N E This demonstration is intended to present how EPA proposes that the user will interact with the re- engineered Air Quality Subsystem. A small subset

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This demonstration is intended to present how EPA proposes that the user will interact with the re-engineered Air Quality Subsystem. A small subset of the functions that will be provided in the production version are addressed in this demo.

The production version of AQS has a projected release date of April 1998.

Questions and comments about this demonstration and the re-engineered AQS may be sent via email to: [email protected]

Disclaimer

Contact

About Today’s AQS

Re-engineering AQS

Sample the New AQS

Choose a topic button to begin the demo. Press ESC at any time to end presentation.

About Today’s AQSAbout Today’s AQS

AQS is the Air Quality Subsystem of AIRS, the Aerometric Information Retrieval System. AQS contains measurements of ambient concentrations of air pollutants and associated meteorological data. These data are collected by thousands of monitoring stations operated primarily by State and Local Agencies.

EPA uses this data to assess the overall status of the nation’s air quality and to prepare reports to Congress as mandated by the Clean Air Act. EPA also uses the data to identify areas where improvements in air quality are needed.

AQS provides several types of data:

Most of the air quality and precision-accuracy data in AQS comes directly from the SLAMS and NAMS air monitoring networks, which are operated by state and local pollution control agencies. A small amount of raw data comes from monitors operated by the EPA or private sources. In addition, AQS includes air quality data submitted by about 45 World Health Organization (WHO) member nations.

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• Monitoring Site Descriptions

• Raw Data

• Summary Data

• Precision and Accuracy Data

Monitoring Site Descriptions provide information about the monitoring sites that provide data to AIRS. Information includes site location, site operational dates, the organization responsible for monitor operation, and many other items.

Select from the bulleted list to view more information. Choose Home to return to the first slide.





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• Raw Data

• Summary Data


Raw Data are the individual values of pollutant concentrations or meteorological conditions measured at the monitoring sites and supplied to AIRS primarily by the State and Local Agencies that operate the monitors.







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• Raw Data

• Summary Data


Summary Data are derived from raw data. They include the annual and daily maximum, minimum, and average raw data values; total number of values reported; number of values exceeding national ambient air quality standards; and numerous other statistical measures.







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• Raw Data

• Summary Data


Precision and Accuracy Data provide information regarding the precision and accuracy of air quality monitors. AIRS has P&A data for individual monitors, and summaries for groups of monitors operated by each state or local reporting agency.



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Re-engineeringRe-engineering AQSAQS

The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) initiated the AQS re-engineering effort in December, 1995.

AQS will be the first subsystem of AIRS to undergo the re-engineering process. AIRS, which became operational in 1987, has provided its users with reliable and comprehensive air quality information for nearly 10 years.

However, new data requirements and technological advancements necessitate that AQS be rethought and redesigned at this time.

AQS will be re-engineered using the latest technologies, including client/server architecture and a graphical user interface.

The re-engineered system will be more user-friendly, have increased functionality, and be more cost-effective to operate, maintain, and update.

View a schedule for the AQS re-engineering project.

Show me the proposed changes to the current AQS.

What are the goals of the re-engineering project?

What are the minimum requirements for users of the new AQS?


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ScheduleScheduleSchedule ChangesChanges GoalsGoals RequirementsRequirements Back to MenuBack to Menu

Select a menu item to view more information.

AQS Development Schedule

Interim database availableInterim database available

19971997 77 88 99 1010 1111 1212 1/981/98 22 33 4466554433

Beta testing with selected agenciesBeta testing with selected agencies

Full production Full production

Training for agencies Training for agencies

State/Local agencies obtain hardware/software State/Local agencies obtain hardware/software

Design and develop softwareDesign and develop software

WEB browser access to databaseWEB browser access to database

O3/PM NAAQS

Proposed Changes

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ArchitectureArchitecture

DataData

Data RetrievalsData Retrievals

User InterfaceUser Interface

Public AccessPublic Access

Update ProcessUpdate Process

Changes in System Architecture

Relational Database

A relational database provides data structure and functionality that is non-existent in previous generation databases. Related fields are grouped together in tables, which may be linked or associated with other tables in the database. As information needs changes, the new AQS database will have the flexibility to incorporate new data elements into the existing database structure.

Client/Server The current mainframe will be replaced by a client/server architecture. Client/server technology combines the benefits of centralized data management and storage with the ease of use inherent in a PC environment.

Interactive and Batch Functionality

The three-tiered client/server architecture proposed for the new AQS will provide both interactive and batch-style processing for reports and queries.

Data Access Users will be able to access data directly through the AQS client application, via third-party PC application software, or through a World Wide Web browser.

RequirementsRequirementsChangesChangesScheduleSchedule Back to MenuBack to Menu

Choose a button to view more proposed changes. Select a menu item to view more information.

GoalsGoals

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Proposed Changes

Data in the New AQSSummary Statistics

The system will permit direct entry of summary statistics if there are no raw data present in the database. Summary data will be stored in standard reporting units.

Pictures and Video

AQS will allow the storage of pictures and videos at the site and monitor levels.

Ozone and PM Fine Standards

New Ozone and PM Fine standards will be featured in the new AQS.

QA Data Qualifiers

Data qualifiers will be stored to flag data for various purposes. Data qualifiers will be stored for Comments Available, Below Detection Limit, and Unknown QA.

Visibility Data

The re-engineered AQS will store Visibility Data and/or provide open access to the visibility data in the IMPROVE database administered by the National Park Service.

Upper Air Data

The re-engineered AQS will store upper air meteorology data.




DataData





GoalsGoals

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Proposed Changes

Data Retrievals in the New AQS

Create, Save, and Edit Reports

The re-engineered AQS will allow users to tailor pre-defined reports in a variety of ways: users will be able to create new selection criteria, use existing criteria, or edit existing criteria. Selection criteria includes parameters for Geography, Time, Pollutant, and Attribute.

Reported/ Standard Units

AQS will allow users to access raw data in either reported or standard units.

Printing Options Users may print the results of a query or report interactively, or they may be submitted in batch and retrieved at a later time. Users may print the result of a query or report on a local printer, or route the job to a regional server or to the National Computer Center.

PC File Formats

Queries may be stored in a variety of PC file formats, including those compatible with Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, PC SAS, WordPerfect, Word, and Voyager.

Local/ Standard Time

AQS will allow users to access data by local time as well as by standard time. The system will store all data in standard time and provide conversion routines.




DataData





GoalsGoals

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Proposed Changes

Changes in the User Interface

In the re-engineered AQS, the user will be automatically prompted by the system for required actions. Default selections for fields and command buttons, as well as status bar instructions, will significantly lessen the user’s initial learning curve.

On-screen Prompts

Online Documentation

The re-engineered AQS will support a fully functional online Help feature, including Hints, context-sensitive Help, and application level Help.

The re-engineered AQS will utilize features typical of a graphical user interface such as buttons, selection lists, folders, fill-in fields, and check boxes. Graphical objects more clearly represent the relationship between different information and lessen the user’s learning curve.

Graphical User Interface

Point and Click Maneuverability

Direct access to the data field of interest will be possible through point and click maneuverability. The use of a mouse allows the user to move directly to any field on the screen and eliminates the need to tab through several fields.




DataData





GoalsGoals

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Proposed Changes

The New Public Access Module

Database AccessDirect public access to air quality data will be possible using the re-engineered AQS. Public users will access the AQS database through a Web Browser, such as Netscape, on the Internet. Users will not be able to save queries or change information on the Web site.

Pre-defined Reports

AQS will provide its public users with formatted reports, like those available in AIRS Executive. In addition to these reports, some pre-defined maps and graphs will be made available.

Select Data

Users will be able to submit queries against AQS database tables. Users will be able to view, print, save to a file, or submit a “batch” query (for large extractions). This function will have the ability to drill up or down to the previous or next logical set of data. Selection criteria for this function include Data Type, Geography, Date(s), Monitoring Attributes, and Pollutants.




DataData





GoalsGoals

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Proposed Changes

Changes in the Update Process

Batch/Online Update

Users will be able to update the database in both online and batch mode. Online updates are simple to execute and are better suited to small data transactions, while the batch update process is more efficient for larger data transactions.

EMAD Review Updated data will be reviewed after the updates have been made in the AQS database. This policy change allows for online and more frequent updates, a change requested by many end users.

Non-Mandatory Edits

New, non-mandatory edits will be incorporated that will specify threshold values for parameters. Thresholds will be defined at four levels, absolute max and min, and relative max and min. The EPA will define default thresholds, which may be overridden by state-defined thresholds.

Eliminate Secured Monitors

Secured monitors will be eliminated from the new AQS. A data flag or monitor type will allow the data submitter to flag monitors that may be unsuitable for regulatory purposes.

SLAMS Certification

The new AQS will no longer require the computation and storage of separate SLAMS summary statistics. The certification will be performed as an online update.




DataData





GoalsGoals

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Project GoalsRequirementsRequirementsChangesChanges GoalsGoalsScheduleSchedule Back to MenuBack to Menu

The primary goal in redesigning AQS is to create a product that meets the needs of OAQPS and end users in regional, state, and local agencies throughout the country. The new AQS should address limitations of the current system, and provide functionality comparable to that of current software products. Project goals for the re-engineered AQS include:

Choose a goal to see how the design specifications for the re-engineered AQS meet these requirements.

· Add Windows/GUI Functionality

· Improve Data Management

· Move Database to a UNIX Server

· Access Database using End User Tools

· Improve Data Access

The re-engineered AQS will incorporate a graphical user interface that is more intuitive and easier to learn than a text based interface. The AQS interface will facilitate both data entry and retrievals and feature additional edit checks that will improve the quality of the data.

Choose from the bulleted list to view project goals. Select a menu item to view more information.

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The AQS re-engineering project will use a relational database management system in a client-server architecture. The relational database is inherently flexible and can easily accommodate database changes as new data elements are defined. Information in different tables can be quickly combined, allowing complex reports to be created without custom programming.









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The current mainframe will be replaced by a UNIX server running Oracle relational database management software and Oracle SQL*Net, with PC clients running Microsoft Windows 95. This client/server architecture combines the benefits of centralized data storage and management with the ease of use found in a PC environment.









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Registered users with username and password authority may access the AQS database using any third-party data analysis tool. The re-engineered AQS will also allow the user to save query results in popular PC file formats compatible with Excel, Voyager, and dBase.









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Data access and retrievals will be significantly enhanced in the new AQS. The most popular standard reports from the current AQS will still be available, in addition to several new reports. Reports may be printed interactively or in batch mode, and may be exported in *.dbf, *.wks, and *.voy file formats. Discoverer/2000, a powerful ad hoc reporting tool, will replace the existing ad hoc reports. Data mining and charting capabilities will allow users to spot trends and identify anomalies. Output from Discoverer/2000 can be displayed in a variety of report formats, or graphically in line, bar, or pie graphs.









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Client Requirements

The client will need sufficient memory, disk space, and processing speed to provide adequate performance in a client/server environment. The AQS client will be running a custom Windows-based AQS interface with robust reporting and querying capabilities. Recommended hardware and software requirements for the client are listed below.

SoftwareSoftwareHardwareHardware

Recommended

• Pentium 120, 133+ Processor

• 32+ MB RAM

• 180 MB Free Disk Space

• SVGA Video Card

• Mouse

• TCP/IP Connectivity

• CD ROM

• Microsoft Windows 95

• Oracle SQL*Net v2.3

• Oracle Discoverer/2000

• AIRS/AQS Client Application Software

• Oracle7 ODBC Driver

• X Windows Emulation

• Web Browser

Recommended



GoalsGoals

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Sample the New AQSSample the New AQS

The AIRS program group will display icons for the Air Quality Subsystem, AIRS Graphics, Discoverer 2000 and the Web Interface.

Select AQS to view a screen-by-screen tour of the prototype product. The AQS demon-stration shows how AQS works, as well as how AQS interacts with other software products, including Discoverer/2000.

Select a different AIRS icon to view a description of its functionality and its relationship to the new AQS.

Air Quality Subsystem

Discoverer 2000

AIRS Graphics

Web Interface

Select an icon to view more information. Choose Home to return to the first slide.

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Air Quality SubsystemAQSAQS Discoverer 2000Discoverer 2000 AIRS GraphicsAIRS Graphics WWWW

WWBack to MenuBack to Menu

Main ScreenMain Screen

Critical Review ReportCritical Review Report

Update SitesUpdate Sites

Update MonitorsUpdate Monitors

Standard ReportsStandard Reports

Standard QueriesStandard Queries

Online HelpOnline Help

Select a menu item to view more information. Select a button to view the prototype AQS.

The Menu Bar provides user access to all AQS functionality. Menu headings in the new AQS include File, View, Update, Retrieve, Help, and Window.

Menu BarMenu Bar

ToolbarToolbar

The Toolbar is comprised of a series of icon buttons that trigger those features most often used in the re-engineered AQS.

Status BarStatus Bar

The Status Bar displays information about the current state of the program. Data shown in the status bar is informational only and cannot be updated by the end user.

Choose Back to Menu to return to the menu.

Critical Review Report

The Critical Review Report may be easily

generated; simply select Batch Critical Review Report from the Update menu.

The resulting report is automatically generated and pre-formatted for the user.


Update Sites Update Sites

To update sites, select Online Site from the Update menu. Use selection lists to enter information about the site that you want to update. Select the Modify button to begin updating the chosen site.

Click forward to advance.

Update Sites - Update Sites - Input Mandatory InformationInput Mandatory Information To begin updating Site information, choose the Mandatory folder tab, which contains agency, address, and coordinate information. All data shown on the Mandatory tab is required site information.


Update Sites - Update Sites - Input Optional InformationInput Optional Information Continue editing site information by selecting the Optional folder tab and entering any required data. Optional data includes census information, site comments, and a location description.


Update Sites - Update Sites - Input Related Street/Open PathInput Related Street/Open Path To finish updating the site, select the Related Street and Open Path folder tabs. Changes to site data may be saved or canceled using the command buttons at the bottom of the form.


Update Monitors Update Monitors

To update monitors, select Online Monitor from the Update menu. Enter the Monitor ID for the monitor that you want to update. Select the Modify button to begin updating the chosen monitor.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - Input Mandatory DataInput Mandatory Data To start updating Monitor information, choose the Mandatory folder tab, which contains address and reporting organization information. All data shown on the Mandatory tab is required monitor information.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - Input Optional DataInput Optional Data Continue editing monitor information by selecting the Optional folder tab and entering any appropriate data. Optional data includes site criteria information and monitor comments.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - NAMS/PAMS Data NAMS/PAMS Data The NAMS/PAMS folder contains information pertinent to NAMS and PAMS monitors. The user can input probe location information, action type data, and the PAMS sampling frequency.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - PM10/TSP DataPM10/TSP Data

To continue updating monitor information, select the PM10/TSP folder tab. This folder contains monitoring area and worst site information, as well as required sampling frequency data.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - Monitor Type HistoryMonitor Type History To record monitor type data, select the Monitor Type History folder tab. All monitor type information, including monitor description and objective, is contained on the Monitor Type History tab.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - Sampling ScheduleSampling Schedule

Choose the Sampling Schedule folder tab to enter sampling information for the selected monitor. Users may record the sampling start and end dates, the month, and the number of scheduled samples.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - StreetsStreets

Select the Streets folder tab to continue updating monitor information. Users may list nearby streets to better identify the location of the monitor.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - ObstructionsObstructions

Continue updating monitors by selecting the Obstructions folder tab. Record information about obstructions to the monitor, including description and relative location.


Update Monitors - Update Monitors - Collocated MonitorsCollocated Monitors Select the Collocated Monitors folder to complete monitor data. Save changes to the selected monitor and exit the form by selecting the Save and Close buttons. To cancel changes, choose the Cancel button.


Standard Report - Standard Report - Quick LookQuick Look

The new AQS provides several standard reports. Standard reports are divided into four categories: Raw Data, Summary Data, Site/Monitor Data, and Quality Assurance. The user can easily generate any standard report. In this instance, the Quick Look report has been selected.

The Quick Look report displays summary data for the selected pollutant. The format of the Quick Look report is dependent on the pollutant specified.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - GeographicGeographic

Begin specifying report criteria by selecting geographic parameters. Users can specify large or small geographic areas; selections range from all countries to single monitors.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - Time/Date SelectionTime/Date Selection

Select the Time folder tab to input start and end times. Users may query the database for all dates, a selected date range, or for a specific date and time. Time may be reported in Standard or Local Time.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - ParametersParameters

Select the Parameters tab to choose pollutants. Users can easily select groups of pollutants, such as PAMS or Criteria, by pressing the associated button. Individual pollutants may be selected from the Parameter List.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - AttributesAttributes

Users may further limit report results by specifying additional Attributes. Attributes include Monitor Type, Interval, Reporting Organization, Method, Objective, Land Use, and Sampled After.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - Report OptionsReport Options

Use the Report Options tab to group the data, select the display units for the data, and to determine the type of data to be included in the report.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - Sort OrderSort Order

The user may sort the report by one or more fields, in ascending or descending order. If no sort order is specified the default order will be used.


Report Criteria - Report Criteria - DispositionDisposition

Use the Disposition folder tab to select the preferred mode of generation, to view or print the report, and to specify the desired format for the saved report. Choose the Run Report command button to generate the report.


Page 1 EPA Aerometric Information System (AIRS)02/06/97 AIR Quality Subsystem (AQS)

Quick Look Report

OZONE (44201) Georgia Units: 007 PPM

P Valid DailyO M Rep Num Num ----Maxima

Site ID C T City County Address YR Org Meas Req 1st 2nd

13- 051- 0021 1 3 Savannah Chatham Co 2500 E Presiden 95 10 214 275 .096 .08913- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 90 10 269 275 .163 .14013- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 91 10 274 275 .133 .13113- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 92 10 253 275 .132 .13013- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 93 10 270 275 .174 .15613- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 94 10 264 275 .122 .11413- 089- 0002 1 1 Decatur De Kalb Co South Dekalb 95 10 264 275 .171 .13913- 089- 3001 1 3 Tucker De Kalb Co Idlewild Road, 95 10 239 275 .149 .14713- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co Sweetwater Creek 90 10 274 275 .133 .12413- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co13- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co13- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co13- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co13- 097- 0002 1 2 Not in a city Douglas Co13- 111- 0094 1 3 Not in a city Fannin Co

Standard Report - Standard Report - Quick Look (Example)Quick Look (Example)

The resulting standard report is automatically generated and formatted by Oracle’s Data Query based on the user’s report criteria selections.

Users may redefine or edit report selection criteria and save their work under a new name.


Agency Code Agency Name Agency Type Code

010 Georgia Air Protection Branch Ambient Monitoring Program F

011 Camden County Health Department G

012 Fulton County Health Department G

013 Georgia Department of Public Health F

014 Walker County Health Dept Health Effects Research Laboratory G

800 USEPA Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Lab A

804 US EPA - Region IV P

812 US EPA/Human Studies Lab/Health Effects Research Div C

821 US EPA/OAQPS/MRB A

Standard QueriesStandard Queries

The new AQS provides several standard queries in addition to ad hoc queries and standard reports. For example, the user can easily extract GeoCommon table data. In this instance, Agency has been selected.

The system automatically generates a pre-formatted report using the Agency table data. Users may then refine the report and save the results as a private query.


Online HelpOnline Help

The new AQS provides a fully functional online Help module that includes step-by-step instructions for using all AQS features, definitions for reports, buttons, and data fields, explanations of technical terms, and version and copyright information.

Unlike bulky manuals, AQS online Help uses hypertext links, allowing the user to easily jump to related topics and applicable definitions.


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Discoverer 2000

Oracle Browser is integrated and compatible with Data Query. Browser allows the user to visually display database tables and field relationships.

Data can be incrementally viewed as the user drills through different levels of information. Conditions can be created and temporarily disabled for what-if analysis.

Oracle Data Query allows the user to create custom reports and perform data analysis without learning SQL or complex database structures.

Sort criteria, conditions, and data drills can easily be added to ad-hoc reports. Data Query allows the user to create both tabular and matrix reports, and to quickly generate accompanying graphics.


AQSAQS Discoverer 2000Discoverer 2000 AIRS GraphicsAIRS Graphics WWWWWW

Back to MenuBack to Menu

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AIRS Graphics

AIRS Graphics creates maps and charts using data from all AIRS subsystems, including AQS. AG graphics can reveal patterns, trends, and anomalies in air pollution data that may be difficult to discern in report format.

Like AQS reports, AG maps and charts have both pre-defined and ad hoc querying options. Thus, AG graphics may be quickly generated to accompany the selected pre-defined report or custom query.

The new AQS will be seamlessly integrated with AIRS Graphics, enabling the user to easily produce air quality charts and maps. Transparent user access to AG eliminates the need for multiple logins.




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World Wide Web

Direct public access to air quality data will be

possible using the re-engineered AQS. Public users will access the AQS database through a Web Browser, such as Netscape, on the Internet.

AQS will provide its public users with formatted reports, like those available in AIRS Executive. In addition to these reports, some pre-defined maps and graphs will be made available.

Public users will be able to submit queries against AQS database tables. Public users will be able to view, print, save to a file, or submit a batch query (for large extractions).




Documents

N E This demonstration is intended to present how EPA proposes that the user will interact with the re- engineered Air Quality Subsystem. A small subset