerometric Data Information Service (NADIS),
which is a systems approach to the collection, storage, and retrieval of local,
state, and federal aerometric data to insure that the appropriate control agencies
receive comparable, accurate, and current data. This manual explains in detail
how agencies should report air quality and related meteorological data in SAROAD
formats for inclusion in the National Aerometric Data Bank.
FLOW AND TYPE OF DATA
The preferred method of data flow is from local agency to state agency, then
directly to the National Aerometric Data Bank. This flow of data keeps states
apprised of the air quality throughout their jurisdictions. All agencies are request-
ed to provide data on all pollutants or meteorological parameters monitored at one
site for at least 3 consecutive months unless specifically requested for data of
shorter time periods. If data are available only for a 3-month period, they should
encompass a season or a quarter. Data from observations made more frequently
than every hour should be averaged into hourly values.
RETRIEVING DATA FROM DATA BANK
Certain summaries of the data will be returned to the contributing agencies
routinely as the data are entered into the data bank. The additional data services
that can be supplied through the National Aerometric Data Bank depend in large
measure on the active cooperation and participation of state and local agencies.
Submitting data in the SAROAD format facilitates ready incorporation of data into
the bank. If data are not received in SAROAD format, extra time and effort will be
consumed in processing and loading the data into the bank and thus will be diverted
from providing data handling services to meet specific agency requests.
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DATA PROCESSING
Experience has shown that agencies should place as much emphasis on the
processing of air quality data as on actual sampling. As a minimum, one-third of
the resources allocated to accumulating valid air quality data must be devoted to
data processing; the remaining two-thirds are applied to sampling and quality
control. As demands upon total resources increase, some agencies now operating
entirely by manual methods may wish to consider at least a minimal computer-
based data processing system. Development of such a system is discussed in
Appendix A,
An effective data processing effort involves five phases:
1. Data generation.
2. Data recording.
3. Data validation.
4. Data storage and retrieval.
5. Data analysis and interpretation.
These phases of data processing, as they apply to air quality surveillance, are
discussed in the paragraphs that follow.
DATA GENERATION
Generating raw data (i. e. , unprocessed and unvalidated observations repre-
senting levels of pollutants or related information) is the first step in the process
of acquiring air quality and related meteorological data. In the past air pollution
control agencies have given this phase the major share of attention. Such consid-
erations as sampling method, averaging time, instrument type, and site location
have been extensively reviewed. Identification and characterization of the moni-
toring site, however, have sometimes been neglected. Yet data cannot be properly
interpreted unless the conditions under which they were gathered are known. All
too frequently, detailed information on sampling sites, instruments, and methods
are unavailable even to the agency taking the sample. These omissions seriously
reduce the usefulness of the data. Agencies should take great care to provide a
complete and exhaustive description of the sites (and their surroundings) at which
data are gathered, and to provide complete and accurate location data along with
descriptions of the sampling methods and analytical procedures. This information
about the sampling sites will help assure that data gathered at those sites are not
misinterpreted or misunderstood.
DATA RECORDING
With certain instrumentation, data representing pollutant concentrations, the
time of occurrence, and other related information are recorded at the sampling
location. These data may be in machine-readable or non-machine-readable form
or both (e. g. , pollutant observations on punched papertape with the information
describing instrument maintenance hand-recorded). With other devices such as
manual samplers, the only data recorded at the site are identification and
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maintenance information. The collected samples are chemically analyzed and the
observations recorded at a central location.
Regardless of how the data arrive for processing, at this point the question of
format arises. Choice of a format need not present difficulties, however, if one
realizes that it simply involves selecting a systematic way of recording data for
processing. Selection of a format need not constrain an agency in any way, parti-
cularly if data are recorded in machine-readable form, for then the data can be
reproduced with very little difficulty into a variety of forms and formats. For
example, an agency could easily use one format for certain internal records and
another format (SAROAD) for interchange of data with other agencies and with EPA.
The availability of data in a clearly defined and well-documented format is the
very basis of an effective data processing system. All too often, data are recorded
in a format that is complicated, confused, incomplete, and insufficiently docu-
mented. When such data leave the immediate care of the person responsible for
recording them, their utility is effectively lost. The SAROAD format provides a
complete, systematic method for recording data for storage or reporting purposes.
Because a complete description of this format is available to all users, data
recorded in this format are immediately accessible and exchange of data among
agencies is facilitated. Thus, the SAROAD format is strongly recommended for
use by state and local agencies, particularly for interchange of data with other
organizations.
DATA VALIDATION
An agency's routine use of an effective data evaluation process determines
the validity and usefulness of the numbers recorded. The first major step in data
validation is applying corrections for known instances of instrument malfunction,
drift, or other deviation from normal instrument operation. Corrections applied
during this data validation step are based on:
1. Calibration of all instruments by standard methods.
2. Analyses by standard or recommended procedures.
3. Conduct of a quality control program.
4. Validation of sensor output.
The second major step in data validation is investigation of other possibly
incorrect data. The data under scrutiny should be carefully compared with a pre-
viously established table of limits for:
1. High values.
2. Low values.
3. Extreme changes in values for consecutive observations.
Limits for high values could be based on air quality standards or on past
history of the sampling site. Limits for low values could represent the minimum
detectable capability of the instruments and methods of analysis. A low-value
check could also be made for consecutive readings below a designated value.
Where past data from the site are available, the current values can also be com-
pared with earlier trends as a validation check.
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
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DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
Systematic data storage provides a means of protecting records against
physical deterioration and also insures that past data can be quickly and easily
retrieved. Effective security measures must be determined to guard against pre-
mature release of data before they have been thoroughly validated. Data retrieval
involves procedures whereby past data can be readily located, retrieved, used,
and returned to their proper place in storage. Careful and complete documentation
of the location and content of stored records will insure that established procedures
are followed and records are used properly.
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Data analysis usually includes calculating arithmetic and geometric means
and their respective standard deviations. The means provide a useful measure of
central tendency or the "average" value of a pollutant concentration, while the
standard deviations and maximum pollutant concentration are useful for character-
izing the spread of the data values about the mean value. Many agencies also
calculate frequency distributions, which give the percentage of sampling intervals
during which any given pollutant concentration is exceeded. Agencies also may
perform more elaborate analyses for research studies or other special uses. Upon
completion of data analysis, an effort should be made to interpret the results in
terms of meteorological conditions, characteristics of emission sources, and topo-
graphic conditions. Data interpretation requires complete and detailed knowledge
of the sampling site and the surrounding area, as well as of the instruments and
sampling methods. Here again is reflected the importance of the site identifica-
tion data, which can pinpoint the location of unusual occurrences that may call for
even more detailed information about the area. In this way agency personnel can
develop an understanding of the characteristics of air quality within their jurisdic-
tion. This understanding is then applied in working with local industries and citi-
zens toward effective prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.
Data Processing
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RECORDING DATA IN SAROAD FORMAT
Air quality and meteorological data can be recorded and submitted to the
National Aerometric Data Bank in three physical forms: paper SAROAD forms,
cards punched in SAROAD format, or magnetic tape written in SAROAD format.
Before describing how to record and submit data in each of these forms, we will
consider the preparation of site identification information,, This information must
be provided for the National Aerometric Data Bank before submission of any data.
SITE IDENTIFICATION
Detailed description of the location and surroundings of the sampling site is
a prerequisite for useable data. The SAROAD Site Identification form is designed
to provide this information. A form will be submitted for each sampling site
regardless of whether the data from that site are sent on paper forms, punched
cards, or magnetic tapes.
Release of data without careful specification of where and how they were
gathered may lead to serious misinterpretations regarding local air quality. Steps
are being taken to insure that data are not released unless accompanied by an ade-
quate description of the monitoring site and sampling method. Agencies submitting
data to the National Aerometric Data Bank can prevent possible misinterpretations
(1) by submitting complete site identification data (on SAROAD Site Identification
forms) and (2) by submitting updated site identification data whenever sampling
locations or their surroundings change.
A new SAROAD Site Identification form (Figure 1) provides for all the basic
descriptive information required concerning each sampling site. One form should
be completed for each of an agency's sites.
RECORDING SITE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
In preparing the Site Identification form, leave all blocks on the right side
blank. EPA personnel will use these blocks in processing the form for entry into
the data bank. After entering the name of the state in which the site is located,
list the purpose of the sampling site under "Project, " on the same line. Code
Table 2* provides a listing of projects. Usually this entry would be population-
oriented sampling. Under "City Name" enter the name of the area in which the
site is located, if the population of that area is 2, 500 or more. If the
population is less than 2, 500 (i. e. , if the site is outside the jurisdiction
of an area with a population of 2, 500 or more), enter the name of the
county in which the site is located. In the next line fill in "County Name" even
*Code Tables 1 through 6 list the symbols used in SAROAD formats. Because
these are reference tables cited many times throughout this manual, they are
presented together at the end of the text.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerometric Data Bank
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
Form Completed By
Date
New
I I Revised CD
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE REPORTING AGENCY
State Project
(14 36) City Name (23 characters)
(37 51) County Name (15 characters)
City Population (right justified)
in
52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
Longitude Latitude
Deg. Min. Sec. Deg. Min. Sec.
Io|o| ..I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I I
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76
UTM Zone Easting Coord., meters Northing Coord., meters
1 III 1 1 1 1
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76
(18 78) Supporting Agency (61 characters)
Supporting Agency, continued
********
(14 79) Optional: Comments that will help identify
the sampling site (132 characters)
(14 79)
DO NOT WRITE
HERE
State Area Site
A| 1
12345
Agency Pro
U
11 12
Region
U
77
1 1
6789
ject
E
1 3
Action
80
10
State Area Site
B| 1
1 2 3, 4 5
Agency Pro
D C
11 12
SMSA
1
14 15 16 17
1
6789
Q' '.
13
Action
D
80
1
10
State Area Site
c| I
12345
Agency Project
U
11 12 13
1
6789
Action
n
80
I
10
State Area Site
DJ |
12345
Agency Project
1 1 1
11 1213
1
6789
Action
D
80
10
State
(ll( 38' Abbreviated Site Address (25 characters)
(over)
I I I
Area
Site
123456789 10
Agency Project Action
11
12 13
80
Figure 1. SAROAD site identification form (front).
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
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TO BE COMPLETED BY THE REPORTING AGENCY
DO NOT WRITE HERE
(14 54) Sampling Site Address (41 characters)
Address,
Check the ONE f
major category 1
that best describes t
the location of v
the sampling site. |
1. 1 1 CENTER CITY
2. 1 1 SUBURBAN
3. 1 1 RURAL
4. | | REMOTE
Specify
units
continued
Jext, check the subcategory
that best describes the domi-
nating influence on the sampler
vithin approximately a 1-mile
"adius of the sampling site.
1 . Industrial
2. Residential
3. Commercial
4. Mobile
1. Industrial
2. Residential
3. Commercial
4. Mobile
1 . Near urban
2. Agricultural
3. Commercial
4. Industrial
5. None of the above
Elevation of sampler above ground
Specify
units
Elevation of sampler above mean sea level
Circle pertinent time zone: EASTERN CENTRAL
MOUNTAIN PACIFIC YUKON ALASKA BERING HAWAII
State Area Site
F| i i
123456789 10
Agency Project
11 12 13
Station Type
55 56
County Code
57 58 59 60
AQCR Number
61 62 63
AQCR Population
64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71
Elevation/Gr
72 73 74
Time
Elevation/MSL Zone Action
75 76 77 78 79 80
Figure 1 (continued). SAROAD site identification form (back).
Recording Data in SAROAD Format
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if the county name was entered in the line above. The parenthetical "23 characters"
and "15 characters" indicate the maximum number of letters and numbers including
spaces that can be used in each entry. Usually there is enough room to enter the
names in full. If there is not (i. e. , if the name contains more characters than the
number in parentheses) enter a reasonable abbreviation that will fit within the
allowable number of spaces.
For the next entry, "City Population, " enter the population of the town or
city in which the site is located, as given in the 1970 Census. If this figure is not
available, list the source from which the population figure was taken. Enter the
figures so that the last digit in the figure is in the last block (59). If the population
is small enough that the first few blocks are empty, enter zeros in those blocks.
If the name of the county was used for "City Name, " enter all zeros in blocks 52
through 59.
The next set of blocks identifies the geographic location of the site in either
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates or in latitude and longitude,
but not both. The first line is for recording latitude and longitude to degrees,
minutes, and seconds. Longitude is recorded in blocks 62 through 69, with a W
pre-printed in column 62. If degrees of longitude are less than 100°, enter a zero
in block 63. The second line is for recording data in UTM Coordinates. With this
system, the lower left coordinate is used as reference. The two-digit UTM zone
is entered in the first two blocks (60, 61). Then the easting and northing coordi-
nates are read in meters from the appropriate section of the map. Enter the digits
so that the last one is in the far-right block, and enter zeros in any empty blocks
to the left.
Under "Supporting Agency, " enter the name of the city, county, regional,
state, or other agency that operates the site. This is the name to which any ques-
tions will be directed.
The next several lines are provided for comments that might help character-
ize the site. Such comments might include "site within two blocks of heavy con-
struction, 1970" or "site on building adjacent to main street of town."
EPA will enter the "Abbreviated Site Address" with an abbreviation appro-
priate for use in computer reports.
"Sampling Site Address" is the first entry on the back of the form. When
possible, enter the full street address, with other identifying information as space
allows. For remote or rural sites that may not have a street address, enter a
descriptive phrase such as the name of a building or area that will adequately locate
the site. Do not repeat city (or county) and state names already entered. The next
section is designed to provide more specific information on location of the site.
Check one of the four blocks of major descriptor categories, then check the box
within that category that best describes the dominant influence from surroundings.
Complete definitions of categories are given in Appendix B. Questions may be
referred to the address given in the foreword.
For entering elevation of the site above ground level and above mean sea
level, meters are the preferred unit. You may enter these figures in any conven-
ient unit, however, as long as the unit is specified.
10 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
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Finally specify the time zone in which the sampling site is located. All data
are stored in the standard time of the area. Circle one of the following:
. EASTERN . YUKON
CENTRAL . ALASKA
MOUNTAIN . BERING
. PACIFIC . HAWAII
All data will then be stored in the standard time of that time zone in the
National Aerometric Data Bank.
Mail the completed Site Identification forms to:
National Aerometric Data Bank
Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27711
New forms are needed only when the site environment changes significantly.
Periodically EPA will mail site description listings to participants for correcting
or updating.
RECORDING AND SUBMITTING DATA ON SAROAD FORMS
In the past, data were submitted to the National Aerometric Data Bank on
forms and in formats described in an earlier SAROAD System Description and Data
Coding Manual.* In response to many constructive criticisms and suggestions from
state and local agencies, new forms have been prepared to provide greater flexi-
bility. Although the earlier forms are still useful and acceptable, use of the new
forms is encouraged. The National Aerometric Data Bank will continue to process
data submitted on the older forms.
Of the two new SAROAD forms, the Hourly Data Form is designed for sampling
intervals of less than 24 hours, and the Daily Data Form for sampling intervals of
24 hours and greater. Two optional forms may be useful to some agencies in
recording data for sampling intervals of 24 hours and greater, as explained in
Appendix C. For the reporting of "composite" data (see Appendix D), a separate
form is available. As the appendix explains, "composite" data result from analyses
performed on a number of individual samples that have been chemically combined.
With the changing data requirements, these forms may not always be adequate for
future use, in which case new or modified forms will be developed. As long as the
SAROAD codes are used, the number of SAROAD forms can be expanded. For
simplicity, we recommend the use of either the Hourly or Daily Data Form.
SAROAD Hourly Data Form (Intervals Less than 24 Hours)
The Hourly Data Form (Figure 2) is used for recording data observed or aver-
aged at intervals of less than 24 hours. For example, it would be used for 2-hour
coefficient of haze (COH) readings, and for 1-hour gaseous pollutant readings. Since
there is space for only 12 values for each day, two forms are required for an entire
month's data when 1-hour readings are recorded. For any other interval, an entire
month's data fit on one form. Entries on the upper left of the form provide identi-
fication^
*USDHEW, NAPCA, APTD 68-8, August 1968.
Recording Data in SAROAD Format 11
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o
o
c:
oo
m
00
3>
LESS THAN 24-HOUR SAMPLING INTERVAL
rr
Agency
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerometric Data Bank
P. 0. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27711
State
Area
Site
City Name
Parameter observed
Method
Site Address
Time interval of obs. Units of obs. I I I
ri i ill ri i i
2 3456789 10
Agency [Project Time Year Month
-U ED D CD CD
11 1213 14 1516 1718
Parameter code Method Uni ts DP
D CD CD D
Day
19 20
|St Hri
21 22
Project
Rdg 1
33 3 it 35 36
Rdg 2
37 3& 39 40
Rdg 3
"tl 42 43 44
Rdg 4
4546 47 48
Rdg 5
49 50 51 52
Rdg 6
53 51* 55 56
Rdg 7
57 58 59 60
Rdg 8
61 62 63 6k
Li m ^3
Rdg 9
65 66 67 68
>b 27 2
Rdg 10
69 70 71 72
8 29 JO
Rdg 11
3 74 75 76
31 32
Rdg 12
7 78 79 80
1
I
1 '
~T 4
^-
j
Figure 2. SAROAD Hourly Data Form.
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"Project" refers to the type of program under which sampling is conducted.
"Parameter Observed" refers to the pollutant sampled or the meteorological para-
meter measured, such as "Sulfur Dioxide" or "Ambient Temperature. " "Method"
refers to the instrument type and/or the analytical method. Although "Time
Interval of Observations" is largely self-explanatory, (1 hour, 2 hours, etc. ) a
more detailed definition of "time interval" is given in Code Table 3. Parameter
values should be reported only in those units listed in Code Table 5. On the top
right-hand side of the form enter the SAROAD code numbers in the appropriate
blocks.
EPA will assign codes for the first line of blocks to the reporting agency when
Site Identification forms are initially submitted. They consist of a two-digit code
for state, a four-digit code for the area of the state in which the sampler is located,
and a three-digit number specifically identifying the site.
In the second line of blocks, a code letter is entered to identify the type of
agency submitting the data (see Code Table 1). Project codes identifying type of
sampling program are listed in Code Table 2. "Time" is a one-character code
used for the time interval of observations (Code Table 3). For "Year" enter the
last two digits of the year in which the observation was taken. Months are desig-
nated 01 (January) through 12 (December). Codes for "Parameter" and "Method"
are given in Code Table 4. EPA maintains a detailed list of the less common
pollutants and methods not given in the appendix. Two-digit codes representing the
units in which the values are expressed are given in Code Table 5. The final code
block, "DP," stands for decimal point; this block designates the number of places
to the right of the decimal point in the value entries. For example, to enter a
reading of 0. 025 PPM, enter "3" in the DP block and then enter "0025" in the value
column. The one DP code applies to all values entered on the form.
On the body of the form, the two-block first column, "Day, " is the calendar
day of the month (e. g. , 01, 02). "ST HR" (start hour) calls for a two-digit number
signifying the hour the sampling began ("00" for midnight through "23" for 11 p.m. ).
For specific sampling intervals, go to Code Table 6 to determine start hour. The
next 12 four-block columns are for the data values. Two-hour observations for a
one-month period fill one sheet. Observations taken less frequently do not fill all
blocks of the sheet. For example, data covering observations made every 4 hours
for one month fill only the first six sets of data blocks across the page. As noted
earlier, listing 1-hour observations for a month requires two copies of the Hourly
Data Form. For 1-hour readings, use two lines for each day's observations. The
first line gives "00" (midnight) for "ST HR" and lists the a.m. observations. The
next line gives "12" (noon) for "ST HR" and lists p.m. observations. Data for the
first 15-1/2 days of the month are given on the first sheet, and for the remaining
days on the second sheet. For missing data, leave the blocks blank or enter "9999".
Specific examples of assigning start hours and positioning the first sample observa-
tion are given in Appendix E.
SAROAD Daily Data Form (Intervals Greater Than 24 Hours)
The Daily Data Form (Figure 3) is a month's record of up to four different para-
meters observed at a common site over periods of 24 hours or longer. This form
is useful for 24-hour Hi-Vol or gas bubbler data that are observed daily, every third
day, every sixth dav, or any other random schedule. One form can be used for up to
four parameters as long as the site, time interval, and starting hour are the same.
Recording Data in SAROAD Format 13
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerotnetric Data Bank
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
24-HOUR OR GREATER SAMPLING INTERVAL
m
Agency
State
Area
Site
City Name
I
1
10
Site Address
Project
Time Interval
Agency Project Time Year
n m n r^~
11 12 13 14
15 16
Month
m
17 18
DP
Name
PARAMETER
Code
23 24 2
Method
28 29
33 3
5 26 2
Units
30 31
4 35 3
4 3
2
7
DP
D
32
6
1
0
Name
PARAMETER
Code
37 38 39 40 41
Method Units DP
42
f,
43 44 45
47 48 49 50
3
2 1
0
U
46
Name
PARAMETER
Code
51 52 53 54 55
Method Units DP
mmn
56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64
43210
Name
PARAMETER
Code
65 66 67 68 69
Method Units DP
mmn
70 71 72 73 74
75 76 77 78
i
t 3 2 1 0
Figure 3. SAROAD Daily Data Form.
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
Enter the identifying information and codes at the top of Form 2 as on Form 1.
Form 2 provides a separate column for each parameter. "ST HR" applies to all
data values entered on the same line as the day of the month the observations were
made. As before, report missing data by leaving the blocks blank or entering
"9999."
Mail copies of the completed forms to the National Aerometric Data Bank at
quarterly or more frequent intervals.
SUBMITTING DATA ON PUNCHED CARDS (SAROAD FORMAT)
Many agencies now have the capability for storing data on punched cards, and
many other agencies now using paper forms anticipate using automated data pro-
cessing. Punched cards can be prepared from SAROAD Hourly and Daily Data
Forms as explained below.
General Instructions
The first step in recording air quality data on SAROAD-formatted cards is to
obtain from the Code Tables the Identification codes for the pollutants monitored,
instruments, methods, time intervals, and the like. Data recorded at 1-, 2-, 3-,
4-, 6-, 8-, or 12-hour intervals are punched in the card format shown in Figure 4.
Data recorded at intervals of 24 hours or longer are punched in the card format
shown in Figure 5. No provision is made for storing data taken at intervals more
frequent than hourly. Measurements taken over shorter intervals should be aver-
aged into 1-hour values for reporting.
Certain items of information are punched in the same columns, regardless of
the time interval of the observations. The state, station, and site numbers are the
same as those that appear on the Site Identification form (Figure 1). EPA assigns
site identification numbers to stations reporting for the first time. The identifica-
tion code "agency type" is punched in column 11. Project classification codes are
given in Code Table 2, time-interval codes in Code Table 3. "Year" is indicated
by the last two digits of the year in which the observation was taken. Months are
punched 01 (January) through 12 (December). Days are designated 01 through 31.
The contents of the remaining columns vary according to the time interval of
observations. The following sections specify punching instructions according to
the various intervals.
Data Intervals of 1 Hour
Pollutant observations taken at 1-hour intervals or averaged to 1-hour inter-
vals should be punched in the format shown in Figure 4. The format of this card
is identified by punching a "1" in the first card column. Columns 2 through 13 are
punched according to the general instructions in the preceding section. Punch a
"1" in column 14 to identify the time interval of observations as one hour. Since
only 12 observations can be punched on a single card, 2 cards are required, one
for a.m. and one for p.m. observations. On both cards, columns 1 through 20
will contain the same information. The a.m. and p.m. entries are differentiated
by punches in columns 21 and 22, "00" for a.m. and "12" for p.m. Codes to
identify parameter and sampling method are given in Code Table 4; codes for units,
in Code Table 5. These values will also appear on both cards. Position of the
Recording Data in SAROAD Format 15
-------
o
o
c
c/>
0 Old Old 0 0 0 Old Old OlOlO 0 0 0|0 0 0 0|0 0 0 Old 0 0 0|0 0 0 Old 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(0 0 0 Old 0 0 0)0 0 0 0|0 0 0 Old 0 0 0
19 20J2I 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29J30 31 32 33 34 35 3GJ37 38 33 40UI 42 43 44M5 4G 47 48 49 50 51 52J53 54 55 5G 57 58 59 SO 61 62 S3 54 65 66 V 6aJ69 70 71 7? 73 74 75 7CJ77 76 79 80
LJ LJ I ' II' II j II I II I II II II I 1 I I J I II II I I I
9 10 11 12
00000000 000000 00000
CARD FORMAT
IDENTIFICA^
TION ALWAYS
MI n
STATE'
CODE
AREA-
CODE
SITE,
CODE
AGENCY
TYPE
PROJECT
DECIMAL LOCATOR
OBSERVATION VALUES
RECORDED TO A MAXI-
OF FOUR SIGNIF-
ICANT FIGURES. ADD
LEADING ZEROS AS
NECESSARY TO OBTAIN
FOUR DIGITS. SEE
TEXT FOR PUNCHING
MISSING OR INVALI-
DATED OBSERVATIONS.
POSITION IN WHICH
VALUE IS PUNCHED
INDICATES HOUR AT
WHICH READING WAS
TAKEN.
CLASSIFICATION INTERVAL YEAR
MONTH DAY
UNIT CODE
METHOD IDENTIFICATION
PARAMETER
IDENTIFICATION
SAMPLING
START HOUR
Figure 4. Card format used for data recorded at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-hour intervals.
>
z
>
-------
O
o
O
01
O
3>
ooo o pro ooooo
00000000000000000 000
00000000 000 0 0 0(0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 00000000
« 'Sj«|47 48 49 50|5I 5! S3 54 55|5B II 51 53|CO|S1 S2 E3 54 pi EE C7 Si
CARD FORMAT
IDENTIFICA-
TION ALWAYS"
II on
STATE
CODE
AREA.
CODE
SITE CODE
AGENCY
TYPE
PROJECT
CLASSIFICATION
UNIT CODE
METHOD IDENTIFICATION
SAMPLING
TIME
INTERVAL
MONTH
YEAR
SAMPLING PARAMETER
START IDENTIFICATION
HOUR
SPACE FOR THREE
ADDITIONAL OBSERVA-
TIONS TAKEN AT SAME
TIME AND HAVING SAME
SAMPLING START TIME.
FOR EACH, PUNCH
PARAMETER IDENTIFI-
CATION, METHOD AND
UNITS CODES, DECIMAL
LOCATOR AND
OBSERVATION VALUE.
OBSERVATION
VALUE
DECIMAL LOCATOR
Figure 5. Card format used for data recorded at 24-hour or longer intervals.
-------
implied decimal point is specified by punching in column 32 the number of digits
to the right of the decimal in the values reported. Each card can hold 12 observa-
tion values, and this decimal designation applies to all readings. Observations for
each half day are then punched consecutively starting with column 33 on the appro-
priate a.m. or p.m. card. The data can be recorded to a maximum of four
significant figures. If the value has less than four figures, add leading zeros to
provide four figures. The columns in which each observation is punched indicate
the hour during which the observation was taken. For example, the sample taken
between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. appears in the eighth group of four columns on the a.m.
card, that is, in columns 61 through 64. If a reading is missing or invalid, leave
the columns blank or enter four 9's.
Figure 6 illustrates how the observations are punched and indicates those
columns whose values result from 1-hour interval observations. Those columns
headed with an "s" (Columns 2-13, 15-20) are punched according to the instructions
given in the previous section.
Intervals Longer than Hourly, Less than Daily
This section contains general instructions. Two examples of hypothetical
situations are given in Appendix E. Observations taken at 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or
12-hour intervals are punched in the format shown in Figure 4. One punched card
is required for each day's data. The first card column is punched with a "1" to
indicate this format. Punch columns 2 through 13 according to the general instruc-
tions given on page 15. Enter the date in columns 15 through 20 as described
earlier, with two numbers each for year, month, and day. Columns 21 and 22
indicate the hour at which the first sampling interval of the day began (not the first
interval for which data are available). The illustrations in Appendix E will clarify
details of this procedure.
Obtain codes for parameter and method from Code Table 4 and punch in
columns 23 through 29. Punch code values for units of measurement (Code Table
5) in columns 30 and 31. Specify position of the implied decimal point by punching
in column 32 the number of digits to the right of the decimal in the values reported.
This one value locates the decimal in all observations for the day.
Punch the values for each observation consecutively, starting with column 33,
in four significant figures with leading zeros to yield four digits. Columns in which
the values are punched indicate the sampling period in which the observation was
taken. For missing or invalidated readings, the four columns may be filled in
with 9's or left blank.
Agencies sampling at 2-hourly intervals obtain 12 observations. Positions in
which the observations are punched are illustrated in Figure 7a. Regardless of
the hour at which the sampling process began, the first observation is punched in
columns 33 through 36 and the twelfth is punched in columns 77 through 80. If
sampling did not start with the first possible observation of the day, punch the first
actual observation in the appropriate columns and fill all preceding columns with
9's or leave blank. Agencies sampling at 3-hour intervals obtain eight observations
per day, punched as shown in Figure 7b. Regardless of the hour at which the
sampling process began, the first observation is punched in columns 33 through 36
and the last (eighth) is punched in columns 61 through 64. Agencies sampling at
six 4-hour intervals punch the first observation in columns 33 through 36 and the
18 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
0 0 OS
L _'J._
00000 0
i) ;s ;i 23 'a 31 31 3?
MID
NIGHT
TOIAM
0000
i3 31 y lii
1 -2
AM
0000
3 ?3 50 11
2-3
AM
3000
3-4
AM
0000
4-5
AM
3000
13 S3 31 3.1
5-6
AM
C 0 !) 0
6-7
AM
GOOD
7-8
1AM
0000
8-9
AM
0 0 ! 0
9-10
AM
ii 0 0 C
rl IJ 11 1?
'i.l i '
10-11
AM
i
8030
13 K 13 IS
,IIAM
NOON
0000
I
3 3
4 4
5 5
8 £
1 1
3 3 I
4 4 <
5 5 !
S 8 I
1 1 '
8 8
111111 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 2
3
3333333
4 4 1 4 4 i 4
5 5 5 j 5 5 5
6668666
7)77717
E : 8 S 8 E C
; ', 4
S 6 G
7; i
9 9 5 9 9 9 ? S 3 : 9 9 S S
COC MEM 50
2
3 3 3
i! 4 4
5 5 5
800
1 7 1
3 S 8
9 9 !)
11111111
2 2
3 3
2222
3333
4 4 4
5555
6665
1
939999
2222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222
AM CARD
3333333333333333333333333333333333333333J33333
<4 '14444444444444444444444 4 4444444 4 4441!'! 4 44 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 U 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 :. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 7 1 1 1 7 7 1 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 7 1 1 1 1 ' 7 7 1 1 1 7 7 1
! 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 3 8 8 8 8 8 3 B 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 3 8 a B 8 8 3 8 S 8 8 8 3 8 8 8 8
I 9 9 9 9 9 9 3 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 S 9 3 9 9 S 9 9 9 3 S 3 3 9 9 9 9
: 31 3? 33 31 35 36 3' 5S 33 13 I1 ,2 11 11 13 IS 11 IS 15 -.1 i: 5? 3: ,1 S3 SS 3 5? : r! r 1. S1 SI E? i,j ' E) <: : : I! i: 'I h '',
1111
2222
3333
4444
5 5 b 5
1)1!
3886
3399
_ _ -
0 S 30033850!)!
-NOON
TO
1 "PM
0 C 8 3
1 -2
PM
8003
2-3
PM
0 C E 0
! ; -i
3-4
PM
3000
4-5
PM
0 0 0 I)
5-6
PM
COCO
!pr:i-
6-7
PM
o c r o
7-8
PM
0000
8-9
PM
B 3 0 0
9-10
PM
C 0 3 3
10-1 1
PM
b 3 0 9
IIPMTO
MID
NIGHT
3000
11 1 ) 1 1 I 1 1 1 I M I 1 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 ' 1 1 1 1 11 11 ! 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 ? 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
PM CARD
3333333"333333333333333333333333333J333J333333
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 i1, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
3b 3b 31 33 33 ID 1] ;! 11 11 -Ij IS 11 1. 13 JU jl ?? 5: .: - ^ - ,: ,. [: SI L1 C '1 - C, i' ^ .i '_ ' ' : : '3 o ' '> * I'
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
P - parameter code
M - method code
U - units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 6. Card format for 1-hour interval data.
Recording Data in SAROAD Format
19
-------
_-.... . ,;__ , . ... _i<_._M_r_: :__ '__ j_
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q
1 2 J 4 5 6 1 8 S 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 II IB 13 76 21 22 23 74 25 26 71 23 U 33 11 33
VALUE
1
1000
13 31 35 35
'VALUE
2
B 0 0 0
r 73 39 13
VALUE
3
0000
11 12 4J 41
,, | ||
VALUE
4
0000
Ij lo 17 la
1 '. II Ij'
VALUE
5
0000
I! 50 51 52
VALUE
6
GOOD
j si 55 :;
VALUE
7
0 0 0 G
jl 53 53 t:
/PfT
VALUE
8
3000
6. 63 64
~:fM~r
VALUE
9
C 0 0 I)
65 K 61 63
VALUE
10
n n .1 n
J il b u
63 H 1! I-'
VALUE:
11
1 3 0 Q
13 14 15 IE
VALUE
12
0 0 0 0;
H 11 19 63
1 1 il 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 M 1 1 I 1 11 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 I
9 S S 3 9
1 3 J ; j
3999959
2? 23 21 25 /S 21 28
9 S 9
23 30 Jl
22222222222222222222222
33333333333333333333333
4444444444444444444444
55555555555555555555555
6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 J 7 7 7 I J J 7 7 7 7 7 J 7 7
8 8 B 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 S 3 8
99999999999999999999999
32 33 31 35 3S 31 33 33 13 II 42 43 44 15 4, 41 J» 49 :3 51 1' 53 54
2222
3333
4444
5555
7777
8888
9899
1 1 1 11 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 i I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1
2222222222222222222222
3333333333333333333333
4444444444444444444444
5555555555555555555555
7777
8888
3939
7777
8888
9999
P: M 6] ij'a
77777
68838
93999
Gi 63 63 16 II
7 7 7
3 9 8
9 S 3
777777
388888
399399
ij ID '1 IS (3 3.J
Card format for 2-hour-interval data.
'' '~'.'T ' rr: :":-'"". " '"r "?c'> >"r pi-PF'F'F'F''-"^! ' >r
0 0 0 0 0 B 3 0 3 8 0 U
1 2 3 1 5 G 1 3 3 I'l 11 ' |. 14 15 IG 11 Id '3 :, 21 <; 23 24 7; 25 21 2C 20 33 3' :2
..'ClM..
VALUE
1
0300
33 '4 L 'J,
1 '< H '1
iVALUE
2
0080
3 71 33 40
li !! M
VALUE
3
0900
11 42 43 41
'MM
VALUE
4
0000
IT 13 41 43
'! '! ''
'VALUE
5
0000
L'3 ',3 3. 53
~T'"'f
VALUE"
6
0000
53 54 55 5'
1 'i ! "
VALUE
7
n o a o
51 51 53 SB
r1: 'f:r
VALUE
8
0000
51 G2 63 G4
NOT USED
0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 C C 0 0 0 0 0
GS 66 61 63 63 1'3 11 12 13 11 15 75 11 73 13 53
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 11
2
3333
4444
5555
6 6 fi 8
7777
8838
9933
1234
3333
4444
5555
6 6 G G
7777
8883
3333333
4444444
5555555
5 G 8 G G G G
7777777
8888888
3995993!
3 16 II 17 13 14 is i
CDC MEM 5061
3333
4444
5555
G G 6 5
7777
8883
'.'. 9 9 9
! 11 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
222222222222222222222222
3333333333333333333333333
41444444 444444444444
5555555555555555555555555
6 G 5 o 5 E 6 G B G G G G
777 77777777777777777
8 8683388888888888888868
9939359999999999999999999
n 2I 72 23 21 2'i 7J3 *1 23 29 30 Jl 32 33 34 35 35 31 31 39 13 II 43 41 11
1 1 1 li 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2222
3333
4444
5555
7777
8888
9999
2222
3333
4444
5555
7777
8888
9333
ii >l 5- 5:
2222
3333
', 4 4 4
5555
7777
8388
3999
J3 54 55 56
1 1 I
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 !
5 5 5
7 7 7
8 8 8
9 3 9
51 3T 53
111111111111111111111
22222
33333
44444
55555
77777
88688
99339
5J Gl 17 ;i V
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
G G G
7 7 7
3 8 8
9 9 1
2222
3333
4444
5 5 5 5
0 6 6 G
7777
3 3 3 C
". S 9 3
22222
33333
44444
55555
G 6 S C 5
77/77
88888
3 S 3 3 S
2222
3333
4444
5555
6 G G C
7777
3888
3 3 1 9
II IS '3 53
b. Card format for 3-hour-interval data.
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
H - start hour
P - parameter code
M - method code
U - units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 7. Various-interval values(less than 24-hour) punched on cards.
20
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
1 : ;"; -. ;;-. ":":-. - -''.; ;-, -.". 'L'j^'pF'p'|-Jr:'[''M 'j IT
0 i) G 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 II
1 2 3 4 5 6 I 0 3 10 11 12 13 II 15 IS II IS 13 20 2. 22 23 21 Ii 26 21 23 23 43 31 32
~ipf'!p
VALUE
1
0000
33 34 35 36
'.'ppr
VALUE
2
0000
r '3 33 40
1 M 'I 'i
VALUE
3
0000
41 42 43 44
"inpf
VALUE'
4
0 3 B fl
45 46 41 43
"ipnr
VALUE'
5
0003
9 53 51 52
'T'Of
VA'LUE
6
0000
33 54 55 56
NOT USED
0 0 fl B fl B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 3 D 0 0 0 0 0 3 C
51 S3 i'j 63 01 62 fl tl 05 6S 6) G3 69 13 J! ?! I] U 15 l(> U M U EG
1 1
2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
Goo
7 J 1
S 8 8
3 3 5
111111111111111111111111
3333
4444
5555
3658
7777
3353
2
333333 3
t 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
55555555
G658SG6G
17777777
3 8 3 t! 3 5 5 8
!> 9 S 3 3 9 3 9 3
2 2
33333
44444
55555
G G G 6 5
7)7!)
8 8 8
'3939
!5 > '3 21 22
22222
33333
4*444
55555
G Ii G S G
88833
S 9 3 9 S
23 ;4 25 26 21
I 1 1 1 1 1 ! I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I I 1 I I I 11 1 1
22222222222222222222222222222222222
3 3 3 3 3-3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
444444444444444444444444444444
55555555555555555555555555555555555
G G G 6 G 6 6 6 G G G
I J ) J J ) ) ) 1 I J ? 7 J ) ) 7 I J 7 7 7 I J-,) ) ) ) 7 J ) 7 ) ) 1
33888888888888888888888888388388888
99933333999393399999999939993399999
23 ;9 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 33 39 43 41 43 43 44 15 46 4, 43 43 ;0 51 52 33 .,1 55 56 51 56 5'j [3 31 [2
111111111111111111
2222
3333
4444
5555
G G G G
7777
8083
3999
22222
33333
44444
55555
G 5 5 Ii C
77777
83838
39333
[1 C,' [3 '3 '
2222
3333
4 4 <) 4
5555
G G G G
! ) 7 )
3838
22222
33333
44444
55555
6 S 6 G G
) 7 7 7 7
83333
'13959
'., ii i3 13 33 /
c. Card format for 4-hour-interval data.
0 B 3 B 0 3 9 0 0 0 G 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 6 9 1C II 12 13 14 ID IE l( IS 13 23 21 32 23 <4 25 26 21 28 23 30 31 52
'! 'i '' :
VA LUE
1
0008
13 34 3: a
"onr
VALUE
2
B 0 B 0
1 33 :3 43
PPPf
VALUE
3
BOOB
4' 42 43 44
~:i~pf
IVALUE
4
fl 0 0 fl
45 46 41 43
NOT USED
C fl 0 3 3 fl fl 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 B 0 B B 3 3 0 0 0 3 G B 0
40 53 51 52 ;3 1 53 56 51 53 59 CO 61 62 63 64 Si 65 61 63 63 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 II 13 29 £3
11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 I 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I
2 2 2222
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
1 M 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 I 1 I 1! 1 M 1 I M 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 II I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1
33333
44444
55555
6 S 6 6 G
7777!
88383
9 3 3 ; S
3 3 ,
4 4 '
5 5 !
333333
144444
i555555
i 6 5 6 G G G
1 i i 1 1 ! J
i 3 5 £! 5 8 u
ii S 3 9 9
, I ' 1 : I '"'',]!
CUt MEM G'
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
G G G
7 7 J
5 1 8
t C :J
I
3333
4444
5555
G G G G
7 7 ! 7
3 B
, .) 5 9
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
G G 8
i 88838
9 9 9
22 2j 2;
9 9 9
^ 25 21
22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222
33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333
444444444444444444444444444444444444444144444444
55555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555
G G G G G G 6 G 6 G G G 6 G 6 G G G G G 6 6 8 6 G G G G 6 G G G 5 G G 6 G
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 J 7 7 I 7 7 J ! 7 ! 7 7 7 7 ! 7 I 7 7 7 J J 7 ! 1 ! 7 7 7 7 J 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 J J 7 J 7
38888338888888888888888883888888888888388338338833388
S 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 3 3 3 9 9 9 9 5 3 9 9 9 9 9 3 9 9 9 9 9 9 3 S 9 9 3 3 9 9 9 S 9 9 j 3 3 j 3 3 3 5 ' 3 9
23 23 30 31 32 33 34 35 33 31 39 33 43 41 42 13 44 4; 46 41 43 43 33 5! '.2 43 51 :i '5 5 '3 55 fil 51 62 6, 64 i\ :5 61 {f 65 13 11 12 ' U i5 It V 13 '1 U
d. Card format for 6-hour-interval data.
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
H - start hour
P - parameter code
M - method code
U - units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 7 (continued). Various-interval values (less than 24-hour) punched on cards.
Recording Data in SAROAD Format
21
-------
/
/-
/
0
I 2
1
2
3 3
44
5 5
G 6
7 7
8 8
V, -
/'
B
i :
1
2
3 3
4 4
5 5
G G
7 7
a 8
9 9
\"
.----_ -"' ------- -<-',-:
i o a
3 a 5 6 1 E 9 10 11 12 '3 ,4 L 15 11 13 n 2>3 21 3!
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 I 1 1 1 1
I I I
33333333333333333333
t 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 '-. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 E 5 5 5 55555555
G 6 G 6 E G 5 E E G G i; G 5 5 5 S 5 o 5
7 7 7 7 7 ] 7 J 7 7 ) 7 J 7 7 7 7 7 ] 7
B S 8 8 ? S 8 8 8 8 5 3 8 6 1 8 S 8
s 9 e s r , E : o : 5 s 3 5 s ; ; s 9 9
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3 4 5 0 1 8 S 13 il '2 13 ,, 15 15 II 13 T3 23 2! 3?
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1
.2 22
3 3 3 ? 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 .1 4 4 4 4 4 4 ! 4 4 4 4 4
55555555555555555555
6 E G 6 6 G G E G G 6 B 5 o G S S G 6
7 7 7 7 / ? 7 7 7 J 7 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7
£ 8 8 C 8 3 8 3 8 3 S S 8 8 S ,U 8
9 3 9 C i1 3 3 " : 5 9 ; 8 3 1! .; 9 9 9 9
J J 5 t, 39 ; ,: !3 '. M i; 16 .' i- « 23 21 ?2
CCC yCM =0!,
G
23
1
2
3
4
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8
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n
24
1
2
3
4
5
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8
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K:-
B n
i-T-ni 'i !j "ii 'f;r ~p.rrp
VALUE VALUE V
1 2
COO D B 0 3 fl C C G G 5
r, 26 2! 2) 2! 3) 31 32| 3 ;: 33 31 3- :i X 48 II
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
8 8
H o
1111111!! Ill
222222222222222
333333333333333
4 444444444
555555555555555
G G G G G G
77777777777777
£88889888888888
399399999999995
'! M.
\\JJE
3
] 0 0 S C 0 3 0 0 C 0 B 0
3 43 44 i !,- <; (3 43 S3 il 52 SJ 54
111111111111
2222222222222
J 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
} 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
555555555555
6 G E E E E G G G 6
777777777777
886838888898
333999392993
Card format for 8-hour-interval
0
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
C
u
!-
S
!.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
3
M-
3 3
25 23
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
S 5
8 8
3 9
25 26
|-'f'"'vvi.''I: 'C'f'l 00 OP
VALUE VALUE
1 2
553 3 B fl 0 fl 3 B B fl B
(1 33 r, JO 21 32h 34 ^ 3*3 3" '3 33 43 II
1111111111 111
222222222222222
333333333333333
4 444444444
555555555555555
5 6 5 G 6 G G
77777777777777
888883388388388
995395939393393
'1 3S K 30 i' 33 33 34 ]j 33 51 33 33 40 41
) 0 0 0 B B fl B fl B B 3 fl
2 43 4J 45 45 41 48 (S 55 51 52 -3 54
1 1111111111
2222222222222
333333333333
1444444444444
3555555555555
5 G 6 6 G G G G G G G G G
777777777777
9888888988388
3 S 3 9 9 9 9 3 3 3 3 1; S
2 41 44 45 40 41 IS 43 50 51 D3 31 54
NOT USED
t C D C B 0 D n fl 0 0 0 B
55 ;5 51 53 53 00 01 02 63 64 65 6S 61
1111111111111
2222222222222
3333333333333
4444444444444
5 5 S 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
E 6 G G G G G 8 G G G G G
7777777777777
8888888888888
5999333993333
,1
data.
NOT USED
B B B G B 0 D 0 fl n fl fl 0
55 55 51 53 59 '3 61 62 05 54 Ej 65 61
1111111111111
2222222222222
3333333333333
4444444444444
5 5 D 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
G G G G G G G G G G G G G
7777777777777
8388888888888
3 ? 3 3 3 3 5 9 3 9 " 9 5
^ 55 31 53 53 50 6; 62 62 U4 ,,j 60 [i
B a o c
60 64 10 ?!
1111
2222
3333
4444
5555
G 6 G G
7777
8888
3999
0890
s; 19 n n
1111
2222
3333
4444
5555
G G G 6
7777
8886
9 9 S S
63 .33 19 ."
o o 0 o c fl a
1? 13 14 ?5 16 11 15
1111111
2222222
3333333
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5555555
6 6 G 6 6 6 6
7777777
8888638
9993999
fl C 0 B D D 0
12 (3 M (j ;; i) jg
1111111
2222222
3333333
4444444
5555555
5 G G 6 E 8 G
J 7 7 i ! 7 7
5 8 S 8 8 8 8
5359953
:: :3 > n ;> ;i '3
0 0
13 tO
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
G 6
7 7
3 8
3 9
0 0
13 li
1 1
2 .'
3 3
44
5 5
G G
7 7
8 8
3 9
'i t..
"X
_/
X
)
f. Card format for 12-hour-interval data.
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
P - parameter code
M - method code
U units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 7 (continued). Various-interval values (less than 24-hour) punched on cards.
22
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
sixth in columns 53 through 56 (Figure 7c).
The first of four 6-hour-interval observations is punched in columns 33
through 36 and the last (fourth) is punched in columns 45 through 48 (Figure 7d).
The first of three 8-hour-interval observations is punched in columns 33 through
36 and the last (third) in columns 41 through 44 (Figure 7e). The first of two
12-hour-interval observations is punched in columns 33 through 36 and the last
(second) in columns 37 through 40 (Figure 7f).
Daily or Longer Intervals
Observations taken at daily or longer intervals are punched according to the
general instructions in the format shown in Figure 5.
Data obtained over daily or longer intervals are punched on a card identified
by a "2" punched in the first card column. Punch columns 2 through 13 according
to the general instructions on page 15. Punch column 14 with the code value
obtained from Code Table 3 to indicate the sampling interval (see Figures 8a, b,
c, d, as appropriate). In columns 15 and 16 enter the last two digits of the year
in which sampling occurred. Punch the month number in columns 17 and 18.
Columns 19 and 20 identify the day of the month on which the sample was taken if
the interval is daily (see Figure 8a), or the day of the month on which the sampling
was begun if the interval is longer than once per day (see Figures 8b, c, d, ). For
daily-interval data, punch columns 21 and 22 to indicate the hours of the day during
which sampling was begun. For longer-interval data, these columns may be left
blank.
Obtain the numerical code for the parameter measured from Code Table 4
and punch in columns 23 through 27. Punch the method code (values from Code
Table 4) in columns 28 and 29. Find the code indicating the units in which the
observation is recorded in Code Table 5 and punch in columns 30 and 31. Since
decimal points are not punched on SAROAD formatted cards, specify the position
of the implied decimal point by punching in column 32 the number of digits that are
to the right of the decimal in the recorded values.
Data can be recorded to four significant figures. If the value has less than
four figures, add as many leading zeros as are necessary to give four digits, which
are punched in columns 33 through 36.
Observations on up to three additional parameters collected at the same site,
at the same time, with a sampling process having the same beginning time may be
punched in the remaining columns of this card. For each additional observation,
the parameter identification code, the method code, units code, position of the
implied decimal point, and value are punched in the same groupings and column
widths specified above. If more than four parameters are observed at the same
site and at the same time, punch additional cards as required.
Converting Data from SAROAD Forms to Punched Cards
When agencies using the SAROAD forms for storing data acquire an automa-
ted data processing capability, punched cards can be produced readily. The
SAROAD forms were designed to require a minimum of keypunch instructions. On
the form, the numbers below columns in which observations, dates, and parameter
Recording Data in SAROAD Format 23
-------
Arr -- -----:-: r, :.->- ^ " HI- n-h
/
o o a n o o 3
1 2 3 J 5 b 1 8 3 -y 'i '2 13 1' '5 !i i: i'l 19 7d 7' 7? 73 21 25
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 I i ! i 1 1 11 1 1
2 22222
3333333333333333333333333
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 J 4 4 4
55555555555555555555-55555
6 G G 6 6 G G C 5 C 6 5 6 5 5 5 f " " . G G
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7)777)7)
8 B 8 8 8 8 3 C 8 8 8 8 G 8 3 e 8 S 3 S S 8 S
9 9 9 9 9 9 T . ' 5 S 9 S 9 S 9 9 9 3 3 S 3 9 9 3
VI ! 3 < c. S ID '1 i? '" 1J 1; ij 'i 1C " ?fl .1 ?!' ?j :- 75
COC M£M 5061
Figure 8a.
/f1:: ;::::" ':"-i^ S'-r.SHii-i x? vHHF PF
/- ' ~~
o a 3 o a c ',
1 2 I * 5 i / D 5 11 11 1! 13 14 '5 16 17 Id 3 7j 21 '7 23 7J 7j
M 1 M 1 1 M M 1 1 1 i 11 ! ! 11 1 ! 1
2 22222
333:333333333333333333335
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 i J' 73
4 4
5 5
G G
J J
B 8
3 3
,.J
Figure 8b. Card format for weekly-interval data.
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
H - start hour
P - parameter code
M - method code
U - units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 8. Card format.
24
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
£ - :. -xx xx'-'xxv\ K'-: :;;v- x^HMKI-'PF1
0 3 9 0 J a 3 0
1 Z 3 < 3 o 1 3 i 0 II 12 P 11 11 16 11 S 13 23 -1 ] il I.1 il 3- -^ j'i b1 W J1) 13 Cl H 6J 61 EJ GS 0 W GJ ?fl )1
1111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111
222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222
333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333
4 444444444 444444444 444444444
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 S 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3
6 G 6 G G G G G G G G G 6 t S G E G G 6 6 5 6 5 G G G G G G C C G
111111111 J 1 1 J J J 1 1 J 1 1 J 1 J 1 1 1 J 11
S 8 3 8 8 8 8 B 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 B 3 6 8 6 8 8 8 8 8 3 8 8 B 8 8 3 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 B 8 8 8 8
999999999999939999999999939999999999993998599
2' 23 .'] 30 3' '3 li 3! 33 Si 31 3! 3' 1! 11 i! 1! :> 15 !, 1' 1 ;' ,3 : >2 ;i .J -3 16 31 U i) 60 61 12 '] '! . SI, '.' ri t. 11 >
Card format for monthly-interval data.
pr'n li T!POP"'"'F'F : F'rTI 'i T'pnoqpppPFtTUi 1pPPPPpPPFFi"r
OPTIONAL AS REQUIRED
COO 9 C 3 C 0 B G 0 C 0 9 0 O 0 0 0 0 I 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 C
31 J 33 .3 3' ->' 33 i* 33 5 1 2! 33 13 il J2 :; !: 3: (5 :1 « « : 3' :3 ^ 5i 55 55 jl '.3 59 6S 61 6.' 63 61 61 6i5 61 « 53 13 1
1 1 i 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1
222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222
333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333
4 444444444 444444444 444444444
55555553555553555555555555555535555555555555
C 5 3 E S G G S G G G 6 G 5 G 6 G G G G G 6 6 E G G G G G G 6 S t
111111111 711111111 J J 1 1 1 J 1 J I 71
3 8 ? 8 8 8 3 B 3 3 3 8 8 8 3 8 3 8 B 8 8 3 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 3 8 8 8 8 3 8 8 B B B B 8 8
^JTvmr N
c o a o c B o
12 13 11 15 13 li ii 5 TO
M 1 1 1 i 1 1 i
222222222
333333333
444444
555555555
G G G 66
111111171
8C0633S8B
9 9 9 G S 9 S 3 9
;: * '* ' ', i: ; : ;j /
iHipoonr "\
o o o B i ; n
12 13 11 15 15 11 ,3 13 EO
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
222222222
333333333
444444
555555555
o G G G G
1 1 J i 1 1 1 1 1
383893888
J S 5 S 9 S 3 9 9 9 S 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 G 9 3 9 9 9 9 3 9 9 9 8 9 9 3 a S 9 S 3 9 9 3 9
'i 2B -I 3'i 3 32 33 3: 35 36 i' 35 1: 13 11 1, 11 1. } 16 1' 18 J] 53 j' .' 5! JJ 53 55 51 53 Y- 6) 61 6? 'i 61 [5 6'3 6> 53 53 r
" I, U 1] 25 P 13 :'' 35 /
Figure 8d. Card format for quarterly-interval data.
NOTE: S - punched according to general instructions
P - parameter code
M - method code
U - units code
D - number of digits to the right of the decimal
0 - observations
Figure 8 (continued). Card format.
Recording Data in SAROAD Format
25
-------
identification codes are written indicate the card column positions in which that
information is to be punched. Punched cards maybe prepared by an in-house
capability or through the services of an outside vendor.
Agencies storing their data on SAROAD-formatted punched cards should mail
a duplicated deck of the data cards to the National Aerometric Data Bank at quar-
terly or more frequent intervals. Site Identification forms are submitted as dis-
cussed previously.
SUBMITTING DATA ON MAGNETIC TAPE (SAROAD FORMAT)
The most convenient method for submitting a large volume of data to the
National Aerometric Data Bank is on magnetic tape. This method, however, also
introduces certain restrictions not entailed in other types of data submission.
Agencies must be able to provide IBM-compatible* 1/2-inch tapes, which can, of
course, be produced by computers from other manufacturers.
Agencies capable of providing this type of tape are encouraged to submit
SAROAD-formatted card image records of their data. When submitting magnetic
tapes, include written instructions identifying the record format used and contents
of the data file. Do not include extraneous data, blank records, or special identifi-
cation records of a different format in the same file, since the presence of such
records makes data extraction difficult. Detailed instructions for preparing mag-
netic tapes are in Appendix F.
For agencies planning to mail magnetic tape to the National Aerometric Data
Bank, we recommend the following procedure:
1. Show Appendix F to a computer specialist to determine whether he can
generate a tape in the manner specified.
2. Contact EPA to resolve any questions before generating any tape.
When magnetic tapes are written and detailed instructions describing their
contents and characteristics are prepared, place copies of the tapes in a box padded
heavily enough to prevent damage during shipment. Mail to the National Aerome-
tric Data Bank. Upon receipt of the package, EPA will copy the data onto other
tapes for storage and return the agency's tapes within 1 week.
*Use of the term 'IBM-compatible1 does not constitute an endorsement of any
manufacturer but reflects data processing capabilities of EPA.
26 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
CONVERTING EXISTING DATA TO SAROAD FORMAT
A considerable amount of past data are available in a variety of non-SAROAD
formats. Also, many agencies who have developed their own format systems over
the years may believe that wholesale conversion of data to the SAROAD format now
involves too great a disruption in the established agency routine. These agencies
may, however, maintain data in their own format for internal use and also provide
copies in SAROAD format for entry into the National Aerometric Data Bank and for
exchange with other organizations. In this case, the agency will require a system
for converting from their format to SAROAD format. The following general guide-
lines will be helpful for developing conversion programs.
There are three possible conversions:
1. Cards to SAROAD cards.
2. Cards to SAROAD tape.
3. Tape to SAROAD tape.
If agency data are now on forms, key punch these data onto cards. It is
imperative that a consistent format be used in preparing the punched cards. In
organizing this format a computer specialist should be consulted to insure machine
readability.
To establish an effective format conversion program, an agency proceeds
through the following steps:
1. Obtain from EPA unique SAROAD identification numbers for all agency
sampling sites.
2. Determine the SAROAD codes for parameters, methods, time intervals,
units of observation, agency type, and project classification.
3. Determine whether punched cards or magnetic tape will be used for
reporting data.
4. Identify the SAROAD format that corresponds to the frequency of sampling.
5. Develop tables that show correspondence between existing agency codes
and the appropriate SAROAD codes.
6. Develop a simple program to convert agency format into SAROAD format.
This conversion involves the following steps:
a. Read into computer memory a punched card or a record from magne-
tic tape.
b. Based on the type of data, decide on the format to be used for the
output.
c. By use of the tables, determine the appropriate SAROAD codes corre-
ponding to the agency codes. These codes include FORM NUMBER,
STATE, AREA, SITE, AGENCY, PROJECT, TIME INTERVAL,
27
-------
PARAMETER(s), METHOD(s), UNIT(s), AND DP(s). Transfer these
codes into the output area.
d. Take the OBSERVATIONS, YEAR, MONTH, DAY, and START HOUR
from the input area, rearrange them if necessary to fit into SAROAD
format, and transfer them to the output area (rearrangement may
mean changing to Year, Month, Day from Month, Day, Year or adding
leading zeros to observations).
e. Punch \an output card or write an output record onto magnetic tape.
Follow steps a through e until all the data are converted.
28 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
SUBMITTING PAST DATA NOT IN SAROAD FORMAT
A few control agencies may be unable to convert to the SAROAD format
immediately. During the interval before conversion to SAROAD is accomplished,
the data from those agencies will be needed for the National Aerometric Data Bank.
When agencies supply data in a format other than SAROAD, EPA needs information
on monitoring sites, methods, and data formats to make the data accessible and
understandable. Appendix G discusses how to prepare these data. Experience in
receiving data in various non-SAROAD formats has indicated some common pitfalls:
1. Inadequate definition of codes used to indicate method of measurement,
pollutant or other parameter, and sampling site.
2. Failure to specify the units in which observations are recorded.
3. Incomplete specification of the location of implied decimal points when
decimal points are not explicitly punched in the data records.
4. Omission of the time interval of measurements.
5. Identification by means of colors, handwriting on cards, or tab cards.
These "identifications" are not machine-readable and can seriously
impede the handling and processing of data. One problem involved in
differentiating by color is that information cannot be photocopied.
Note again that providing this information should not be regarded as an extra
burden on agency personnel because this information must be available in a
systematic form for the agency's own use if data are to be readily accessible and
understandable.
29
-------
Code Table 1. AGENCY TYPE
A EPA group responsible for atmospheric surveillance
B EPA group responsible for meteorological activity
C EPA group responsible for effects research
D EPA group responsible for atmospheric research
E EPA group responsible for abatement activity
F State agency
G County agency
H City agency
I District agency
J Private
K Institution (university, college, etc.)
L Military
M International agency
N Other Federal nonmilitary agencies
0-Y Open for future expansion
Z Other
Code Table 2. PROJECT CLASSIFICATIONS
Long-term surveillance codes
01 Population-oriented surveillance
02 Source-oriented ambient surveillance
03 Background surveillance
Short-term surveillance codes
04 Complaint investigation
05 Special studies
06 Episode monitoring
07-99 For Federal networks and future expansion
30 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
Code Table 3. TIME INTERVAL
Code
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D-Z
Data observed over a period of:
1 hour
2 hours
4 hours
6 hours
8 hours
12 hours
24 hours
1 month
3 months
1 week
3 hours
Composite data
For future expansion
Code Tables
31
-------
Code Table 4. COMMON PARAMETERS AND METHODS3
Parameter
Suspended participate
Total suspended particulate
Benzene-soluble organics
Soiling index (COH/1000LF)
Soiling index (RUD/10000LF)
Light scatter
Radioactivity (gross beta)
Antimony
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryll ium
Bismuth
Barium
Boron
Cadmium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Lead
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Mercury
Selenium
Tin
Vanadium
Zinc
Fluoride
Ammonium
Ammonium
Nitrate
Nitrate
Sulfate
Parameter
code
11101
11103
11201
11202
11203
11302
12102
12102
12103
12105
12106
12107
12108
12110
12112
12113
12114
12126
12128
12132
12134
12136
12142
12154
12160
12164
12167
12202
12301
12301
12306
12306
12403
Method of collection and analysis
Collection
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Tape sampler
Tape sampler
Integrating
nephelometer
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Analysis
Gravimetric
Benzene extraction-
Soxhlet
Transmittance
Reflectance
Proportional counter
Emission spectra
Atomic Absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Atomic absorption
Specific ion
electrode
Nessler
Sodium phenol ate
2-4 xylenol
Reduction-Diazo
coupling
Colorimetric
Method
code
91
91
81
91
11
91
91
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
92
91
91
92
91
92
91
32
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
Code Table 4 (continued). COMMON PARAMETERS AND METHODSa
Parameter
Suspended particulate
(continued)
Sulfate
Benzo(A)pyrene
Settled particulate
(dustfall)
Total particulates
Sulfation rate
Sulfation rate
Sulfation rate
Sulfation rate
Sulfation rate
Gases
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Nitric oxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Oxides of nitrogen
Ammonia
Ammonia
Aldehyde
Total oxidants
Total oxidants
Total oxidants
Total oxidants
Ozone
Methane
Hydrocarbon
Parameter
code
12403
17242
21101
42410
42410
42410
42410
42101
42401
42401
42401
42401
42401
42601
42602
42602
42603
42604
42604
43501
44101
44101
44101
44101
44201
43201
43101
Method of collection and analysis
Collection
Hi-Vol
Hi-Vol
Bucket; jar
Lead plate
Lead plate
Lead candle
Lead candle
Instrumental
Instrumental
Instrumental
Instrumental
Gas bubbler
Gas bubbler
Instrumental
Instrumental
Gas bubbler
Instrumental
Gas bubbler
Gas bubbler
Instrumental
Instrumental
Instrumental
Gas bubbler
Gas bubbler
Instrumental
Instrumental
Instrumental
Analysis
Turbidimetric
Thin-layer
chroma tography
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Potassium carbonate
Gravimetric
Titrimetric
Nondispersive
infrared
West-Gaeke
colorimetric
Conductometric
Coulometric
West-Gaeke
Conductometric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Jacobs-Hochheiser
Colorimetric
Nessler
Sodium phenol ate
Colorimetric
Alkaline KI
Neutral KI
colorimetric
Alkaline KI
Phenol phthalein
Chemi luminescence
Flame ionization
Flame ionization
Method
code
92
91
81
71
74
91
92
11
11
13
14
91
93
11
11
91
11
91
92
11
11
14
81
51
11
11
11
Code Tables
33
-------
Code Table 4 (continued). COMMON PARAMETERS AND METHODS'1
Parameter
Meteorological observations
Wind speed
Wind direction
Parameter
code
61101
61102
Method of collection and analysis
Collection
Instrumental
Instrumental
Analysis
Method
code
11
11
This list covers the methods used by about 95 percent of the currently operating
control agencies. If a parameter or method is not listed here, a code can be
assigned upon evaluation of the method by EPA.
34
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
Code Table 5. UNITS
Code
number
Units
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
20
30
31
32
33
34
35
50
70
80
81
90
91
92
98
99
micrograms/cubic meter (25° C, 1013 millibars)
micrograms/cubic meter (0° C, 1013 millibars)
nanograms/cubic meter (25° C, 1013 millibars)
nanograms/cubic meter (0° C, 1013 millibars)
milligrams/cubic meter (25° C, 1013 millibars)
milligrams/cubic meter (0° C, 1013 millibars)
parts per million (volume/volume)
parts per billion (volume/volume)
COHS/1000 linear feet
RUDS/10,000 linear feet
meters/second
miles/hour
knots
degrees
microns
picocuries/cubic meter
microcuries/cubic meter
picocuries/square meter
microcuries/square meter
picocuries/cubic centimeter
picocuries/gram
number of threshold levels
milligrams F/100 square centimeters-day
milligrams SOs/lOO square centimeters-day
micrograms S02/square meter-day
tons/square mile-month3
milligrams/square centimeter-month3
micrograms/cubic meter-month3
milligrams S0427square centimeters-30 days
milligrams/square centimeters-30 days
aOn a calendar-month basis.
Code Tables
35
-------
Code Table 6. MATRIX FOR START-HOUR VALUES
First
sampl
possible hour
ing could occur
Midnight
1 AM
2 AM
3 AM
4 AM
5 AM
6 AM
7 AM
8 AM
9 AM
10 AM
11 AM
Sampling interval between observations, hours
2 3
00 00
01 01
02
THESE
CANNOT
OCCUR
4
00
01
02
03
6
00
01
02
03
04
05
8
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
12
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
36
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
APPENDIX A.
DEVELOPING A MINIMAL
COMPUTERIZED DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM
Although the desire of an agency to avoid becoming unnecessarily involved with
computers is commendable, a well-designed computer-based system can be a
valuable tool in certain circumstances. EPA estimates that when more than one
man-week per month of professional time, in addition to clerical time, is expended
in making calculations, manipulating data, and preparing data summaries and
analyses, a control agency should develop a minimal computer-based data pro-
cessing system. Also if more than one employee spends full time processing data,
machine processing is justifiable. If a control agency intends to use elaborate data
acquisition systems such as those that employ telemetry, or to use advanced anal-
ysis techniques such as modeling, it is essential that they have developed a work-
able computerized data handling system.
An agency should first explore whether a system and computer time are
available from another control agency. It may be possible to pool resources with
other agencies in developing such a system. In any case, the steps required to
establish such a system are as follows:
1. Define the manual system you are currently using in great detail. Define
specific problems in the system and how a computer can be used to alle-
viate them. If you are unable to accomplish this first step, you are not
in a position to develop a computer-based system.
2. Define each separate process in the new system, taking care to demon-
strate the man-machine interaction (e.g., after defining a computerized
validation program, one must define how the output of the program will be
used and what other manual checks the data will receive).
3. Arrange for keypunch services and computer time.
a. Keypunch: Take the raw aerometric data to a university, a govern-
ment agency, or a private computer service bureau for keypunching.
Request that the data be keypunched in the SAROAD formats as
explained in this manual. Arrange to have future keypunching done at
regular intervals.
b. Computer: Arrange for computer time with a university, a govern-
ment agency, or a private computer service bureau. This must be
done in advance, for two reasons. First, a computer is needed on
which time will be available for the future. Second, computer pro-
grams are for a specific computer (manufacturer and model) and to
use a program on another computer often requires modification.
4. Arrange for a programmer in a government agency, a university, or a
private computer service bureau to write a validation program that will
list the data appearing on the data cards, "flagging" or marking off sus-
pected readings if:
37
-------
a. They are above a preset upper limit.
b. They are below a preset lower limit.
c. They represent greater than a preset percentage change from a pre-
ceding reading.
5. Arrange for a programmer to write a program that will:
a. Pick off high readings and time of occurrence.
b. Calculate arithmetic and geometric means and their respective stand-
ard deviations.
c. Print out data (or summaries of data) on computer paper in a format
that can be photocopied and immediately incorporated in periodic
reports.
If an agency's capability is developed along these lines, professional person-
nel need only insure that raw data are accessible to the keypunch operators,
review computer output to validate the data, and interpret the analyzed data, which
can then be immediately incorporated into the agency's periodic reports. No other
involvement with routine data handling will be necessary, and valuable professional
manpower will be freed for more important work.
Hazards to be avoided in introducing a computerized data-handling system
include:
1. Attempting to develop a more elaborate system than is required. By far
the best approach is to begin with the simplest possible system, make it
operational, and then add increased capability later if it becomes neces-
sary. As a general rule, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
2. Providing insufficient direction to computer personnel. If all necessary
information is not perfectly clear to computer personnel, time and money
will be wasted on development of ineffective programs.
3. Not requiring sufficient documentation. If the programmer who establishes
the formats and writes the programs should no longer be available to the
agency, the entire system might be rendered useless. For this reason,
the formats and programs used in developing a computerized data process-
ing system must be clearly and completely described. (Note that the
standardized SAROAD format is completely documented in this manual. )
Also, an agency should demand that any program be completely documented
so that it is accessible to any programmer familiar with the computer
language in which the program was written.
If an agency avoids these pitfalls, certain advantages will result from a
simple computer-based data processing system: availability of agency data will be
increased, and valuable manpower will become less involved with routine data
handling and calculation. These advantages are sufficient to justify careful develop-
ment of a basic computerized system.
FURTHER WORD ON DOCUMENTATION
Among the several pitfalls mentioned, lack of documentation is one that an
agency can avoid by careful planning. As a further guide to establishing a minimal
computerized system, we outline here a basic approach to system documentation.
38 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
System Description and Flow
The first step in documentation involves an overview of the entire system.
Verbal description should define the functions of the various computer routines,
point out the points of interface between the computer and agency personnel, and
show the flow of data. An example of this flow is presented in the diagram shown
in Figure A-l. The figure is not intended to represent a complete system, but
merely exemplifies a part of a system.
PROCESS I
PROGRAM I
DATA
LISTING
USED FOR
CHECKING
PREPARE
CARDS FOR
COMPUTER
PROCESSING
Figure A-l. Portion of typical flow diagram.
Documentation for Individual Computer Programs
Documentation should be complete, so that whoever is responsible for main-
taining and altering the computer program in the future will have enough informa-
tion to do so. Program documentation usually consists of six phases.
1. Program Description
A full description of the program should include specifications for design
of the program (what it does), restrictions and limitations, the procedures
used, any formulas included, options available, unique features (if any),
and a list of related programs.
2. Flow Chart
The chart should show the detailed logic of the program and should be
complete enough that someone not familiar with the program could make
changes.
3. Input/Output Description
For punched cards the following elements are needed: control card
description, data card description, end card description, and card deck
Appendix A
39
-------
setup. Many computer programs allow options for input or output. The
control card defines which option to take.
For magnetic tape or direct access storage devices, such items as file
design, sequence, header, or end records, are defined here.
A copy of the output description and format should be presented. The out-
put can be on magnetic tape, punched cards, or printed copy.
4. Operating Instructions
Instructions should be provided for filling out control cards and end cards,
keypunching for data, control, and end cards, and preparing the input
deck and any file or peripheral devices. Indicate frequency and length of
run (length is probably defined in terms of volume, such as 5 minutes/
1000 cards). Describe the proper disposition of input and output when the
program is finished. Provide instructions on procedures for an interrup-
ted or aborted run and instructions for computer operators.
5. Suggestions, Warnings, Changes
This category is a potpourri. As limitations of the program are noted,
these should be entered here. Documentation should describe the reasons
for, date of, and nature of all changes.
Frequent error sources should also be noted here.
6. Program Listing.
40 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
APPENDIX B.
SITE DESCRIPTION DEFINITIONS
The station type is now defined at two levels. The first level defines a
sampling site as being in a
CENTER CITY area
SUBURBAN area
RURAL area
REMOTE area
Note that the CENTER CITY category is intended as definition of the core area of
the city, not its incorporated limits.
CENTER CITY OR SUBURBAN
For the second level of coding, it is necessary to estimate the dominating
influence within a 1-mile radius on the sampling sites. The following categories
are possible:
1. Industrial: Implies product-oriented establishments such as manufacturing
concerns, utilities, mining, and graineries.
2. Commercial: Implies service-oriented establishments. A unique traffic
pattern into and out of the area would be expected. Retail establishments,
shopping centers, gas stations, laundromats, etc. , comprise this
category.
3. Residential: Because many other areas are also used residentially,
select this category only in the absence of a dominating industrial or
commercial influence.
4. Mobile: Category for samplers placed in airports, truck or bus terminals,
on an expressway cloverleaf, or in similar locations. Samplers placed
near parking lots would probably be better categorized as industrial or
commercial.
RURAL
For rural sampling sites, three other categories in addition to commercial
and industrial are used.
1. Near urban: Category for samplers placed in a rural area, yet close
enough to a major urban center to be materially affected by the urban area.
2. Agricultural: Category encompassing orchards, crop raising, cattle and
sheep grazing, etc.
3. None of the above.
41
-------
REMOTE
Remote sites are normally far enough away from any activity to measure
geophysical background levels. Any potential influencing source may be described
in the space for comments.
Space for comments (132 characters) is provided on the Site Form to help
define unique characteristics of the sampling site. This space could be used to
mention the category of industry that dominates the area if that is discernable (e.g.,
lead plant; pulp and paper manufacturing), or to mention other influences (e. g. ,
This site is also influenced by a shopping center 5 blocks away. ). Almost every
suburban or center city site is affected to some degree by combinations of the
categories. Situations that make it difficult to determine a dominating influence
can be explained in the comments. It may also be necessary to explain short-term
sources such as construction of a new building (e. g. , Parking garage built 200
yards to the north from May 1970 - January 1971. ). The comments will be sent
with other site information in response to requests for data.
42 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
APPENDIX C.
OPTIONAL FORMS
Two optional forms may be useful in certain circumstances.
The first, shown in Figure C-l, is printed on a 5- by 8-inch card in the same
format as the paper Daily Data Form, which can provide data for a month for four
or fewer pollutants. Although this form can be used to record any data with a samp-
ling interval of 24 hours or greater, its main advantage is that one form can accom-
modate 24 parameters. The face of the card provides space to record four para-
meters; the back provides space for 20 additional parameters. This card can be
used for recording values when a Hi-vol filter is analyzed for a number of sub-
fractions. It is easy to store for later entries if further analyses are to be per-
formed in the future. For this purpose, the form provides space to record a
filter number (for cross-reference) and air volume.
The second of the optional forms, shown in Figure C-2, is known as the SAROAD
Multiple-Station Form. It was developed for recording data obtained at a sampling
interval of 24 hours or greater for one parameter for up to 12 sampling sites. A
control agency operating a network of 30 dustfall buckets, for example, could use
three of these forms, as opposed to using 30 of either of the Form 2's to record a
month's data.
The Multiple-Station Form provides space for identifying information in the
upper left. Those standard items are entered as on the other forms. Note that
this form provides room for three sets of four sites, from site address A in the
upper left to site address L in the lower left above the third set of blocks.
For entries in the blocks in the upper right, the two-digit state code is
assigned by EPA, agency type code is given in Code Table 1, project code in Code
Table 2, and time interval code in Code Table 3.
For entries on the next line, the five-digit parameter code and the two-digit
method code are given in Code Table 4 and the units code in Code Table 5. The
"DP" (decimal point) block indicates the number of places to the right of the
decimal point in the value entries. Example: a value of 12. 1 |ig/m3 is entered as
0121 in the value blocks with a DP of 1.
For "Year" record the last two digits of the year in which the observations
were taken; list months numerically in two digits from January (01) through Decem-
ber (12): indicate day of month on which sampling occurred or began in two digits,
from 01 to 31.
Next come three sets of blocks, each set containing four lines. Each line can
accommodate information from one site. In the first two blocks record the hour
the sampler started. (For data with a sampling interval greater than 24 hours,
these blocks are probably left blank. ) In the next seven blocks record the area and
43
-------
EL
1 AGENCY
CITY NAME
SITE ADDRESS
PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerometric Data Bank
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
TIME INTERVAL
STATE
AREA
SITE
23456789 10
AGENCY PROJECT TIME YEAR
D CD D
11 12 13 14
DAY ST HR
ED ED
19 20
21 22
15 16
MONTHI
CD
17 18
PARAMETER FILTER NUMBER AIR VOLUME
NAME METHOD UNITS PARAMETE R CODE METHOD UNITS DP
(23-32)
(37-46)
(51-60)
(65-74)
1
(33-36)
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-78)
PARTICULATE
'WEIGHT
«O O ^ CO
CO lO -O C-.
till
A ri JL J,
Ci " i3 ;°
I
Q
0
X
UJ
Q:
UJ
,_ UJ
31
Q:
D_
(FRONT)
I I
(/i
H
Z
^)
0
I
1
UJ
3
a
h- UJ
UJ s
S <
< ~z.
OL
a.
H
z
=1
o
0
I
Ul
o:
UJ
UJ 5
S <
< z
o:
D.
H
Z
0
X
UJ
o;
UJ
H UJ
UJ S
s <
< z
o:
Q.
co i-l ' ui
Cl £2 5 S
!(BACK)
Figure C-l. SAROAD Multiple-Parameter Data Form.
44
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerometn'c Data Bank
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
3
1
AGENCY
PARAMETER OBSERVED TIME INTERVAL
METHOD UNITS PROJECT
SITE ADDRESS A
SITE A
DAY
| | | (24-25)
"2'J 9T
(37-38)
(50-51)
(63-64)
SITE
SITE
DAY
| [ | (24-25)
22 23 (37-33)
(50-51)
(63-64)
SITE
SITE
DAY
1 [ 1 (24-25)
22 23 (37-38,
(50-51)
(63-64)
DDRESS C
START
HOUR
(26-32)
(39-45)
(52-58)
(65-71)
AREA
ADDRESS E
ADDRESS G
START
HOUR
(26-32)
(39-45)
(52-58)
(65-71 )
AREA
ADDRESS 1
ADDRESS K
START
HOUR
(26-32)
(39-45)
(52-58)
(65-71)
AREA
STATE AGENCY PROJECT TIM
m n rn r
23 4 56 7
PARAMETER METHOD
LLJ
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
YEAR MONTH
m m
18 19 20 21
SITE ADDRESS B
E
]
UNITS DP
m n
15 16 17
SITE ADDRESS D
SITE VALUE
A (33-36)
B (46-49)
c (59-62)
D (72-75)
SITE ADDRESS F
SITE ADDRESS H
SITE VALUE
E (33-36)
F (46-49)
G (59-62)
H (72-75)
SITE ADDRESS J
SITE ADDRESS L
SITE VALUE
1 (33-36)
J (46-49)
K (59-62)
L (72-75)
Figure C-2. SAROAD Multiple-Station Data Form.
Appendix C
45
-------
site codes assigned by EPA for each site address. Note that all sites on one form
must be located in a single state. In the last four blocks, record a value. Repeat
this process until the 12 lines are filled or all values are recorded. If an agency
should determine that none of the forms described in this manual meet specific
needs for reporting data, request the help of EPA personnel in developing an
appropriate SAROAD-compatible form.
46 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
-------
APPENDIX D.
COMPOSITE DATA FORM
Composite data are those values resulting from analyses of a solution con-
taining a number of individual samples that have been chemically combined or
"composited. " In analyzing for the hi-vol particulate fractions, only a portion of
the filter is available. On a small amount of the filter it is possible that not
enough of a pollutant is present to be detected. By combining all the filters for a
month or quarter, it is possible to determine a value of the pollutant for that time
period by analyzing the composite. A significant savings in manpower results
from compositing. Since each composite usually combines portions of 5 to 10
individual filters, analysis of the composite provides an approximate value that in
effect eliminates the need for 5 to 10 analyses.
The SAROAD Composite Data Form (Figure D-l) is the same as the Daily Data
Form for the first 13 columns. A "jC" in block 14 (the "time interval") signifies that
the card contains composite data. Blocks 15 and 16 contain the last two digits of
the year in which the samples were taken. Blocks 17-22 vary by type of composite.
QUARTERLY COMPOSITE
1. In blocks 17-18 code 01-04 to designate the first (January-March), second
(April-June), third (July-September), or fourth (October-December)
quarter.
2. In blocks 19-20 code the number of individual samples that were com-
posited.
3. Code a 1 in block 21.
4. In block 22 put the interval code of the individual samples that make up
the composite (from Code Table 3).
SEASONAL COMPOSITE
1. In blocks 17-18 code 01-04 to designate the first (winter), second (spring),
third (summer), or fourth (fall) season.
2. In blocks 19-20, code the number of individual samples that were com-
posited.
3. Code a 2 in block 21.
4. In block 22 put the interval code of the individual samples that make up
the composite (from Code Table 3).
MONTHLY COMPOSITE
1. In blocks 17-18 code the month (01-12) in which the composited samples
were taken.
2. In blocks 19-20 code the number of individual samples that make up the
47
-------
00
o
o
cr
CO
m
CO
3>
1 AGENCY
CITY NAME
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Aerometric Data Bank
P.O. Box 12055
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
PARAMETER
SITE ADDRESS
PROJECT
STATE AREA SIT
I i I i M
2345678
YEAR PERIOD
nn m
I 5 16 1718
FILTER
NUMBE R
9
SAMP: E
DATE
TOTAL
i FILTER
EQUIVALENT
TIME INTERVAL
E AGENCY PROJECT TIME
n n m ra
10 1 12 13 14
NUMBER OF COMP SAMPLE
SAMPLES TYPE TIME
m tin
19 20 21 22
TOIAL
AIR VOLUME
M3
PARTICULATE
CONC.
ug M3
NAME METHOD UNITS
PARAMETER
NAME METHOD UNITS
PARAMETER
NAME METHOD UNITS
PARAMETER
NAME METHOD UNITS
PARAMETER
NAME METHOD UNITS
PARAMETER
NAME METHOD UNITS
(23-32)
(37-461
(51-60)
(65-74)
P
(23-32
'37-46)
(51-60)
(65-74)
Pt
(23-321
(37-46)
(51-60)
(65-74)
P
(23-32:
'37-46)
(51-60)
165-74)
F
23-32)
(37-46)
(51-60)
(65-74!
F
(23-32)
(37-46)
(51-60)
(65-74)
ARAMETER CODE METHOD UNITS DF
\RAMETERCODE METHOD UNITS DP
ftRAMETER CODE METHOD UNITS DP
ARAMETER CODE METHOD UNITS DP
(33-36'
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-78)
(33-36)
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-78)
(33-36)
(47-50)
(61-64)
175-78)
(33-36)
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-78)
(33-36)
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-781
ARAMETER CODEMETHOD UNITS DP
(33-361
(47-50)
(61-64)
(75-78)
AIR VOLUME
Figure D-1. SAROAD Composite Data Form.
-------
composite.
3. Code a 3 in block 21.
4. In block 22 put the interval code of the individual samples that make up
the composite (from Code Table 3).
WEEKLY COMPOSITE
1. In blocks 17-18 code the week (01-52) in which the composited samples
were taken.
2. In blocks 19-20 code the number of individual samples that make up the
composite.
3. Code a 4 in block 21.
4. In block 22 put the interval code of the individual samples that make up
the composite (see Code Table 3).
ANNUAL COMPOSITE
1. In blocks 17-18 code 00.
2. In blocks 19-20 code the number of individual values that make up the
composite.
3. Code a 5 in block 21.
4. In block 22 put the interval code of the individual samples that make up
the composite (from Code Table 3).
Fill in the remaining part of the card as on the Daily Data Form with one to
four different parameter values.
Along the lower left side of the form is space to code values for 20 additional
pollutants.
Along the lower right side of the form is space to record pertinent data from
the individual samples.
Appendix D 49
-------
APPENDIX E. EXAMPLES OF ASSIGNING
START-HOUR AND LOCATING FIRST OBSERVATION
An agency has the option of choosing any hour within a day to start collecting
data. This hour, however, may not be identical to the starting hour that should be
recorded on the SAROAD form or the punched cards. The recorded starting hour
is the time closest to midnight (00),but still the same day, at which the sampling
could have begun and still have given an observation for the actual starting
time. For instance, if a 3-hour sampling interval is used starting at 8 a.m. , the
recorded starting time would be 2 a.m. (02). In recording the data values, the
first two 4-digit data values would be skipped and the first recorded observation
would begin in boxes (card columns) 43-46.
A convenient rule for calculating the starting hour to be recorded is to sub-
tract the sampling time interval from the actual starting time until a value listed
in the appropriate column in Code Table 6 has been reached. This value in Code
Table 6 is the appropriate starting value for that time interval. The number of
times the time interval was subtracted equals the number of 4-digit values left
blank on the SAROAD form (or punched card) before the first data point is entered.
To help with this rather confusing item, two examples, along with appropriate
illustrations of the completed SAROAD form and punched data card, are presented
below. For the illustrations, assume the sampling is on January 1 and 2, 1970,
from the population-oriented station at site 012 in city 0960 in state 01 operated by
the state agency.
EXAMPLE 1.
Consider an agency that begins sampling at 7 a.m. Sampling is done at a 2-
hour interval on an AISI spot tape sampler yielding Cohs/1000 linear feet. To
calculate the starting hour (ST HR) that must be recorded to satisfy the SAROAD
format, first consult Code Table 6 in the two-hour column. Now, subtract 2 (the
sampling interval) from 7 (a.m. ) until one of the appropriate starting hours is
reached. Only two possibilities are listed under 2-hour sampling: 00 and 01. Two
is subtracted from 7 three times before 01 is reached. This now indicates two
things: the recorded "ST HR" will be 01 (1 a.m. ) and there will be three blank
values before the first observation is entered. For the sake of the example, assume
the values collected for a particular day were:
7 a.m. - 9 a. m. = 4. 1
9 a. m. - 11 a. m. = 3.6
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. = 4.2
1 p. m. - 3 p. m. = 4.4
3 p. m. - 5 p. m. = 4. 6
5 p. m. - 7 p. m. = 4. 1
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. = 3. 3
9 p.m. - 11 p.m. = 4. 0
11 p.m. - 1 a.m. = 3.6
Now refer to Figure E-la and E-lb to see what the completed SAROAD form
and punched card would look like for this day's data.
51
-------
en
1X3
Day
19 20
u
1
StHr
21 22
U
1
Value 1
33 34 3536
Value 2
37 3839 40
Value 3
41 4243 44
Value 4
45 46 47 48
0
0
4
1
Value 5
49 50 51 52
0
0
3
6
Value 6
53 54 55 56
0
0
4
?
Value 7
57 58 59 60
0
o
4
4
Value 8
61 62 6364
0
0
4
6
Value 9
656667 68
0
0
4
1
Value 10
6970 71 72
0
0
3
3
Value 11
73 74 75 76
0
0
4
0
Value 12
77 78 79 80
0
0
3
6
(a)
r
GOOD 0 G 3 C 0 0 G P 0 G C 0 3 0 G 0 0 0 8 G 1 G 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 00 GO '.: C (10 9 C C 3 5 ". 9 j g
i inn HI i i i i i i ii i ii i : i i i n i i M i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 1 i i i i i i i i i i i n i i i i
(b)
Day
1920
0
0
1
2
StHr
21 22
0
0
4
4
Value 1
3334 35 36
0
1
1
2
Value 2
37 38 39 40
0
1
0
4
Value 3
41 42 43 44
0
0
9
6
Value 4
45 46 4748
0
0
9
9
Value 5
49 50 51 52
Value 6
53 54 55 56
Value 7
575859 60
Value 8
61 62 63 64
Value 9
65 666768
Value 10
697071 72
Value 11
7374 7576
Value 12
7778 7980
o
o
c
CO
m
so
3>
z
ci
>
(c
j A-.-M.-c^-r-i.^.-.^-rn-;
0 C DC 0 S 0 C S 8 0 B B 5 (1 B 0 C C C U C C B fl 5 0 II 0 0 G S r r G C n G G 0 B C 0 0 0 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 C I) C 8 0 3 0 0 0 0
i ; 3 4 i 6 i 3 s i? M i; i) M ij is i; i=. i-j;.; :i ?; n ^ ?; *'. .> ii n Ji i? ii 11 ]- ij ] r. *
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Note that in the space for decimal locator a 1 is entered to indicate one digit
to the right of the decimal point.
EXAMPLE 2.
Consider an agency that for some reason does not start sampling until 10 a.m.
on a particular day. Assume the pollutant code is 44901, the method code is 96
and the units are 07. Sampling is on a 6-hour interval. Therefore, subtract 6
from 10. This subtraction need be performed only once before an appropriate
value, 04, is located in the six-hour column on Code Table 6. The recorded start-
ing hour for the day is 04 and the number of blank values equals 1. For the sake of
this example, assume the following data values:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - 1. 04
4p.m. - 10p.m. = 0.96
10p.m. - 4a.m. = 0.99
4 a.m. - 10 a.m. = 1. 12
Note that, although the 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. value runs into the next day, it will
be listed with the same day. The next value (4 a.m. - 10 a.m. ) will be recorded
as the next day's first observation. The recorded starting hour for this next day
will be 04, and the value will be located in the first value location. The decimal
point for these data will be 2, and it would appear on the SAROAD form and punch
card as indicated in Figure E-lc and E-ld.
Appendix E 53
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APPENDIX F.
DETAILED INFORMATION FOR SUBMITTING DATA
IN SAROAD FORMAT ON MAGNETIC TAPE
IBM-compatible tapes, which are required for the data bank, are 0. 5-inch-
wide magnetic tapes containing BCD coded characters recorded at a density of 556
bits per inch or EBCDIC coded characters recorded at a density of 800 or 1600
bits per inch. Internal machine representation of numbers or characters is not
acceptable. Floating point, packed decimal, or zoned decimal representation of
numerical information should not be written. Agencies not capable of writing this
type of tape must submit their data on punched cards or on paper forms.
Agencies capable of providing the type of tape described are encouraged to
submit SAROAD-formatted card image records. Use of this standard format
eliminates the requirement for special-purpose programming. Agencies using the
SAROAD system of coding information who wish to submit data in formats other
than card image should contact EPA before sending such tapes so that details can
be arranged.
The tape reels should be accompanied by instructions to identify contents of
the files, coding and format used, and physical characteristics of the tape (such as
density, number of tracks, and parity). Characteristics of individual data files,
including sort sequence of data records, should be specified.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DATA FILES
Information on tape is arranged in blocks consisting of one or more records.
For example, if card-image formats are used, each record is a single card image
and a block might consist of ten card-image records grouped together. Blocking
records permits more efficient use of tape. A block cannot be longer than 32, 000
characters.
Tapes may contain single or multiple files of information. No label records
are written on tapes. Unlabelled tapes contain only data records and tapemarks.
Although tapes should be unlabelled, the sender should submit identification with the
reel to indicate the tape contents. Individual files on the same tape reel are sepa-
rated by a single tapemark so that a tapemark follows every data file. An additional
tapemark is written so that two tapemarks follow a data file if it is the last or only
file on the reel. Extremely large data files could require multiple reels. Following
the portion written on all but the last reel a single tapemark is written. On the last
reel tapemarks are written just as if only one reel had been required. The organi-
zation of data files on one or more reels is shown in Figure F-l.
Table F-l is a checklist useful for recording the minimum information
required to describe a tape. Please include all additional information helpful to
persons who are not familiar with the data on the tapes.
55
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SINGLE FILE
SINGLE REEL
TM
TM
MULTIPLE REELS
REEL 1 OF 2 REEL 2 OF 2
LAST
PART
OF
FILE
TIM
MULTIPLE FILES
SINGLE REEL
FIRST
FILE
TM
LAST
FILE
TM
TM
REEL 1 OF 3
FIRST
FILE
TM
FIRST
PART
OF
SECOND
FILE
TM
MULTIPLE REELS
REEL 2 OF 3
SECOND
PART
OF
SECOND
FILE
TM
REEL 3 OF 3
LAST
PART
OF
SECOND
FILE
TM
THIRD
FILE
TM
TM
Figure F-l. Organization of files on tapes,
56
SAROAD USERS MANUAL
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Table F-l. MINIMUM INFORMATION REQUIRED ABOUT TAPE/FILE CHARACTERISTICS
CD
=J
Q.
x'
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Reel identification
File number
Recording density (556, 800, or 1600)
Number of tracks ( 7 or 9)
Record length (in number of characters)
Blocking factor (in number of records/block)
Description of file contents
Indicate parameters observed
Number of sites reported
Years spanned
Approximate number of records
Description of file format
Indicate format identification numbers
used and observation time intervals
Description of file sort sequence
Identify individual fields
Indicate major to minor ordering
For each field indicate if ascending
or descending
Parity (even or odd)
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APPENDIX G.
SUBMITTING PAST DATA IN NONSAROAD FORMAT
(FORMS, CARDS, OR TAPE)
It is intended that the National Aerometric Data Bank incorporate the maxi-
mum possible amount of air quality data so as to provide an accurate historical
record of air quality in the United States. We therefore encourage agencies that
cannot provide resources for converting their past records of air quality to
SAROAD format to send photocopies of these records to the Data Bank for process-
ing as time allows. When these data are converted to SAROAD formats and entered
into the data bank, EPA will provide all converted data to the submitting agency.
Agencies wishing to receive this service are asked to provide certain minimal
information along with their records of past data. Of first importance is a com-
pleted SAROAD Site Identification form; the significance of accurate information
about sampling sites cannot be too much emphasized.
As with current data, an agency may submit past data to the bank in any of
three ways: on paper data forms, on punched cards, or on magnetic tape. In
whichever form the data are submitted, the agency should provide all the informa-
tion needed.
Following is a checklist of the specific information required (note that most
past records will include many of these items):
1. Completed SAROAD Site Identification form.
2. Pollutants measured.
3. Sampling methods (e. g. , Saltzman, West-Gaeke).
4. Instruments.
5. Units in which the measurements are expressed.
6. Decimal point locations (if the decimal point does not explicitly appear
in the data tabulations, state exactly how the location of the decimal
point can be determined).
7. Date and day of the week on which reading was taken.
8. Time at which reading was taken (specify whether midnight is denoted by
0000 or 2400 hours).
9. Sampling frequency. (How often are readings taken? )
10. Averaging time (duration of sample).
11. Identification of any special codes.
12. Special instructions to persons using data.
59
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PUNCHED CARDS
Agencies submitting data on punched cards should also include:
13. Identification of any unusual formats, characters, or punching.
14. Sequence of data cards (e.g., sort sequence, ordering, arrangement).
15. Identification of machine on which cards were generated.
MAGNETIC TAPE
Note again that the National Aerometric Data Bank can process only IBM-
compatible magnetic tape (if the agency cannot submit data on IBM-compatible
tape, they should use punched cards or paper forms). Agencies that do submit
their past records on magnetic tape should incorporate the following in addition to
information on the foregoing checklist of 12 items:
1. Tape characteristics
a. Tape density in BPI (bits per inch).
b. Number of tracks (7-track or 9-track, 9-track is preferred).
c. Type of parity (even or odd).
2. Detailed statement of how tapes are created. (Where applicable, identify
utility programs used, include copies of Job Control Language (JCL)
listing, or copies of control cards. )
3. Characteristics of data sets
a. Sequence of the data (i.e., sort sequence).
b. Length in characters (or bytes) of an individual record.
c. Number of individual records grouped between Inter Block Gaps (IBGs).
d. Indication of fixed length or variable records.
e. Presence or absence of leading or trailing tape, labels, or words (if
possible, omit these).
f . Number of data sets (or files) on the tape.
g. Approximate number of records in each data set. (Specify whether
number is for logical records or physical records. )
60 SAROAD USERS MANUAL
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