United States Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. 20460
O-D-E-S
Ocean Data Evaluation System
USER'S GUIDE
EPA 503/8-90-007
December 1987
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EPA 503/8-9CXJ07
December 1987
OCEAN DATA EVALUATION
SYSTEM (ODES) USER GUIDE
Prepared by:
Tetra Tech, Inc.
11820 Northup Way, Suite 100
Bellevue, Washington 98005
Prepared for:
Marine Operations Division: 301 (h) Program
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
t Printed on Recycled Paper
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PREFACE
The Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES) is an analytically powerful, user-fnendly
computerized system for supporting federal, state, and local decision-makers associated with
marine monitoring programs.1' ODES is managed by the U.S. EPA's Office of Marine and
Estuanne Protection and provides a centralized system for data base management and data analysis.
It has been designed specifically to support managers and analysts in meeting regulatory objectives
through the evaluation of marine monitoring information.
The ODES User's Guide provides directions for accessing information stored in ODES and
for using ODES tools to produce analytical reports. ODES includes an integrated data base which
combines source input information with marine and estuanne environmental information including
water quality data, physical/chemical and oceanographic data, biological data, and sediment
pollutant data. ODES also features a wide range of analytical tools for scientific and statistical
analyses and for reporting the results in convenient formats'.
For more information about ODES, please call or write the ODES Manager:
Robert King
ODES Manager
Marine Operations Division
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Fair child Building
401 M Street, S.W. (Mail Code: WH-556F)
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202)475-7119
The ODES Manager can provide you with access to ODES by issuing an ODES User ID and
can also provide more copies of this User's Guide as well as copies of the ODES Data Submission1;
Manual. Periodic hands-on demonstrations of the system are also available.
Please feel free to contact the ODES Manager with recommendations or questions regarding
ODES. If you have questions while accessing the ODES System, the ODES User Supporf Group
is available to help you. Please call them at:
703-841-6109
9:00 AM • 6:00 PM (Eastern Time Zone)
206-822-9596
9:00 AM • 5:00 PM (Pacific Time Zone)
V ODES was designed specifically to support the Agency's 301(h) program, but it has recently been adapted ID
support other marine monitoring programs as well. Section 301(h) of the Gean Water Act provides for case by <. ax;
modificanon of secondary treatment requirements for municipal sewage treatment plants discharging into man no
estuanne waters. As participants in the program, these treatment plants must demonstrate their compliance v
301(h) criteria.
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List of Exhibits
Exhibit Page
H-C-1 ODES Data T>pes U-5
H-C-2 ODES Tools II-7
m-A-1 Dial-Up Log On Procedure EQ-5
HI-A-2 Full-Screen Log On Procedure m-7
IV-B-1 Common Questions IV-4
A-l EPA NCC-ffiM Telephone Access Number A-3
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I. Introduction
The ODES User's Guide is organized in a modular fashion to accomodate the different
interests of its readers. For example, persons who are basically familiar with what ODES offers
may want to slap Chapter II, "An Overview of ODES," and start with Chapter HI. "How to Use
ODES." The Guide is organized as follows:
B Chapter C provides an overview of ODES -- its basic scope, features.
and functions, and the types of support it can provide for
decision-makers and analysts associated with marine and/or estuanne
monitoring programs
E Chapter HI explains how to use ODES -- detailed instructions and actual
examples of ODES work sessions
B Chapter IV provides information on ODES user support -- the types of
support that are available, common questions users ask, and training
and demonstrations
E Appendix A provides detailed instructions on how to log on to ODES.
The conversion of ODES from the WYLBUR processing environment to TSO has been
completed. This effort provided opportunities to enhance many of the current ODES features.
especially the ODES graphics capabilities. TSO-ODES supports all of the Basic Options previously
available in ODES, and one more - Basic Option R - for the interactive retrieval and transfer of
data from the NCC mainframe to a PC work station. This new Basic Option provides users with
the capability to access a subset of ODES data and manipulate that information using software and
analytical packages not currently available in ODES.
ODES is still evolving, and new features will be added to the system periodically
Therefore, the User's Guide will be updated from time to time as necessary. Updates will be
distributed to individuals on the ODES mailing lists on 3-hole paper that can be easily inserted in:c
nng binders. Users are encouraged to keep their Guide up-to-date.
If you have recommendations regarding enhancements or additions to ODES, please feel free
to call the ODES Manager (see the Preface for address and telephone number).
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II. Overview of ODES
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A. Basic Objectives of ODES
The Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES) is a decision support system consisting of three
integrated components: the ODES data base; ODES analytical, reporting, and graphical tools, and a
senes of user-fnendly menus, prompts, and help functions. ODES allows users to access many
'.fferent types of information, including biological, chemical, and physical variables. ODES also
provides support for modeling simulanons and the display of digitized "geographic data.
ODES is a system designed for direct use of marine and estuarine environmental information
by EPA technical staff, scientists, and managers in the Office of Manne and Estuanne Protection.
Office of Research and Development, and"the coastal EPA Regional Offices. State agencies.
municipalioes, permit holders, universities, and other federal agencies also use ODES to evaluate
environmental data.
ODES is designed to support the following types of analytical and decision-making
requirements associated with marine monitoring programs:
B Sue Management
E Monitoring Program Evaluation
B Multi-source and Multi-waste Management
E Assessment of Environmental Results, Both Locally and Nationwide
To assist in making decisions for the above requirements, ODES may be used in the
following ways:
Impact Analysis
Correlation of Biological Conditions with Environmental Impacts
Cause-Effect Relationships (e.g., Regression)
Permit Compliance Assessment
Statistical Analysis - Including Specialized Statistics (e.g.. Diversity, Richness,
Evenness) and a full range of other Parametric and Non-Parametnc S'tansocs
(e.g., ANOVA, Kendall Rank Correlation Coefficients)
Evaluation of Temporal and Spatial Trends
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E Broad-scale Geographic Comparisons
• Evaluation of Sampling Effectiveness
B Program Management.
ODES is designed 10 meet the following operating objectives:
• Ease of Use
E Full Accessibility to Renona] Offices as well as U.S. EPA Headquarters
and Office of Research and Development
E Highly Flexible Data Selection (e.g., by combining data for multiple sampling
sites, taxa, water quality parameters, and discharge parameters, for any time
penod)
E5 Straightforward and Quality-Controlled Data Entry Procedures
E A Wide Range of Tabular and Graphical Outputs
^e.g., scanerplots, temporal plots, digitized maps)
E! Compatibility With Other Systems and Coding Schemes
(e.g., National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) formats)
E Utilities to Enable Users to Transmit Portions of the Data Base 10
Microcomputers.
B. Quality Assurance for Data
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures are an integral par. of the ODES
system. The'conclusions and decisions dem ed from data analysis are only as good as the data and
analytical procedures used. A crucial element in ensuring that the results of ODES analyses are
vahd is the establishment and vigorous application of QA/QC procedures.
The quality assurance/quality control checks incorporated into the ODES data submission
process serve the following two goals:
• Ensuring that data are represented in ODES exactly as originally collected and
reported
B Providing ODES users wuh a technical evaluanon of each data set that allou s
comparable data to be selected for analyses.
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An essential feature of ODES is the on-line QA/QC comments immediately available when a
user is logged on to the system.
The ODES quality assurance and quality control process for data submissions is a muln-step
set of review and evaluation procedures designed to ensure that all data stored in ODES are of
known quality. Before any new data are added to ODES, they must pass several review and
evaluation steps. These steps include the following types of data quality checks:
• Computerized checking of all ODES data entry codes (e.g., Station IDs,
Species Codes, Chemical Codes)
• Computerized checking of numerical ranges to ensure that the values of
submitted data fall into reasonable bounds and that outliers are flagged
E Verification by the submitter
ffi Technical evaluations by the ODES Technical Staff, including
~ Description of data collection and sample analysis techniques and
procedures
-- Review of all available background documentanon for the data.
ODES users can access information with confidence, knowing that the data which they use have
been reviewed, checked, and evaluated.
Descriptions of each data set and any issues effecting data use and interpretation are provided
in the on-line Reference Comments section of Basic Option "C." The Reference Comments are an
important tool to evaluate data set compatibility and can be accessed by all ODES users. See
Chapter ID, Section B for instructions on use of this feature.
The ODES Data Submissions Manual contains a complete description of the quality
assurance procedures followed when data are added to ODES.
C. An Overview of the ODES Data Base
ODES is designed to maintain a comprehensive, quality-assured data base, updated on j
periodic basis, that is compatible with National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) formats. For .1
detailed description of the types of data ODES stores and for instructions on how to compile dau
sets for submission into ODES, please refer to the ODES Data Submissions Manual. Man>
different types of data can be stored in ODES including water quality data, benthic survey data, and
bioaccumulation data. Within each of these major groups of data many kinds of information jr-
recorded. Exhibit EI-C-1 provides a general schematic diagram for the integrated ODES Data BJ-C
This integrated data base enables easy retrieval and analysis of data where the user specific- .<.
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relevant range of values with one or more dimensions. Two examples of the types of data stored in
the ODES Data Base are water quality data and benthic survey data. The variables stored for these
types of data sets include:
• Water Quality Data. The ODES Data Base contains water quabty monitoring
results such as:
-- Station Location (e.g., latitude and longitude)
-- Survey Data (e.g., session date, sampling equipment used)
-- Concentrations by Sampling Depth (e g , DO at each sampling depth)
-- Other Parameters by Sampling Depth (e g.. sampling method, equipment
type, analysis techniques).
E Benthic Survey Data. The ODES Data Base also contains benthic survey data
such as the following elements:
-- Station Data fe g., station latitude and longitude, relation of station to the
Zone of Inmal Dilution (ZID1],
-- Survey Data (e.g., survey dates, equipment used),
-- Abundance Data, bv Replicate, for Benthos (including abundance of each
taxon and qualitative codes),
— Biomass Data (for major taxonomic groups).
The ODES Data Base is integrated, which means that an ODES user can easily retrieve and
analyze virtually any combination of data in the data base in a consistent manner. For example, an
integrated data'base enables a user to compare water quality monitoring data from a sampling
stanon in the Pacific Ocean with benthic survey monitoring data from the same stanon or a nearby
station.
D. An Overview of ODES Analytic Tools and Outputs
ODES provides users with a wide range of powerful and easy-to-use tools to retrieve
analyze data in the ODES Data Base. For example you can use ODES tools to:
• Identify temporal trends (e.g., trends for a pollutant discharge parameter and a
biological monitoring parameter)
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Hxhibit II-C-I
ODES DATA TYPES j
IVogram Dnta
ODES Integrated Data Base
For Example:
• Facilities Daia
-- Name
-- IxKation
-- Processes
-- Receiving Water Body
• Permit/Application Data
-- F'ermit Number
- Application Date
-- LPA Region
Monitoring Data
For Example:
• Influent/Effluent Data
• Water Quality Data
• Ben I hie Survey Data
• Fish Parjiology Data
• Bioaccumulation Data
• Trawl/Seine Sampling Data
• Sediment Pollutant Data
• Sediment Grain Size
Analysis Data
• fiionssny Data
• Baclerial/Viral Data
Historical Data
For Example:
• NODC Archive Data
• Ongoing Data
Collection Activities
• NPDES Permit Data
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E3 Analyze biological variables, grouped by their relationship to the ZLD. for all
stanons for a particular 301(h) monitoring program
Q Perform an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for a selected dependent variable
(e.g., species diversity) for two or more sampling stations associated with a
particular 301 (h) discharger
D Perform a Cluster Analysis for the benthic community for three or more
sampling stations in the same or different monuonng programs.
Many sophisticated statistical analyses and data retrievals may be performed u.uh the ODES
tools. All of these tools request some information from the user (e.g.. Station IDs. Ta\onorn;c
Codes: Chemical Codes). ODES has some very simple, easy-to-enter codes for each of these
items. This decreases the user's typing time and alleviates some of the chance for error ur.h
lengthy names. However, the user does not need to know all of these codes. Within a tool, the
user may quickly refer to one of ODES On-Line Dictionaries to look up available ODES codes.
Some of the tools allow the user further flexibility in choosing variable codes For example.
taxonorruc data can be specified by codes for an individual taxon or a major taxonorruc group. The
major taxonorruc group code encomcz-,ses all members of a particular phylum or class. This option
allou s the user to refine the data selei. :,on process for data retrieval.
At the end of each prompting sequence in a tool, ODES will list the options you have chosen,
and allow you to change any one or all of your selections before a job is submitted You v. ill not
have to repeat the ennre prompting sequence.
Complete descriptions of the ODES Tools and examples of their ourputs are provided in The
ODES Tool Description Manual. For a list of tools currently available within the ODES svstem see
Exhibit 1I-C-2.
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Exhibit II-C-2
ODES TOOLS
I INI VARI ATI- STATISTICS
4 llinvanaic Descriptive Statistics
10 I Test lor Replicated Data
11 Wikoxon/Mann Whitney U Test
for Replicated Data
12 One-Way ANOVA for Replicated Data
1.1 Knr.kal Wallis K-Sample IxKauon
Test for Replicated Data
14 Statistical Power Analysis
COMPLIANCE TOOLS
W 30I(h) Mass Loading
') I Near-Field Pollutant Concentration
92 Water Quality Standards
RETRIEVAL TOOLS
110 Bcnihic Source Data
1! I Bcnihic Sample Data
170 nioaccumulauon Source Data
121 nioaccumulauon Sample Data
130 Fish Pathology Source Data
MO Influent/Effluent Source Data
HI Innucni/I-niurni Sample Data
150 Receiving Water Quality
Siniric Data
I SI KCLCIVIMJI W.HCI Quality
GRAPHIC TOOLS
I Plot of One or Two Variables Over Time
2 Plot of Several Variables Over Time
3 Plot of Means Over Time
5 Bar Chan
6 Vertical Profile
(:ORKI-:LATION/KI-:GRI-:SSION
STATISTICS
20 X-Y Scaiicn>loi with
Correlation Statistics
21 Regression or a Variable
Over Time
OCEAN CURRENTS AND
IIYDRODYN AM1C TOOLS
MULTI VARI ATE STATISTICS
60 Plume Models
61 Simplified Deposition
Calculation (DECAL)
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
RETRIEVAL TOOI.S
CONTINUED
160 Sediment Gram Size Source Data
161 Sediment Grain Size Sample Data
170 Sediment Pollutant Source Data
171 Sediment Pollutant Sample Data
180 Trawl/Seine Source Diita
181 Trawl/Seme Sample D.iia
190 Bionwiy Source l);ila
|9| Hioassay Sample D.ila
275 Heiitliii Smvcy Indues I),n,i
e
52 Calculation of LC50 Values
Tor Rioassay Data
MAPPING TOOLS
72 Study Areas/Map Overlays
301 (h) PROGRAM TOOLS
300 ODI-.S Permit and Monitoring
Plan Description
301 ODI-S I-;* ilmcs Description
302 ^)l(li) liciitliiL Survey Data Summary
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III. How To Use ODES
This chapter gives a step-by-step description on how to use ODES. ODES communicates
with users in plain English, so first-time users should have no trouble using ODES successfully.
Once you log on to ODES, the system presents menus of options and understandable instructions
throughout your working sessions.
This "how to" chapter is divided into the following three sections:
Section A, Getting Started, includes how to log on to the computer and begin a
working session using ODES
Section B. Using ODES, includes how to use ODES capabilities and features to
meet your particular needs
Section C, Streamlining Your ODES Working Sessions, includes suggestions
of easy-to-use shortcuts to expedite your work.
NCC-IBM
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A. Getting Started
1. Requirements for Using ODES
Before you can use ODES, you need:
E a valid USER ID, password, and account for the EPA NCC-IBM mainframe
computer
B access to a local telephone number that can connect you to the mainframe or use of
a full-screen terminal with direct communication links to the mainframe
E a computer terminal with "dial-up" capabilities and a communications software
package (e g., CROSSTALK for regular applications or PCPLOT for the
additional capability of listing graphics) if a "full screen" terminal set-up is not
available.
Obtaining an ID is easy; simply contact the ODES Manager (see the Preface of this Guide for
address and telephone number). If you already have a valid USER ID for the EPA NCC-IBM
mainframe, call or write the ODES Manager and'tell us that you want to be an ODES user. We u ill
"instruct" the system so you can use ODES by giving your USER ID "privileges" to access ODES
This is a one-time procedure -- you need not then call the ODES Manager every time you
If you are logging on to ODES for the first time, you may need additional information on the
above requirements. If so, please refer to Appendix A, "ODES Quick Log On Reference." If you
have not logged on to ODES for a while and your password has expired, call NCC User Support at
(800) 334-2405 to have your password reinstated.
The following section describes how to log on to ODES in either the "dial-up" or "full-
screen" mode. It assumes that you have met the requirements listed above.
2. How to Log On to ODES
Once you find a personal computer with dial-up capabilities (or a full screen terminan and
learn to use it, you're ready to work on ODES. Logging on entails several short steps, each o:'
which involves answering a question asked by the computer. After you've gone through the ster<
a few nmes, the sequenceVilJ be easy to reme'mber and typically should not take longer than 20-30
seconds. There are two ways to access the EPA NCC-IBM: 1. through a telephone number o: 2
through a dedicated line, 'instructions for logging on to ODES using these access methods are
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Regional Office or Headquarters and you have a full-screen terminal with a direct communication
link to the EPA NCC-IBM, follow the Full-Screen Mode instructions for logging on to ODES (see
page DI-6). If you have to use a telephone and a modem to dial out to the EPA NCC-EBM. follou
the Dial-Up Mode instructions for logging on to ODES (see page IEI-2). If you are not sure which
method you should use to log on to the EPA NCC-EBM, contact ODES User Support (see Chapter
IV, Section A for available rimes and telephone numbers).
"Dial-Up" Mode
This section provides step-by-step instructions for logging on to ODES. These instructors
are based on a typical TYMNET iog on sequence. If you are not using a TYMNET number to
access the EPA NCC-IBM, skip over steps 1-3 and follow the instructions that are provided on
your screen until you get to step 4. Then follow the rest of the TYMNET log on sequence If >ou
have any quesnons about logging on to the EPA NCC-IBM, contact the technical support group at
your Regional Office or call ODES User Support. The TYMNET log on procedure is summarized
in Exhibit IH-A-1 on page in-4.
The first step logging on to ODES is to dial the EPA NCC-IBM mainframe computer, usir.g
one of the telephone numbers provided in Appendix A. If you dialed the EPA NCC-IBM using a
non-TYMNET number, follow your regional log on instructions until you see the prompt "enfer
TSO, OBS. Then follow steps 4-9. If you dialed the EPA NCC-IBM using a TYMNET number.
perform each of the following steps.
STEP1
After you are connected to the NCC-IBM and you press the RETURN key, the computer
should respond with a message: ONLINE, followed by a stnng of unintelligible characters. When
the message ends, enter the letter "A," but do not press the RETURN key. The computer should
respond: please log in.
STFP2
When the computer responds please log in, slowly, letter-by-letter, enter "EPAl" and then
press the RETURN key (if you are using a 2400 baud b'ne, enter "EPA2"). If the computer repeats
each letter you type, ignore it. This will not happen after Step 2. After you enter "EPAl" (or
"EPA2") and press the RETURN key, the computer should respond "EPA IS ONLINE" and
display the NCC welcome menu. If the computer responds with an error message, hang up and
redial. Otherwise, when the system prompts: Enter selection:, enter "IBM". The system should
then respond: Connected.
STEP 3
After the computer responds "Connected.", press RETURN twice.
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STEP 4
The computer will respond: enter TSO, OBS. In response, vou enter "TSO" and then press
the RETURN key.
STEPS
The computer will now ask you for your USER ID by pnnnng the message enter LOGON
In response, enter "LOGON" and your three-letter USER ID. Then press the RETURN key
STEP 6
After you enter your USER ID in Step 5, the computer will next ask you to type in your
PASSWORD by pnnong the following message:
ENTER CURRENT PASSWORD FOR USER ID:
At the colon, enter your user PASSWORD. If you get the message PASSWORD
EXPIRED, you must reset or change your PASSWORD. See Appendix A for instructions.
STEP?
After you successfullly enter your PASSWORD, if the computer asks for your ACCOUNT
NUMBER, enter "ODES" and press the RETURN key. Otherwise, go to step 8."
STEPS
The computer next asks you to enter a PROCEDURE name. Enter "AASTORET" and
press the RETURN key.
STEP 9
The computer will next print some broadcast messages of the day and then immediate!) ask
you to enter a FIMAS ED. Enter "ODESD" and press the RETURN key.
After you have entered your FIMAS ID, ODES will display the following messages:
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• TO USE THE OCEAN DATA EVALUATION SYSTEM,
TYPE "ODES" AT THE READY PROMPT
YOU ARE NOW IN THE STORET ENVIRONMENT
READY
To successfully reach ODES, you simply type in "ODES" after the "READY ' prompt and
begin your working session. ODES will then display a list of its BASIC OPTIONS
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Exhibit III-A-I
DIAL-UP LOG ON PROCEDURE
Stcp#
Computer Asks.
You Respond
Explanation
3
4
5
6
7
X
ONLINE
please log in:
NODE 03<»6 HOST 1150: EPA IS ON LINE
cnlerTSO.OBS
oiler LOGON
ENTER CURRENT PASSWORD FOR JAD
ENTER ACCOUNT NUMBER -
ENTER PROCEDURE NAME -
ENTER MM AS ID -
EPAI(orEPA2)
TSO
JAD
SECRET
ODES
AASTORET
ODESD
In sonic cases, instead of the
prompt, you will see a string
of X's or other characters. In
either case, enter "A" but do
not press RETURN.
Enter" EPA 1". If the letters
you type appear in duplicate,
don't worry.
Press RETURN twice.
Enter "TSO".
Enter your 3-Icttcr USER ID.
Type in your user PASSWORD
4-K characters) at the colon.
Enter your ACCOUNT number.
This will be "ODES11 for most users
Enter ihcPROCEDURE nnme. This
will be "AASTORET" for all users.
Enter your FIMAS ID. This will be
"ODESD11 for all users.
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"Full-Screen" Mode
This section provides step-by-step instructions for logging on to ODES in full-screen mode
These steps are summarized in Exhibit ni-A-2.
STEP1
After you turn on your full-screen terminal, the U.S. EPA Telecommunications Network
menu should appear on the terminal. At the prompt ENTER COMMAND OR M FOR MENU.
enter the lener "G" to select the N'CC-IBM TSO apphcaoon and then press ENTER or enter' M."
press ENTER, and follow the direcnons on the screen.
STEP 2
When the computer responds ENTER USERID -, enter your three-letter USER ED and press
ENTER.
STEP 3
After you enter your USER ID, a TSO LOGON SCREEN should appear. At the
PASS WORD===> line, type in your 4-8 lener PASSWORD. Information at the other prompts.
such as PROCEDURE, ACCT NMBR, and SIZE has already been set up for you.
STEP 4
The computer should then list system broadcast messages and prompt you for your FIMAS
ED. At the prompt ENTER FTMAS ED -, type in "ODESD" and then press ENTER.
After you have entered your FTMAS ED, ODES will display the following messages:
* TO USE THE OCEAN DATA EVALUATION SYSTEM,
TYPE "ODES" AT THE READY PROMPT
YOU ARE NOW EM THE STORET ENVIRONMENT
READY
To stan the ODES system, you simply type in "ODES" after the READY prompt ODES
will then dasplay the bst of its BASIC OPTIONS.
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Exhibit III-A-2
FULL-SCREEN LOG ON PROCEDURE
Slop//
Computer Asks,.«
Vou Respond
Explanation
2
3
ENTER COMMAND OR M FOR MENU
ENTER USERID-
PASSWORD===>
ENTER FIMAS ID-
fi(orM)
JAD
SECRET
ODESD
Ai ihc HPA Telecommunications
Network Menu:
type in "G" and press ENTER
IX
type in "M" , press ENTER and
follow the directions on the screen.
Type in your 3-lettcr USER ID
and press ENTER.
Type in your user PASSWORD
(4-8 characters) al the arrow and
press ENIER .
Hnter your FIMAS ID This will be
"ODESD" for all users.
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B. Using ODES Basic Options
ODES will first present you with a list of its Basic Options:
• 0013 •
MJIC OTTXCM
• T>» folio-Ing M3XC OPTIONS *r« •v*iltbl«:
Scan COHTEXrS of th« GOES Dtti
Ui« the On-lln* OICTIOKASIES
EXTT ODES
3he« Jo6 si^tva or FITCH
Lift th« ntMJ of TOOLS
M en-lina NCMS
U»* • TOOL
B-ittr tn action and DTMI RtTURN >
All of the work you do in ODES is initiated by choosing one of the Basic Options. The next
subsection of the Guide presents a descriptive overview of the Basic Options. The subsequent
subsections describe each opnon in more detail, and provide step-by-step instructions on hew. to
use them.
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1. Overview of ODES Basic Options
a W7i v Does ODES Have Basic Options?
The primary goal of any ODES user is to obtain and analyze data from the data
base. You can achieve this goal by using ODES Decision Support Tools. ODES
tools are easy to access and easy to use, in response to English prompting routines.
ODES Basic Options are designed to make it easy for you to idennf> and
select the tool(s) and support options that will meet your needs. The Basic dpnon
you use depends on which of the following you want to do:
E Return to BASIC OPTIONS (Basic Option B).
Whenever you see the prompt > Please enter an option or B
(Basic Options) >, you can enter "B" to return to the List of Basic Options
Scan CONTENTS of the ODES Data Base (Basic Option C).
Basic Option C allows you to scan a series of hierarchical tables that
provide information on the current contents of the ODES Data Base.
These tables provide summary information on available data at varying
levels of detail. The tables are organized according to the following
hierarchy: Geographic Regions, Sampling Programs, Sampling Stations.
Sampling Dates, and Reference Information for individual data sets. The
CONTENTS secnon allows you to identify the data you wish to use with
a particular tool, and to review the technical comments for that data set.
E Use the On-Line DICTIONARIES (Basic Option D).
Occasionally you may need to look up valid codes, for example, a
taxonomic code. Basic Option D allows you to refer to the ODES
On-Line Dictionary of Taxonomic Codes to look up the NODC 12-digit
code of interest. You can look up the appropriate code by searching the
dictionary for a pan or all of the taxon name.
In addition to Taxonomic Codes, ODES maintains On-Line
Dictionaries for
B Chemical Codes • Organ Codes
E Lesion/Etiology Codes B Tissue Material Codes
B Monitoring Program IDs • Diseases
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E U.S. States E Geographic Regions
E Facility/Plant IDs E Water Qualitj Variables (non-chemical i
E Sediment Grain Size Variables G Bioassay Variables (non-chemical)
E! Bioassay Methods (non-chemical) E NPDES Permit Numbers
E Reference Numbers H Influent/Effluent Pipes
E! Oceanic Currents Files E Data Qualifiers
B Sampling Station IDs.
As explained later in this chapter, the DICTIONARIES are easy to use
and they may even be accessed while you are using one of the ODES
tools. When you're done using them, ODES will automatically return
vou to wherever vou were before vou used them.
EXIT ODES (Basic Option E).
Whenever you see the following prompt > Please enter an option and
press RETURN > at the Basic Option menu, you can enter "E" to exit
ODES and log off the system.
E Display Job Status or FETCH a Job (Basic Option F).
After you are done using a particular tool (e.g., Tool #2) ODES will
respond with the message "Thank You" and will begin preparing your
report. ODES processes its jobs in the "background" (i e.,while the
computer is preparing your report, you can perform other tasks using
ODES such as browsing through the MENU again, or using another
tool).
If you want to check on the status of jobs you have submitted, use
Basic Opnon F. Under Basic Opoon F, ODES also will ask you how
you want to FETCH the output If the job produces graphical output, you
can "display" a graphic. Otherwise, ODES will give you the choice of
listing the output at your terminal or printing it out at a high-speed printer.
You will also be given the opportunity to "erase" the output or transmit
the data to a microcomputer.
Review the MENU of Tools (Basic Option M).
ODES makes a wide variety of tools available to you to meet your
particular needs. If you want'to browse through descriptions of the
available tools, you can consult ODES easy-to-use~MENU of Tools. The
MENU groups the tools into several categories. Within each category.
the MENU lists the name and number of each tool and provides a bnef
description of what types of descriptive or analytic reports the tool can
produce for you.
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E Review the ODES On-Line NEWS (Basic Option N).
Basic Option N allows you to browse the latest edition of the ODES
Bulletin, descriptions of new data sets and tools, and notes on any
changes to the system that may affect your ODES working session. A
menu is provided within Basic Option N, listing the various topics for
v, hich information is available.
E RETRIEVE ODES Data (Basic Option R).
Occasionally you may want to determine which variables are available
in an ODES data set, perform some exploratory1 data analysis on subsets
of ODES data, or analyze a subset of ODES data using a PC or mainframe
software package. Basic Opnon R gives you the flexibility to perform
these types of analyses. Under Basic Option R, you can view the
contents of an ODES' file type, perform frequency analyses for a selected
file type, and download or transfer data from the ODES Data Base to a
PC-file or temporary mainframe file.
E Use an ODES TOOL (Basic Option T).
Sometimes you will already know which ODES TOOL you want to
use without having to browse through the MENU. In these cases, select
Basic Option Tn, where n is the number of the tool you want to use.
ODES will then begin the English prompting routine for the tool you have
chosen. If you enter just T, ODES will prompt you for a tool number.
In summary, you can select a Basic Option any time ODES says to you "> Please enter an
option and press RETURN >". The Basic Option you choose depends on what you want to do-
B To scan the CONTENTS of the ODES Data Base enter "C"
E To use the On-Line DICTIONARIES enter "D"
E To EXIT ODES enter "E"
B To check on the status of a job you have
submitted, or to FETCH the output enter "F"
B To browse through the ODES MENU of available tools enter "M"
B To review the On-Line NEWS enter "N"
B To RETRIEVE ODES data enter "R"
B To use one of the ODES TOOLS enter "T"
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b. How Can You Select a Basic Option?
As shown above, each of ODES Basic Options has a one-letter code. All of
the work you do in ODES is imnated by choosing one of the Basic Options given by
its one-letter code. After you select one of these Basic Opnons, ODES will give you
subopnons and step-by-step instructions on what to do next. Each time you have
finished using Basic O*pnon T, you will be given the opportunity to go to the Fetch
Opnon Menu or to return to the Basic Opnons Menu. Each time you have finished
using any Basic Opnon other than T, you will be given the opportunity to either use
that opnon again or to return to the B'asic Opnons Menu. After you select a Basic
Opuon, ODES will guide you each step of the way.
The following subsections describe each of the Basic Options in detail v. hat
they do, and how you can use them.
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2. Basic Option C: Scanning the CONTENTS of the ODES Data Base
Basic Option C is a good starring point for your ODES working session. This opaon allow s
you to scan a hierarchy of tables that summarize the contents of the ODES Data Base by
Geographic Region, Sampling Program. Sampling Station, and Sample Date. There are also
Reference Information Tables that contain Technical Evaluation Comments and other reference
information about each data set submitted to the ODES system. Even if you know nothing abo-Ji
the data stored in ODES, you can use the Basic Option C to scan tables that summarize t're contents
of the ODES Data Base Using Basic Option C before you use the ODES tools will allow >ou to
quickly idenufy data of interest and obtain important background information
a How to Scan the C0AT£.NTS of the ODES Data Base
At the beginning of your working session, ODES will present you with a list of
Basic Options. As shown below, you can tell ODES that you want to scan the
CONTENTS of the ODES Data Base by selecting option "C":
• cots •
BASIC
Th« folio-ing BASIC OPTIONS «r« *v*iltbl«:
Sc.n CONTEXTS of th« ODES D»ti &•»•
Ui« th* On-lira DICTIONARIES
EXIT ODES
Shot job stitia or FETCH rvportj «nd griphic
LUt \b» IKMJ of TOOLS
R«»i«M on-lln* NEWS
Intirtctiv* d*U RETRIEVAL
U» • TOOL
> ?!•••• «nt«r *n option »nd pro> RETURN > C
Basic Opnon C contains a Main Menu and the following five levels of summary
tables: Geographic Regions, Sampling Programs, Sampling Stations, Sampling
Dates, and Reference Informanon Tables. The tables are organized "hierarchically"
and are "linked" to each other by simple codes that allow you to identify and select
the tables you wish to review.
The tables you want to review will depend upon your familiarity with the ODES
Data Base. For example, if you were using ODES" for the first time, you would
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probably want to begin your working session by determining the Geographic
Regions for which ODES stores data. You can do this by beginning v\ith the
highest level of the hierarchy within Basic Option C. Under Basic Option C, you
would select Suboption G, "Geographic Regions," to select the tables of interest.'
•« Sean CCKTEHT3 of tha OCES Dtti Baaa •*
• You can acan tha Content! of tha ODES Data Baaa by viaving
auBMry tabla* that provida ouick-aecaa* information about the
data typas> atapling station* or pfposi and data ator*d in tha
ay* tea. Tha categories balou ar» hierarchical and you can
• yita»atically scan th« information ctorad In tha data baaa by
vi an i no, aion.
6 ' GEOGRAPHIC Baoiena that Kara dati atorad in ODES.
P * Saapling PROGRAU HI thin a Gaag-iphic flagien.
S = Saapling STJLTIOMS or PIPES aiUun a Gaoorapnie
Ragion or for a Saaeling Prooraa.
R * RIFEBENCE Information and Quality Control IK1
ceaaanta for individual dataaata.
D - DATES for Wiicri data ara availabla at a particular
Saapling Station or Pipaj I Ineludas Rafar*nea 101.
• To aean tha eentonta of an abova cataoory, antar tha
corrvaponding lattar. or antar B to ratum to 6amie Option*.
> Plaaia antar
or B > C
ODES will then display the first summary table showing the informaaon you
requested. If there are additional tables, ODES will ask you to press "RETURN" to
continue viewing tables or "M" to return to the Contents Menu.
a Tha follomne Caoaraonic Raotona hava data itor«d In ODES:
MARINE DATA REGIONS:
03E REGION
SC > SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGNT (P1EXICAN BORDER TO FT. COCEPT10N)
*• NOTE: BEFORE USING DATA. REVIEW 4A/QC COmiNTS UCEV SUBOPTION R
*••••••••>••••-••»••••..._...._•....•......-..•...........».••.•. — •••••••••
> Prasa RETURN to continue or n for COKTENTS HINU > H
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As you work with the data in ODES, you may wish to return to the
CONTENTS secnon in order to review the Reference Information for a particular
data set. This secnon contains the technical evaluation comments which you may
wish to review as you select:
• The proper analytic technique (tool) for a given data set, or
• Appropriate data sets for the investigation of a particular question.
The Reference Information provides a capsule description of each data set.
including the quantity of data (i e., number of stanons and samples), the dates
samples were collected, the extent of replication, and the collection and analytical
techniques used. The technical evaluation comments on quality assurance can also
alert ODES users to issues affecting the use of a data set. In addition, the Reference
Information section contains the name of a person or organization (usually the data
submitter) who can be contacted for additional information regarding the data set.
Technical reports are available upon request from the U.S. EPA Regional ODES
Coordinator.
Appropriate and meaningful analysis of environmental data is based upon more
than just the values of particular variables. The Reference Information section
supports the proper design and interpretation of analyses, and each ODES user is
encouraged to make full use of it.
b. HTuzf to Do After You 've Finished Scanning a Table
When you have finished scanning a table, you can conduct another search at the
same level, or you can quit. If you decide to quit, you will be returned to the
Contents Main Menu. For example, if you had just finished scanning tables for
Sampling Programs (Subopnon P), you could return to the Contents Main Menu and
select Suboption S, "Sampling Stanons," to locate more detailed informanon about
the individual sampling stanons within a particular sampling program. When you
are finished scanning the Contents of the Data Base, you can return to the Basic
Options from the Contents Main Menu.
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3. Basic Option D: Using the On-Line DICTIONARIES
Many of ODES Tools require you to respond to prompts by entering codes or ID's for
different types of data. The purpose of the On-Line DICTIONARIES is to give you a hand\ uay
to look up these codes. For example, if you request an analysis for one or more'taxa. ODES vuil
prompt you to specify each taxon of interest, using its 12-djgit NODC Taxonomic Code. You may
already have a list of these codes, but if these lists are not handy, you can use Basic Option D
quickly and easily to find the proper NODC code, even if you don't know the full name for the
taxon. You can search for the taxon of interest by entering all or any pan of the taxon name.
Please note that for any tool that asks you for an NODC taxonomic code you may enter any
of the following major taxonomic names: Polychaetes, Molluscs, Crustaceans, Echinoderms!
Bivalves, Gamma rid Amphipods, Gastropods, Ophiuroids, or Miscellaneous taxa. This allou s
you to combine benthic data within a major taxonomic group and use this variable in any of the
statistical tools appropriate for the benthic data.
a How to Use the On-Line DICTIONARIES
At the beginning of your working session, ODES will present you with a list of
Basic Options. As shown below, you can tell ODES that you want to use the
On-Line DICTIONARIES by selecting Basic Option "D":
• ODES •
BASIC OPTIONS
Tha felloMing BASIC OPTIONS «r«
C Sein CONTENTS ef «ha ODES D*t*
0 Umi tha On-lina DICTIONABIES
C EXIT ODES
F Shan job ctati* or FETCH reports and grtphic*
H Litt tha MENU of TOOLS
N RaviaH on-lina NEUS
R InUr.ctiva d«t« RETRIEVAL
T U*a • TOOL
•ntar in option »nd pr«M RETURN > 0
In response to your selection of "D," ODES will make its On-Line
DICTIONARIES available for you to search. ODES currently maintains 20 On-Line
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DICTIONARIES. You will be asked to enter the one-character code for the
DICTIONARY you wish to search.
*• DOES On-Lin* Dictionary •*
• Th» ODES On-lin« Dictionary pr-OTridax oonwiiant listing* of ODES
coda*. Th«»a ecdai ar« ia*d to •pocify th« o*tl 4or r«tri«v»l»
• nd cnalytB* parforvod by th> ODES tools. Tha Dictionary store
tna naaa* and aasociatod cnrta* for tna folloHing:
U.S Stcta
in/Plant*
6r«in St
*ctt
L«s i ons/E 1 1 ology
nonitoring
NPCES P«r«i t
P • Xnfluant/lffluant Pip«
f • Currents rilaa
3 * Saaoling Station*
T ' Taioray
Varm U • Bio«ss*y Hatnada
V « Bioatsay Viriablas
H • Itotcr Oculity V«riibl«
(Non-Ova i til)
X = D*t* Oualltia"*
T < Ti»u> rui»n»l
> Pl««§« •ntcr «n option or 6 IB«itc Ootlona) > T
In the example above, the dictionary of Taxonomic Codes was selected. You
could then search for all or pan of the taxonomic name of interest. For example, if
you want to look up the code for Capitella capitaia, you could enter Capiteila capnata
as shown below:
• Th« On-lir» Dictionary (torn the n»mua »nd •iiociit«d NOOC
Taionooic Cod** for ttxonovic a»\» (• g. t B«nthic Survay Dltll
Bio*ccxoul«t!on 0«t«) ctorvd in tr» OOCS D*t* B*»«. You c»n
t«»rch for tin* by «nt«ring thMir na«« or NOOC Cod«i (or «ny
pert! »N«r»o<).
> Enter f»«rcri itring > C«pit«ll*
ODES will then scan its DICTIONARY and list out the NODC Code for this
taxon, as shown on the next page:
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• Ttwr« •!-• 1 oecurr«ne«lt) of CAPXTILU CAPITATA in th« dictionary
NOOC CODE SPECIES NA«
I
500160010100 = CAPITELLA CAPITATA
> S«*reh for another TAXON? IT/N) > N
The DICTIONARY will also help you identify codes for a taxon even when you
can remember only a portion of its name. For example, you wanted to use ODES to
study Capitella capitata but you only remember Capnella. Before you can use
ODES Tools to study this taxon, you will have to find its name and its NODC Code.
Simply enter what you remember (in this case, Capitella), and ODES will tell you
what entries in the DICTIONARY have Capitella as pan of their names:
• TW« »r» S occurrcrat• I of CArTmU In th« dictloniry.
NOOC COOE SPICICS NAflC
•I-
500160010100 a UFXTtLLA CAPITATA
500160019997 • CAPITELLA Sf> C
500160019999 • CAPITELLA V A
> S««rch for another TAXON? (T/H) > N
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As shown above, ODES finds each laxon in its data base with Capnella in its
name and reports the names of these taxa, along with their NODC Code.
b. Other Ways to Access the On-line DICTIONARY
Although selecting Basic Option D is a convenient way to use the On-Line
DICTIONARIES, you might find that it is easier to use the On-Line DICTIONARIES
through the tools. One of the key features of ODES is that every rime you use an
ODES Tool, ODES will give you the opportunity to use an appropriate dic'nonary, as
necessary. In some tool prompting sequences, you can refer to the dictionary of
Taxonomic Codes or to the dictionary' of Sampling Station IDs or even to different
dicoonanes at several different times. After you tell ODES that you want to use a
particular dictionary' by entering "H" (HELP) at the appropriate prompt, ODES will
make that dictionary available to you. After each search of the On-Lme
DICTIONARIES, ODES asks you if you want to conduct another search. If you
answer "Y" (yes), you can then initiate a new search. If you answer "N" (no), ODES
will automaocally return you to where you were in the tool before you used the
DICTIONARY.
E If you had switched to the DICTIONARY using Basic Option D, ODES will
ask you if you wish to search for another string. If you wish to leave the
DICTIONARIES altogether answer "N" (no), and ODES will return you
back to the DICTIONARY menu. Enter "B" at the prompt to return to Basic
Options.
E If you had switched to the DICTIONARY in the middle of a Tool prompting
sequence through the use of the "Help Option," ODES will return you to the
prompting sequence at the precise spot from where you switched to the
DICTIONARY.
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4. Basic Option E: Using the EXIT Option
a Purpose of Basic Option E
The Basic Option E allows you to end your working session and log off the EPA
computer.
b. How to Use Basic Option E to EXIT Your Working Session
When you want to end a session on ODES, you can easily leave the system by
entering the Basic Option E at the Basic Options menu:
Whenever ODES Savs You Can Log Off Bv Entering "P.":
> Please enter an option and press RETURN > E
ODES will then present the following question, asking you to verify that you want to log off
Are you sure you want to be logged off? (Y/N) >
If you answer "Y" (yes), you will be logged off the EPA NCC-IBM.
If you have accidentally entered the Basic Option E, you have a chance to
recover by answering "N" (no) to the question, "Are you sure you want to be loceed
off? (Y/N) >." ""
If you answer "NT" (no) to the verify the question, ODES will return you to the
list of Basic Options.
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5. Basic Option F: FETCHING an ODES Job
Using one of the ODES tools, you tell ODES which data you want to retrieve or analyze by
responding to a series of prompts. After you have answered the necessary prompts. ODES will
produce your report. Meanwhile, you can continue your session, do other work, or log off and
return to ODES at a later time. As an ODES user, you naturally want to keep track of the status of
each of your jobs; which reports are soil being prepared and which are finished. If a job is
finished, you will want to work with the output.
In summary, Basic Option F provides you with the following capabilities for monitoring and
working with your ODES jobs:
B It allows you to retrieve and display graphics generated by ODES tools if you have
the appropriate graphics terminal or plotter for displaying the graphic
E It allows you to erase a job that you no longer want to keep in your job queue
E It allows you to list pan or all of your job on a terminal
D It allows you to print your job on a high-speed printer
E It allows you to determine the status of your jobs; which jobs are still being
processed by the EPA NCC-IBM, and which are finished and ready to be
reviewed
E It allows you to transfer all or pan of a job to your microcomputer.
You can use any of these capabilities individually or in combination to effectively manage
your ODES jobs. For example, you may want to use one of the Fetch subopnons to scan an output
on your terminal, and then use another subopnon to send that job to a remote high-speed printer.
The following subsections describe the details of how to use Basic Option F:
a How To Use Basic Option F to FETCH Your Reports
Basic Option F offers several alternatives for fetching and displaying ODES
jobs. You can select from the following suboptions:
E Using Subopnon D, you can retrieve and DISPLAY a graphic. If you have
used a tool that produces high-quality graphics, you can retrieve and display
that graphic using a variety of graphics terminals (e.g., TEKTRONIX.
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CALCOMP, HP) 21 personal computers with graphics display capabilities
(e.g. a PC with a graphics board and PCPLOT). You can scan all graphics
ready for display, choose a graphic to be displayed, or return to Basic
Options.
E Using Suboption E, you can ERASE a job from your job queue. If you are
using many tools, the ability to delete unwanted jobs from your job queue
enables you to keep the number of jobs in your status listing to a minimum.
If you are certain that you have no interest in keeping the output from a job,
you can permanently erase it from the computer.
E Using Suboprion L, you can LIST your report on your terminal. You can
LIST pan or all of your reports, and you can LIST your report as many
times as you want.
E! Using Suboption P, you can PRINT your report on a high-speed printer.
The capability to PRINT your report on a high-speed printer is offered as a
convenience; it can save you time, especially when your report is lengthy.
If you have access to a high-speed pnnter, the ODES System Operator can
instruct ODES to automatically direct all of your reports to a remote
high-speed printer in your area.
SI Using Suboprion S, you can check on the STATUS of your jobs.
B Using Suboprion T, you can TRANSFER output to your microcomputer.
If you are logged on to ODES using a communications package and a
microcomputer you can transmit all or pan of a job to your micro. This
enables you to transfer ODES reports from the mainframe to your micro.
As shown above, the FETCH Suboptions are lettered. To use one of the
FETCH Suboptions you simply enter D, E, L, P, S, or T. ODES will then provide
further instructions for each suboprion and ask you to specify such items as job
numbers and line ranges of the data you wish to select from the job.
A separate, detailed explanation of each of these suboprions is provided below:
Subnotion D
If you have used a tool that produces high-quality graphics or you wish to
produce an ODES graphic and you are using either a graphics terminal (e.g ,
TEKTRONIX) or a personal computer with graphics capabilities (e.g., IBM PC
with PCPLOT), then you can retneve and DISPLAY graphics using Subopnon D.
To retrieve and display a GRAPHIC, enter "D" after you are presented with a
list of the FETCH subopnons.
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ODES graphics are divided into two groups: graphics you have created with
ODES tools and standard ODES graphics that are stored'online (e.g., national
maps). After you enter "D", ODES will ask you if you want to delete a graphic from
your directory, exit the graphics facility, scan your directory of available graphics,
scan the ODES graphics directory, or choose a graphic to be displayed.
When you are ready to retrieve and display a graphic, ODES will ask you to
either enter the name you assigned to the graphic while in a tool or the number that
ODES assigned to the graphic:
> Please enter the name or number of your graphic >
ODES will prepare to display the graphic you have chosen. When the graphic is
complete, press RETURN and you will be returned to the list of FETCH
subopnons.
Suboption E
You can use the ERASE option to erase the job. It is important to realize that
when a job is ERASED, the output will be permanently deleted from the computer.
You should be certain that you have no interest in the job's output before you decide
to ERASE it.
If you decide to ERASE a report, enter "E" when you are presented with a list of
the FETCH Suboption. ODES will then ask you to specify the number of the job
that has produced the report you want to ERASE. 'Once you enter the job number,
ODES will ask you if you are sure this is the job you wish to delete.
Suboption L
LIST means that you can view a job output at your terminal. Under the LIST
option, ODES allows you to display all or pan of the report. Displaying just pan of
an output is helpful when your report is very long or when you know enough about
the format of the report to know which pans of it are of primary interest to you.
To LIST a report at your terminal, enter "L" after you are presented with a list of
the FETCH Subopnons; then specify the number ODES has assigned to your job.
After you tell ODES which output you want to LIST, ODES will tell you the
length of your report, for example:
•This job is 200 lines long.
ODES will then ask you to select the lines you want to review. You can choose
which pan of the report to list by selecting lines or ranges of lines. You will see the
prompt:
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> Please enter a range or press RETURN >
ODES will also ask you if you would like line numbers listed on your output
You will see the prompt:
> Would you like line numbers listed (Y/N) ? >
ODES will then list the your output one screen at a rime. After each screen, you
will see the prompt:
> Please press RETURN to continue or M for FETCH menu >
After you have used LIST, ODES will ask if you want to work more with the
same report. You will see the prompt:
> Do you want to work more with the same job? (Y/N) >
If you answer "Y," you can LIST all or any pan of the report aeain. Even if you
answer "N," your reports will be retained for as many as three business days after
the day on which they were submitted. Thereafter, they will be automancallv' erased
by the computer.
Subopfion P
PREST means that your report will be printed on a high-speed remote printer. If
you will be using this option frequently, you can tell the ODES Systems Operator
the remote location most convenient for you. Arrangements can be made to have
printed reports mailed or delivered to you from these locations.
After you choose to PRINT your report on a high-speed printer, enter "P" after
you are presented with a list of the FETCH Subopnons. ODES will then ask you to
specify the number ODES has assigned to the job that has produced the output vou
want to PRINT.
Suboption S
You can use the STATUS option to check on the status of each of your jobs.
After you enter "S," ODES lists the job number and status of each of your jobs that
has been submitted to the EPA computer for processing. When a job is still
"executing" or "awaiting execution," that is, being processed by the computer, its
status is "EXEC" or "WAITING FOR EXEC." For example, if the EPA computer
is still processing one of your jobs (i.e. Job #8475), ODES would tell you that the
status of Job #8475 is "WAITING FOR EXEC."
While the EPA computer is processing a job (i.e., the status of the job is
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"EXEC" or "WAITING FOR EXEC"), you are free to do other work with ODES.
You can even end your working session, using Basic Option E. and come back later
to check on the status of your job. Processing will continue while you are away.
You can use Basic Option F to check on your jobs at any nme. Job outputs stay in
queue for three days before they are erased from the system
If the computer has finished a job, ODES will tell you that the job is finished
and the report created by the computer is ready to be retrieved. You will know that
your job is ready to be retrieved if its status is "ON OUTPUT QUEUE." Although
ODES will list the status of all your jobs, you mav onlv select and view jobs w ith a
status of "ON OUTPUT QUEUE."
Suboption T
To TRANSFER a report to your microcomputer, enter "T" after you are
presented with a bst of the FETCH suboptions.
ODES will first ask you to verify that you are logged on using a
communications package. You will see the prompt:
> Are \ou logged on using a communications package? >
If you answer "N," you will be returned to the Fetch Main Menu If you
answer "Y," then ODES will ask you to specify a job. You can select all of the job
or any pan of it for transmitting and ODES will transmit the lines you have chosen.
ODES will then ask you if you want to review detailed instructions for
transmitting. You will see:
> Do you want detailed instructions? (Y/N) >
If you answer "Y," ODES will ask you to select the SMARTCOM,
CROSSTALK, or general set of instructions, and will give you step-by-step
instructions to prepare your terminal to receive your download file. If you answer
"N," ODES will pause while you set your terminal to receive the data file from
ODES.
As the data file is transmitted, it will be listed on your screen. When the
transmission is complete, you will see the the message:
**END OF FILE**
ODES will pause again and give you time to save the data on your
microcomputer. It will wait for your response before continuing with the ODES
session.
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b. What to Do After Using the Basic Option F
After using one of the FETCH Subopuons, you may do any of the following:
Choose the Same Fetch Suboption Again
For example, you would enter "L" if you have a job whose status is still "EXEC," and you
want to see whether it is ready to be retrieved (i.e., whether its status has chanced to "ON
OUTPUT QUEUE").
Choose .Another FETCH Suboption
You can retrieve outputs produced by any job whose status is "ON OUTPUT QUEUE "
Return to Basic Options
Enter "B" to return to the list of Basic Options.
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6. Basic Option M: Using the MENU of Tools
a Purpose of Basic Option M
ODES provides users with a variety of analytical tools to retrieve data (e.g.,
effluent data^ water quality data, benthic survey data), perform a range of analyses
(e.g., statistical analyses), and produce reports in a variery of formats (e g., bar
charts, scatterplots, tables). Each ODES Tool is designed to meet a particular need.
For example, some ODES Tools are designed to help scientists, researchers, and
analysts perform technical analyses; other ODES Tools are designed to help
managers develop overall perspectives on their program.
ODES MENU of Tools is designed to assist you in deciding which of ODES
Tools meets your particular needs. The MENU first presents you with a list of tool
categories. You then select a category of interest, such as Univariate Descriptive
Statistics. You are then presented with a summary of the tools in that category. The
summary contains a bnef description of each tool and lists its tool number. You can
browse through the descriptions to identify the Tools that will be of help to you. In
essence, the MENU is an easy-to-use index of ODES capabilities and features.
b. How to Use Basic Option M
To use the MENU of Tools, enter "M" when you are presented with ODES list
of Basic Options.
• ODES •
BASIC OPTIONS
• TV* following 6XSIC OPTIONS tr«
COKTeKTi of *w OOIS 0«<«
U*< ttv fri-lirw DICTIONARIES
EXIT DDES
3hM jefe stitu* or PITD4 nporl*
Ll«t the HEMJ af TOOLS
(•VIM «n-lin« HEHS
Int«'.eti»« d*tt IETVXIVAL
UM • TOOL
> »!»•«• «ntw «n action »nd pr«M IE TUTU > H
After you enter "M" and press the RETURN key, ODES lists the "Main MENU
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of Tool Categories." which shows the topical categories that may be of special
interest to certain users. Tnis Main MENU is shown below:
•• lilt the MENU of TOOLS ••
Ttw following OCtS Tool Categories are available:
of *11 currently available toelm
OViivinate Descriptive Statistics
Differences Aaong Roans (ANOVA Routines)
Cerrelation/Vagresaion Statistics
Multitariato Slatiatics
Soociil Applications Tool*
Oc«an Current! and Mydrodynaeic Tool*
nacoing *nd Craehics Tool*
Coeeliance Tooli
Data Retrieval Tool*
101th) Reports and SOl(h) Prog-ae-Specific Tools
To review • category of tool*, enter the corn
nuasMr. To return to BASIC OPTIONSi ontor 6.
•ponding category
> ?!•••• Entar C«t»gory
10-101 or • > 1
After you review the list of tool categories, you will probably want to browse
through brief descriptions of individual ODES Tools in a particular category. Select
the category of tools most consistent with your objective. For example, if you are
interested in "Univariate Descriptive Statistics," en:er the number for that categor> 1
as shown on the "Main MENU of Tool Categories."
After you select "1," ODES displays a submenu of all tools in the 1 category, as
shown below:
Univantto D«»cHptlv» StitUtiem
Tool Tool
Nuaocr Description
1 : PLOT CF ONE CT TUG VAPIABLES OVEB Tint
Thi* tool produces • teoporil plot of either one or tvo vtriiblei.
The plot of tM viriables i* only ivulible •• • higr-«w« 11ty plot.
A txcX-MP ttble thxt lists the source d*t« eceooenies thM plot.
t < PLOT OF SEVERAL VARIABLES OVER TIM I OVERLAY)
Thii tool produces teaporil plots for •• eeny u four selected
viriibles tnd overliy* tSe* on one grtph. A back-up tsble thet
luti the source d»t§ eecceoenies tne plot.
3 = PLOT OF MEANS OVER TIME (UITH STArCAJtD ERROR BARS)
Thi« tool produces » teoooril plot of M«n vslues with stsnderd
error bers for d*t* types that include replieete tteples le g .
Benthic S«ecl« Survey). Data are ave.-ageo across reelieetes.
A tMck-up t4bia th*t lists trie source data accoepantes the plot.
> Prcit RETURN to continue or H for TOOL MEMJ >
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For each tool in the Univanate Descriptive Statistics (1) category, this submenu
lists the tool number and contains a brief description of the tool. Ta"ke your time in
reading the summaries. Since there are many tools in the Univariate Descnpnve
Statistics category, the 1 submenu has three pa'ges. You can flip to the next page by
pressing RETUHLN to continue.
After reading the descriptions of the tools in the category you have chosen, you
may want to see another category of tools. If you want ODES to re-display the Main
MENU of Tool Categories and their numeric codes, enter "M":
LNIVMIATE GISCSIFTIVE STATISTICS TOOL
This tool tuDpli** d*»criptiv« ftttiltic* for on* or ver* u»«r
»D«ci1i»d v»n«bl«s. It produea* • table of 8«»crip1iv« »tit<»tie»
including •»•». Mdi*n, mod*, it*nd«rd d*vi»tien. »t*nd*rd «rrer of
th« M«n, tkcaroi. *urtMH. ind 0v*r«ll ringa. An i«»rt»nt ia«
of ISn tool i« to atabliih W-*th«r th« dalt ir« nerMlly
or not. Apprepricl* b»e*-i*> tcbln •eoaaocny thw
S « BM OfUT TOOL
Thit tool eroducv* • bor eh*r1. C*cfc b«r rvmonti th« M«n of
• u»«' tpvc^'MJ »»ri«ol« tt • loottion. i«v«ril location* My ba
e-t«-*d A b«cX-kC 1*Dl* th4t luti ••eh location •••n •ccoapcniu
th* ch«rt
6 = VERTICAL mOPILt TOOL
Thu tool er**t«> • griphie viM of M«*r eeluvi d«t» in •
eonvvitiorwli oc*«iogr*pnic profili feract. Tto ui«r My
tpMify on* virnbl* it ana or aor* ttitiom or tae «*ri*bl«
RETLRH to oontinu* or R for TOOL RENU > n
In response, ODES will again present you with the Main MENU of Tool Categories.
You can then select the next category of tools in which you are interested.
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7. Basic Option N: Review the On-Line News
Basic Option N, "Review the ODES On-Line News," provides up-to-date information about
new features and enhancements, the addition of new datasets to the ODES system, and brief
descriptions of new tools that have recently been added. You might want to browse through these
flies periodically to remain appnsed of new developments that could enhance your use of the ODES
sstem.
a Ho v to Use the On -Line KEWS
At the beginning of your working session. ODES will present you with a list of
Basic Options. As" shown below, you can tell ODES that you want to use the
On-Line NEWS by selecting Basic Option "N":
• ODES •
BASIC OPTIONS
Th« following BASIC OPTIONS ara •viiltbl*:
C Sein CONTENTS ef tS« ODES D«tt B*i«
D U*« the On-lirw DICTIONARIES
E EXIT CCES
F Show job ititia or FETCH r»oort» and griphin
M Lift th« HE^J of TOOLS
N RtvitM en-lin* NEWS
R Int«r»ctw« d«tt RETRIEVAL
T Ut« • TOOL
•ntir «n ootion and DT«*I RETVCN > N
ODES will then make its On-Line NEWS available for your review. Articles in
the On-Line NEWS may cover many types of information, such as:
B New Data: ODES provides brief descriptions of the types and sources of
data recently added to the ODES Data Base
• New Features: ODES provides descriptions of changes or enhancements to
the ODES Basic Options
E New Tools: ODES provides descriptions of new tools that have been added
111-30
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to ODES, and changes or enhancements to existing tools
E Comments and Questions: ODES lists recent user inquiries or suggestions,
accompanied by the ODES User Support telephone numbers.
After you have selected Basic Option N, ODES lists the titles of the news
articles currently available and asks you to select a particular article to read. You can
specify a single article by its number, or enter "L" to Stan with the "Introduction"
and page through all articles:
•• Review on-line NEWS ••
The on-line NEWS stor«s the eoet reeent ODES Bulletin. The
current OCES NEWS contains information fro* the ODES Bulletin
dated October 1, 1967. The following ertiele* appear in this
issue:
1. New PluM Model On-line
2. Other Nw Tools
3. Raviied Tool•
4. OCES Data Sv^vitnon
t OOCS Sy«t« Conv*-non
6. Tixoneale Dictionary
7. Aeeeee to ODES
6. Access to TSO for 5270 Uaer
«. DoMUoeding of Data Tables
10. Eioired PaaSMi-ds
11. Terse nooa
es It. GOES User Support
• You Mill now b« *ik*d to *i
r«*d by •ntarlng Iti nunbw
ODES Bulletin by entering '
by entering "B".
> Enter en ertiele tuter. L or B (Bwio Option*) > B
•eify the ertiele you Muld lUe to
belo«. You e«n Hit the entire
1" or you oen return to Belie Option*
After reading the news article you have chosen, you may want to read another
article or return to the Basic Options. If you want ODES to return to the Basic
Options, enter "B" when prompted to select another article, as shown above.
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8. Basic Option R: RETRIEVING ODES Data
ODES Basic Option R permits you to view the contents (i.e., variable names and associated
lengths) of an ODES file type, perform frequency analyses of selected station-date combinations for
a specific file type, and download or transfer data from the ODES Data Base to a PC-file or a
temporary mainframe file. Using Basic Option R. you can manipulate subsets of ODES data using
software and analytical packages not available in ODES.
In summary, Basic Option R provides you with many capabilities for reviewing, analyzing.
and downloading ODES data:
• It allows you to print a contents report which lists the variables in a specified file
type
R It allows you to print frequency reports for specified file type and station/date
combinations
B It allows you to transfer data to a PC-file or direct data to a temporary file on the
NCC-EBM mainframe.
The following subsections describe the details of how to use Basic Option R.
a How To Usf Basic Option R to RETRIEVE ODES Data
Basic Option R offers several alternatives for manipulating and downloading
ODES data. You can select from the following subopnons:
B3 Using Suboption C, you can produce a CONTENTS report for a specified
file type, which can include either station, source, sample or all variables.
You can print the report offline, view it on a terminal, or both.
• Using Suboption F, you can produce a Locarional or Detailed
FREQUENCY Report for a specified file type and station-date combinanon.
The Locarional Frequency Report will produce, for each station-date
combination selected, the number of occcurrences at either the station,
sample, or source level within a specified file type. The Detailed Frequency
Report will produce a frequency table for up to five variables
cross-tabulated among themselves. You have the option of printing the
output file offline, viewing it on the terminal screen, or both.
• Using Suboption T, you can select station-date combinations and any of the
file type variables available to create a file which you may TRANSFER to a
PC-file or direct to a temporary file on the NCC-EBM mainframe.
in-32
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As shown above, the RETRIEVE Subopdons are lettered. To use a Subopaons
you simply enter "C," "F," or "T." ODES will then provide further instructions foi
each subopnon and ask you to specify such items as the station, date and file type
you wish to select for the job.
A separate, detailed explanation of each of these suboptions is provided below:
Suhonrinn C
To produce a CONTENTS Report, enter "R" at the Basic Options prompt and
then enter "C" at the Opaon R prompt. Next you will be asked to select a file rype
for your report:
> Please enter the file type of interest >
ODES will then prompt you for the level of data you want to include in your
report (if you would like to view a help screen describing the relationship between
the different levels of data, enter "H"):
> Please enter choice for level of data or H >
ODES will then prepare a CONTENTS report for the file type you have
selected. You can choose to list the report at your terminal, print the report at a
high-speed printer, or both. If you choose to print your report, ODES will nonfv
you after the report has been printed.
Subontinn F
To produce a FREQUENCY Report, enter "R" at the Basic Options prompt and
then enter "F" at the Option R prompt You may then choose to create either a
LOCATIONAL Frequency Report or a DETAILED Frequency Report.
LOT ATTDNAT. fretpiaicv Report
At the Option R prompt, ODES will ask you to choose the type of frequency
report that you want to produce:
> Please enter L, D or Q to Quit >
Enter "L" to select the LOCATIONAL Frequency Report. ODES will then
prompt you for the file rype you want to use:
> Please enter the fik type of interest >
ODES will also prompt you for the level of data you want to use (i.e.,
STATION, SAMPLE. SOURCE):
111-33
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> Please enter a choice for level of data or H >
Then ODES will prompt you to select a subset of the data by station and date if
you wish:
> Would you like to subset the data (Y/N)? >
If you choose to subset the data, ODES will prompt you for a station-date
selection (e.g., all Orange County stations for 1986). If you do not choose to subset
the data, ODES will then prepare the report across all stanon-date combinations and
ask you how you want to view it. You can choose to list the report at your terminal.
pnnt the repo'n at a high-speed printer, or both. If you choose to print the report.
ODES will notify you after the report has been printed.
DFT AH ,FD Frequency Report
At the Option R prompt, ODES will ask you to choose the type of frequency
report that you want to produce:
> Please enter L, D or Q to Quit >
Enter "D" to select the DETAILED Frequency Report. ODES will then prompt
you for the file type you want to use:
> Please enter the file type of interest >
ODES will also prompt you for the level of data you want to use:
> Please enter a choice for level of data or H >
Then ODES will ask you to select variables for your report (if you would like to
view a help screen listing variable names, field lengths, and variable descriptions,
enter "H"):
> On the next line, enter up to 5 variables, Q to QUIT or H >
After you have finished selecting variables, ODES will prompt you to select a
subset of the data by station and date if you wish:
> Would you like to subset the data (Y/N)? >
If you choose to subset the data, ODES will prompt you for a station-date
selection. If you do not choose to subset the data, ODES will ask you to choose the
format of your report:
> Do you want a DETAILED FREQUENCY by individual station-date (Y/N)? >
ODES will then prepare the report and ask you how you want to view it. You
can choose to list the report at your terminal, pnnt the report at a high-speed printer.
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or both. If you choose to print the report, ODES will notify you after the report has
been printed.
Suboption T
To TRANSFER data, enter "R" at the Basic Options prompt and then enter "T"
at the Option R prompt. You will then be prompted to select a file type:
> Please enter the file t> pe of interest >
and a data level type:
> Please enter choice for le\el of data or H >
Once you have selected a file type and data level, you may select up to 20
variables (to be entered five at a time) to include in your transfer file:
> Please enter variables (1-5) below or H for HELP >
After you have finished selecting variables. ODES will ask you if you want to
subset the data by station-date. If you choose to subset the data, you will be
prompted for station and location selections Finally, ODES will ask you v,he:her
you want to transfer your file to a personal computer or to a temporary file on the
mainframe. ODES will then give you the instructions that you need to perform the
transfer. Detailed downloading instructions are available if you need them.
When your file transfer is complete, ODES will print a message and a table
listing the names, starting positions, and field lengths of the variables in your file
b. What to Do After Using the Basic Option R
After using one of the RETRIEVAL Suboptions. you will be returned to the
Basic Option R prompt where you may select another subopnon or return to the
Basic Options Menu.
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9. Basic Option T: USING an ODES Tool
a Purpose of the Basic Option T
ODES has a wide variety of tools to enable you to analyze data in the ODES
Data Base (e.g., to perform an ANOVA) and have the results reported in convenient
formats. Each tool is designed to meet a particular type of information need or
analytic objective. If you don't know which tool you want to use, you can use the
ODES MENU (Basic'Option M) for help in identifying tools that vull meet >our
needs. A complete list of tools and tool descriptions is available in the ODES Tool
Descnpnon Manual.
However, if you already know which tool you want to use. you do not have to
use the MENU. Instead, you can select Basic Option T. Basic Opnon T enables
you to select and use an ODES Tool simply by specifying its number.
b. How to Use Basic Option T
Basic Opoon T enables you to tell ODES that you want to use a particular ODES
Tool. You may want to use several different ODES Tools during a session
• ODES •
BASIC OPTIONS
• Th« following BASIC OPTIONS »r» »viil»bl«:
Sean CCHTENTS of th« DOCS 0«t» &*»•
Ut* the Orv-ltno DICTIONARIES
EXIT 03ES
SKe« job itctiB or FETCH roportl *nd griphic
Lilt th« RENU of TOOU
ttviM on-lino NEKS
Intt'lCtivt Mtl RETRIEVAL
Uio • TOOL
«n!«r «n option *nd prwt RETURN > T30Z
For example, after you review the list of Basic Options, you may want to use
ODES Tool #302 (i.e., 301(h) Benthic Survey Data Summary). You would simply
specify "T302," as shown in the above exhibit. In response to your specification of
"T302." ODES will now make Tool #302 available to you.
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c. Using an ODES Tool
After you tell ODES which tool you want to use, ODES will begin the senes of
questions (i.e., the "prompting sequence") for that tool. After you have completed
the prompting sequence for a tool, ODES converts your answers to the prompting
sequence into a batch job and submits your batch job to another pan of the EPA
NCC-EBM for processing. ODES will tell you the job number, the date and the nme
your job was submitted. Once the job is ready, you can FETCH your ourput using
ODES Basic Option F. (For a description'of'how to use Bas'ic Option F, see
subsection B-6 of this chapter.)
After finishing the prompting sequence for a Tool, you can return to the Basic
Options Menu and use any of ODES other Basic Options while the NCC-IBM
processes your job.
d Vtliat to Do After Using a Tool
After you have completed the prompting sequence for a Tool, ODES then tells
you the job number, as described above. ODES will than say:
* To check on job status, enter F. To return to Basic Options, enter B.
> Please enter F or B >
If you select "F" you can:
Check on the status of vour jobs
"Job status" refers to whether a job is still being processed by the EPA
NCC-IBM or whether processing has been completed. (If processing has been
completed, the job is done and your output is ready for you.) To "check the
status of your jobs, including the job you just submitted, select Basic Option F
by entering "F" in response to the prompt > Please enter F or B >. You may
then select "S" to see the job status. For details on how to FETCH a job, see
the description of Basic Option F in this chapter of the Guide.
If you select "B":
ODES will re-lisf the Basic Options
If you would like to choose another option, simply enter "B" to consult the
list of Basic Options. Then you can use any of ODES Basic Options, even
w hile the previous job is running.
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C. Streamlining Your ODES Working Sessions
As shown above, ODES provides easy-to-understand instructions and prompang routines
that allow even first-time users to obtain results. However, users who become farruhar with the
system may want to skip some of the instructions in order to speed up their working sessions. To
meet their "need, ODES offers a "TERSE" mode which allows users to streamline their working
sessions.
Using TERSE Mode
There are two modes in which you can use ODES. VERBOSE and TERSE.
When you first log on to ODES you will be in VERBOSE mode. VERBOSE mode
allows you to receive all of ODES instructions and messages.
If you want to suppress some of these instructions, you can switch to TERSE
Mode."TERSE Mode assumes that the user is familiar both with ODES capabilities
and how to use them. TERSE Mode eliminates many of the ODES user-fnendly
instructions and messages, but it does not eliminate any of the ODES capabihoes: you
are sirr.ply asking ODES to communicate with you in an abbreviated manner ODES
will skip the list of Basic Options and the detailed descriptions of ODES tools, and it
will only give you the questions (prompts) you must answer in order for ODES to
know v, hat to do. The TERSE mode HELP facility enables you to obtain addinonal
information if you need it. Most prompts provide you with a HELP option that you
may select if you need more detailed information to make a particular selection.
You can, of course, use all of the Basic Options and ODES Tools in descriptive
messages. If you are sufficiently comfortable and familiar with ODES to be able to
use it without detailed, on-line instructions, TERSE Mode can substantially speed up
a working session.
Procedures for beginning a working session in TERSE Mode are described
below.
How to BEGIN an ODES Working Session in TFRSE Mode
After you log on to the IBM-NCC and have entered ODES, the very first prompt
is:
> Please enter an option and press RETURN >
In response to this prompt, your usual course of action is to enter an ODES Basic
Option. However, if you want to use ODES in TERSE Mode, enter "TERSE" in
response to this prompt, as shown below:
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ODES Asks You: You Answer:
> Please enter an option and press RETURN > TERSE
In response to your answer, ODES will then switch to TERSE Mode. For the
balance of the working session, ODES will communicate with you in an abbrexiated
fashion.
In summary, to speed up your working session, you can tell ODES to
communicate with you in an abbreviated manner (i e., in TERSE Mode). You can
only select TERSE*or VERBOSE Mode at the Basic Options prompt, you cannot
switch back and forth between TERSE and VERBOSE at any other prompts If you
want to return to VERBOSE Mode after switching to TERSE Mode, you must return
to the Basic Opnons Menu and enter VERBOSE at the Basic Options prompt Please
note that after you complete a working session and log off from the NCC-IBM.
ODES will not'assume that you want to use TERSE Mode in your next working
session: ODES will communicate with you in a normal (VERBOSE) fashion unless
you re-specify TERSE Mode at the Basic Options prompt.
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IV. ODES User Support
This chapter provides information on ODES user support such as user support phone
numbers, listings of ODES manuals and documentation, and common questions that users ask
about ODES. This chapter is organized as follows:
• Section A, Overview of ODES User Support with description of the three main
types of currently available user support -- manuals and documentation, ODES
bulletins and on-line news, and user support phone lines
E Section B, Common Questions, with a summary of the types of questions users
have asked about ODES in the past (e.g., "What should I do if I forget my
password?") and recommended actions/responses for these questions
• Section C, Training and Demonstrations, with explanation of how to make
arrangements for in-depth ODES training or ODES demonstrations.
ODES HOTLINE
-------
A. Overview of ODES User Support
ODES User Support consists of the following three primary information sources designed to
meet the vast majority of user support requirements:
• ODES manuals such as this User's Guide that provide information on the
objectives of ODES, us capabilities, and how to use ODES
E Periodic ODES bulletins and ODES On-Line News that inform users of recent
ODES developments or enhancements
• ODES User Support phone lines to call dunng standard business hours and ask
quesnons about ODES or report any problems encountered.
Each of these information sources is described in more detail below.
1. ODES Documentation and Manuals
The ODES documentation series consists of the ODES User's Guide. ODES Data
Submissions Manual. ODES Tool Description Manual. Technical Support Document for ODES
Statistical Power Analysis. ODES Bnefs. and ODES Brochure. Each of these serves a different
function that is described below.
The ODES User's Guide is designed to provide a comprehensive description of the ODES
system, its capabilities, its objectives, and how to use it. The Guide provides directions for
accessing information stored in ODES and for using Basic Options. The Guide is onented toward
the end-user, and it assumes the reader has applied 7or and received a User ID that allows him/her
to access ODES.
The ODES Data Submissions Manual provides a set of comprehensive instructions for the
accurate submission of data for loading into the ODES Data Base. The data submissions guidelines
presented in this manual cover most types of data likely to be collected under existing EPA
manne/estuanne programs. These guidelines have been created to adhere closely to NODC's
standard formats for storing and manipulating oceanographic data. Where necessary, existing
NODC formats have been supplemented with other data elements of particular importance to EPA
Tne Manual is onented toward users in the process of preparing data to be submitted to the ODES
IV-1
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Data Base. Other users may find the Manual informative for comparing existing ODES file types
with their data types and data formats.
The ODES Tool Description Manual contains in-depth descriptions of each of the ODES
tools, the capabilities and limitations of the tool, and information on internal caJculanons that are
performed by the tool. The Tool Manual is onemed to the end-user who is familiar with the
operation of ODES and interested in the application of results produced by the ODES tools. Other
users will find the Tool Manual useful for learning more about ODES analytical capabilities and
suggesting enhancements for existing tools.
The Technical Support Document for ODES Statistical Power Analysis provides guidance for
the use of power analyses in the development of study designs for monitoring programs and in the
evaluation of statistical test results.
The ODES Bnefs highlight ODES features which may be useful to managers
The ODES Brochure briefly describes ODES key features, its basic structure, and its
analytical and reporting capabilities.' The Brochure is designed to provide introductory information
to individuals learning about ODES for the first time.
2. Periodic ODES Bulletins and ODES On-Line News
The ODES Data Base will be updated as new data are loaded, and ODES tools and features
will be enhanced in response to user requests or new program requirements. In order to keep users
fully informed of these changes, ODES bulletins will be mailed periodically to all ODES users, and
an on-line feature, "ODES On-line News," will inform users of important system developments
"ODES On-line News" may be accessed by any ODES user from the ODES Basic Options Menu
3. ODES User Support Phone Lines
Users with questions on any aspect of ODES are encouraged to call the ODES User Suppon
Phone Lines. The numbers and hours for these phone lines are as follows:
703-841-6109
900AM -6.00PM (Eastern Time Zone)
206-822-9596
9:00 AM -5.00PM (Pacific Time Zone)
These phone lines are covered by members of the ODES Support Staff who .--•.•
knowledgeable about most aspects of ODES. In the event that an ODES staff member can-,'-
IV-2
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immediately answer your question, the answer wiU be found for you and your call wiU be returned
A phone log is maintained for all incoming calls, and all questions of problems are recorded
Answers to frequently asked questions will be made available to all users through the ODES
bulletins or "ODES On-line News."
B. Common Questions
ODES will provide you with easy-to-understand instructions at each step of >our working
session However, you may encounter problems for which the proper course of action is not
immediately apparent. For example, your working session may be interrupted by interference on
your telephone line. This section of the Guide summarizes common areas of difficulty experienced
by ODES users and provides recommended actions to overcome these problems.
Exhibit IV-B-1 presents quick-reference tables to help you discover the likely cause and
recommenced course of action for some common problems. If you cannot locate your problem r,
the tables, or if you need further assistance, please feel free to call one of the ODES User Support
Phone Lines (see page IV-2).
Whatever difficulties you encounter, don't worn-. The worst that can happen is that you v-ill
have to start over on a new ODES working session. In this case, none of the job or reports you \e
previously submitted will be erased, and the ODES Data Base will not be affected in any way.
C. Training and Demonstrations
If you would like to arrange a hands-on ODES training session an on-site demonstration of
ODES, please call the ODES Manager at EPA's Office of Marine and Estuanne Protection (OMEPi
to discuss your requirements. Telephone and address information for the ODES Manager are
provided in the Preface to this Guide.
IV-3
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l-xhibit IV-B-1
COMMON QUESTIONS
QUESnnON/SYMPTOM
LIKELY CAUSE
ACTION
When you dial (he telephone number to
connect to the EPA NCC-IBM computer
• there is no answer, or
• there is an answer, but your terminal's
"on-line" indicator will not go on
The telephone line you're using is not
functioning properly. The line may be
out of service or you may have a bad
connection.
I lang up and re-dial the number.
If that fails, try another number. See
Appendix A (Exhibit A-l) for a list of
alternative phone numbers.
If that fails, call ODES User Support at
703-841-6109 or 206-822-9596 (see
Section A in this chapter for available times.)
In response to the prompt enter LOGON.
enter your USER ID and press RETURN.
The computer asks for your USER ID or
responds with an error message.
Your USER ID is not recognized by the
computer, either you have misspelled it or
it is invalid.
Check your spelling.
If you've entered it correctly, call ODES User
Support at 703-841-6109 or 206-822-9596
(see Section A in this chapter for available
times.)
You are trying to enter your PASSWORD,
PROCEDURE, ACCOUNT NUMBER, and
I-'IMAS ID, and you have received a series of
messages, followed by the prompt READY.
You do not receive any instructions on how
to access ODES.
Even though you have logged on to EPA's
NCC-IBM computer, you have not been
set up to access ODES.
Call ODES User Support at 703-841 -6109
or 206-822-9596. If you've been approved
for ODES access by the ODHS Manager,
we will set you up to access ODES. This
one-time procedure can be completed in
just a few minutes.
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Exhibit IV-B-I
COMMON QUESTIONS I (CONTINUKD)
QUI-STION/SYMPTOM
LIKELY CAUSE
ACTION
You arc trying 10 enter your PASSWORD,
but you receive the message:
PASSWORD EXPIRED or
PASSWORD NOT AUTHORIZED
TOR USER ID.
You have entered an invalid PASSWORD
or your PASSWORD has expired.
If you are logging on for the first lime, your
PASSWORD is the same as your USER ID.
If you have forgotten your PASSWORD,
call ODES User Support at 703-841-6109 or
206-822-95% (sec Section A of this chapter
for available times) to verify that your
PASSWORD is valid. You will be instructed
on how to reset your password.
If your password has expired, call ODES
User Support. You will be instructed on
huw to update your password.
During your ODES working session, you
receive very slow responses from the EPA
NCC-HIM computer.
At various times, during peak hours or
computer maintenance, responses
may be abnormally slow.
Please stand by. Your last command is still
being processed.
If you prefer to work more quickly, try using
"TERSE" mode, or log off using Basic
Option "E" and try again later.
In the midst of your ODES working session,
you receive the message:
READY
Your working session has been interrupted.
You are no longer using ODES, but you are
still logged on to the NCC-IBM computer.
This may have been caused by interference
on your telephone line or a similar problem.
Enter "ODES" to resume your working
session.
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APPENDIX A: ODES Quick Log On Reference
This appendix covers three topics of importance for users ready to log on to ODES for the
first time:
• User IDs, passwords, and account numbers
Your PASSWORD is
Access to the EPA NCC-IBM mainframe via telephone lines
Terminal settings
FullSoecD
NCC-IBM
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1. User IDs, Passwords, and Account Numbers
When you are ready to use ODES for the first time, ask the ODES Manager to assign you a
user ID (see "the Preface for address and telephone number). The user ID is a three-letter code,
often a permutation of your initials. For instance, John A. Doe may be assigned the user ID
"JAD."
You will also have a password associated with your ID. The first rime you log on to ODES.
you pasword will be identical to your use ED. You must reset your password the first time you log
on. Afterwards, you need only reset your password every 90 days. The procedure for setting
your password the first rime you log on is explained below.
When ihe computer asks: You respond"
ENTER CURRENT PASSWORD FOR USER ED : JAEXSECRET
In the example above, the initial password is "JAD" (same as user ID) and the password is
set to "SECRET." Your password may be 4-8 characters in length.
At any time in the future when you want to change your password for security reasons or
because your password has expired, type your current password, a slash (/), and your new
password as follows:
When :he computer asks- You respond:
ENTER CURRENT PASSWORD FOR USER ED: SECRET/CODE
In the above example, the user's old password was "SECRET"; the user's new password is
"CODE." You may select as your new password any 4-S character string that has not been one of
your 2 previous passwords. (Note: Always memorize your newest password; the ODES Manager
has no way to look it up.) If you are denied access to the EPA NCC-EBM because you have tried
to log on using an invalid password too may times, call User Support at NCC at (800) 334-2405.
They are the only people who can reset your password for you.
After you have entered your user ID and password, the log on procedure is as follows:
When the computer asks: You respond:
ENTER ACCOUNT NUMBER - ODES
ENTER PROCEDURE NAME- AASTORET
ENTER FIMAS ED - ODESD
If you already have a valid user ID and account for the EPA NCC-IBM, and you want to
become an ODES user, simply call the ODES Manager (see the Preface for address and telephone
number). We will instruct the system so you can use ODES by giving your user ED "priviledges'
to access ODES. This is a one-time procedure — you need not call the ODES Manager everv nme
you use ODES!
A-l
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2. Telephone Access
For most U.S. locations, you can dial a local telephone number to connect to EPA's
NCC-IBM. This is made possible by a commercial communications network called TYMNET and
by regional networks. Refer to Exhibit A-l to locate the telephone number in your area. If you
cannot find a local telephone number, please call ODES User Support (see Chapter IV for telephone
numbers) and we will provide you with a local number or a toll-free 800 number.
3. Terminal Settings
ODES runs on EPA's IBM 3090 mainframe computer. You can access the NCC-IBM via
telephone lines from virtually anywhere in the country. All that is needed is a terminal with
"dial-up" capabilities or a direct line to the NCC-IBM. You can use small, portable desk-top
terminals (e.g., Texas Instruments Silent 700), CRT terminals (e.g., VT-100), or a microcomputer
with a communications software package (e.g., CROSSTALK XVI to use regular ODES tools and
applications or PCPLOT to provide the additional capability of listing graphics).
After you select a terminal, you need to switch it on and connect it to your telephone using a
modem or acoustic coupler. Many terminals (or terminal emulation software packages) are
designed to communicate with a wide variety of computers. Since different computers use different
communications options, your terminal may have several settings that allow you to choose the
options appropriate for the computer you'll be using. On some terminals, you'll find manual
switches on the keyboard itself; on others, the switches are programmed by code you enter from
the keyboard. The operations manual for your terminal (or for your terminal emulation package i
will show you where to find the communications switches and how to set them. If you have any
questions about accessing the NCC-IBM, call User Support at NCC at (800) 334-2405, and ask
them to refer you to technical assistance in your region.
To communicate with the EPA NCC-IBM, find the following switches on your terminal and
make sure they are set to these options:
E Local Echo ON (Half Duplex)
E Parity EVEN
• Parity Bits ONE
C Data Bits SEVEN
• Transmit Speed 1200 for modems
If you have a problem communicating with the EPA NCC-IBM even after setting the switches, call
ODES User Support at C703) 841-6109.
A-2
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Exhibit A-1
EPA NCC-IBM Telephone Access Numbers I
Seattle, WA
(206) 442-4423
(206) 442-44X0 (2400 baud)
Portland, OR
(50J) 222-0900
(503) 222-2151 (240* baud)
Boston, MA
(617) 565 3374
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 597-0103
(2400 baud)
I
Washington, IX
(202)4X8-1515
SanFranrbco,CA
(415)4950168
II Jlimore, Ml)
(.Wl) 547-8100
(301)528-9296
(2400 baud)
(213) 587-003*
(213) 587-7514 (2400 baud)
San Diego, CA
(619) 296-337*
(619) 296-8747 (240* baud)
Atlanta, C.\
(404) 347-7285 (2400 baud)
Houston, TX
(713) 556-67M
It you are nnaUc to dial (he compiitrr luing one of
those numbers, call KPA's Computer Technical
Support Office Hi (919) 541-7862.
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