Discrete samples within time

This function will only work on time dependent discrete sample tables. This function will create a string file which contains one or more points for each sample. You may use this function to create a string file which contains

all samples recorded for each sample point
the mean value of all samples for each sample point
the earliest sample recorded for each sample point
the latest sample recorded for a sample point
the difference in sample value between the earliest and latest samples recorded for each sample point
the minimum sample value recorded for each sample point
the maximum sample value recorded for each sample point

To run this function: Choose Database > Extract > Discrete samples within time, or...

In the Function Chooser, type EXTRACT DISCR SAMPLES WITHIN TIME, and press ENTER.

Each of the options provide different ways of analyzing the sample data which have been recorded and stored in a time dependent discrete sample table.

Define the string file to be created

Enter the Location to define the string file which will be created by this function. Enter the String number to define the string to which the resultant data will be saved.

Define the discrete sample table to be processed

Enter the name of the time dependent discrete sample Table which is to be processed.

Define the sample selection method

Enter a number between 1 and 7 to define how this function is to create its results. With a time dependent table it is possible and indeed permissible that numerous samples may exist for a particular sample point. Given this fact, it therefore entirely possible that for each sample point within the data selection constraints defined, numerous samples may be extracted from the table. The samples which are to saved in the result file, if any at all, are dictated by the input made here. See the table below to understand the results which will be created for the different methods available.

Input	Result
1	All samples are saved to the result file. Therefore it is possible that you may get many samples for each sample point.
2	The mean value of all the samples which are extracted for each sample point is saved to the result file. Therefore you will get only one sample value for each sample point in the result file. The X, Y and Z values in this case are the mean of the X, Y and Z values of all of the samples which were used to calculate the mean.
3	The earliest sample in time for each sample point is saved to the result file.
4	The latest sample in time for each sample point is saved to the result file.
5	The difference in sample value between the earliest and latest recorded for each sample point is saved to the result file.
6	The minimum sample value for each sample point is saved to the result file. Note that the sample which is selected is done by finding the minimum value of the first sample field which is named on the previous form. All other values reported are those for the selected sample.
7	The maximum sample value for each sample point is saved to the result file. Note that the sample which is selected is done by finding the maximum value of the first sample field which is named on the previous form. All other values reported are those for the selected sample.

Table

Display only. This is the name of the table which is being processed.

Field Name

Enter the names of up to 10 fields from which values are to be extracted and stored in the string file which is created by this function. All field names entered must be numeric fields.

Choose Apply to display the SELECT CONSTRAINTS FOR FIELDS form. Enter any query constraints required on this form and choose Apply to complete the function.

One string is created in the resultant string file for each sample ID in the sample table. See the table below for details of the results of this function.

Field	Contains
Y	Sample point y value
X	Sample point x value
Z	Sample point z value
D1	sample identifier
D2	sample date in yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss format
D3	value of first selected sample field
D4	value of second selected sample field, etc.

Moving Discrete Samples

This function will only work on time dependent discrete sample tables. This function will create a string file which contains one string for each sample. Each string represents the different locations, i.e. the different Y, X and Z values, which samples have occupied over time. This function is useful when movement of sample locations with respect to time must be examined. An example of when this would be useful is when the sample points are slope stability monitoring points which have a tendency to move with time.

To run this function: Choose Database > Extract > Moving discrete samples, or...

In the Function Chooser, type MOVING DISCR SAMPLES, and press ENTER.