In order to minimize data entry errors, well designed software will automatically provide values derived from other values already stored in the system. This frees the user to focus on those elements that can only be provided by a human being.
The descriptions of the derived values below are provided primarily for an understanding of the source for the different items displayed in the final NWEM.
Software Derived Values
The following CAP element values are typically derived, but not always.
senderName
The senderName element is required and is specifically formatted field for HazCollect as Collaborating Operating Group (COG) Name, City, State.
The senderName value is displayed in the final NWEM, and can be derived from a COG profile record.
- identifier
The identifier element is a unique ID number for a specific message.
- The message identifier value is displayed in the signature line of the final NWEM, in combination with the source value.
- The identifier value is also used for the reference element (see below) when subsequently updating or correcting a previously issued NWEM.
- This value is typically generated by the software, derived from other values such as date, time, sequence number, random number, or other scheme.
- source
The source element represents the specific individual transmitting the message. A typical format might be Last Name+First Intitial.
- The source value is displayed in the signature line of the final NWEM, added to the end of the message identifier value.
- This value can be derived from values stored with the operator/user profile record, associated with the login ID used during message submission.
- sent, effective
The sent element refers to the date and time the message was issued, and for HazCollect, the value of the effective element must be the same as the value of the sent element.
- The format of the sent value is defined in the CAP standard, and is displayed in the final NWEM.
- This value is typically derived from the user's system clock at the moment a final "Submit" or "Send" button is selected. It can be important, therefore, that the user's system time is accurate.
- scope
The scope element refers to the intended distribution of the message. For HazCollect, this value is required to be set to "Public."
- The scope value is not displayed in the final NWEM, but is used for pre-processing, i.e., a message with any scope value other than "Public" is not disseminated.
- eventCode
The eventCode element refers to the NWR SAME event codes described in the previous lesson, (e.g., CDW, EVI, LAE, etc.)
- The value is used at the HazCollect server as the first three characters of the AWIPS ID (see Lesson 3. 6).
- The user typically selects the event name from a pick list (next lesson), and the software derives the associated eventCode value.
- reference
The reference element is used only to relate a subsequent correction of, or update to a previously issued NWEM.
- The user typically selects the NWEM he/she wishes to correct or update from an NWEM archive, and the software derives the associated identifier value of the original message.
Sample NWEM with Software Derived Values
| WOUS43 KPAH 291706 | |
| TOEPAH | AWIPS ID, eventCode |
| KYC059-291806- | |
| BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED | |
| 911 TELEPHONE OUTAGE EMERGENCY | |
| KY DAVIESS COUNTY EMA OWENSBORO KY | senderName |
| RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY | |
| 1106 AM CST WED OCT 29 2008 | sent/effective |
| ...WIDESPREAD TELEPHONE OUTAGE IN THE AREA... | |
| THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE KY DAVIESS COUNTY EMA. | |
| THERE ARE CURRENTLY WIDESPREAD TELEPHONE OUTAGES IN THE AREA RESULTING FROM A CUT CABLE. | |
| IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND CANNOT REACH 9 1 1 ... GO TO YOUR NEAREST FIRE STATION FOR HELP. | |
| $$ | |
| DM4190111954887916544ATHERTONW | identifier+source |
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