| SADA - data loading
|
| • SADA provides a sequence
of useful dialog boxes that assist the user with loading a data
file. For instance, one dialog box allows the user to match field
names in their data file with required field names in SADA. Another
dialog box is used to check the data set for errors. |
| • User must import data
in a csv file format. Microsoft Excel (xls) files may be saved as
csv files using the Excel "save as" command. |
| • During the evaluation,
the last column of data in the test data file was not recognized.
An error screen appeared stating that there was a problem with data
in the last column; however, the last column was empty. The last
column was deleted to correct the error. |
|
| SADA - graphic loading
|
| • Map coordinates and
sample coordinates must be in a consistent format (either state
plane or Universal Transverse Mercator [UTM]). A UTM base map was
obtained to correct the error. |
| • dxf files must be
created in AutoCAD 2000. |
|
| SADA - logical flow
|
| • The program is designed
so that the user selects a module in a toolbar window and a series
of steps are then provided in the Steps window. Steps that are common
to more than one module are preserved when the user switches between
modules, minimizing data entry. |
| • The user must navigate
through a series of Help screens (by links) to be able to obtain
the answers to many questions that involve program functions. |
| • Help menu may not
explain the purpose or results of specific program modules in terms
that a non-expert may understand. For example, "Interpolate my Data"
does not describe output that can be obtained through the Interpolation
module. |
|
| SADA - expert knowledge
|
| • SADA appears to be
designed for users with a certain level of expert knowledge. For
instance, the user must have some understanding of various interpolation
methods to effectively use the "Interpolate My Data" module. The
Help menus briefly describe the methods; however, without prior
knowledge, it is difficult for the user to identify the most appropriate
method to use for a specific problem. A statistician or risk assessor
would also be helpful. |
| |
| SADA - documentation
|
| • The SADA tutorial
should be read before the software is used. A thorough review of
the tutorial and sample problems may enable general technical staff
to use sophisticated modules with greater confidence. |
| • Help menus describe
SADA functions and provide information at different steps of the
SADA process. |
|
| SADA - output |
| • User may save any
image to the Windows clipboard using copy image button, then image
can be pasted into a Microsoft application, such as Word or PowerPoint.
|
| • User may save tabular
data by clicking the information button on the toolbar. A data table
will appear in a new dialog box. User may click the "Excel" button
at the top of the dialog box to save the tabular data to a file.
Information provided in the data table depends on the module that
is active. For instance, if user is in the "See My Data" module,
the data table will contain the input data. If the user is in the
"Interpolate My Data" module, the data table will contain a matrix
of gridded values in an X/Y/Z/Result format. |
| • "Auto-documentation"
step is available in Steps window for all modules. This step allows
the user to save different types of input and output to a HTML file,
providing a easy method to document the analysis and share with
others. Radio buttons allow the user to select the type of information
to include in the auto-documentation file. |
|
| SADA - sources
|
| • Version 4 downloaded
October 5, 2004. |
| • Tutorial. |
| • Help Menus. |
