The Saltwatch Data Entry Sheet

Follow the instructions on the data entry sheet to identify your group and the mystery solution. Copies of the data sheet are available here. You can enter your data online by clicking here.

1. Group name. Write in your group name, this does not have to be exactly the same as the name you entered for registration, you can shorten or abbreviate it eg - P.S., S.C., LC grp. etc.

2. Mystery solution. You enter the salinity (EC) you obtained when testing the 'Mystery solution'. If you have measured the solution correctly the data will be accepted, otherwise a prompt window will appear to tell you that you are out of the range. Either the calibration of your meter or your testing procedure needs to be checked. We suggest you discuss the problem with your local co-ordinator.

3. Site number. Enter the number you have allocated to your sites, this number is just for organisational purposes to make it simper for you - transcribing from the record sheet onto the computer

4. Map Number. This is the four digit number beginning with 7 or 8 which usually appears neat the map name. Once you have entered this number the computer will automatically display the name of the map - check that this is correct.

5. Grid Reference. You will notice that a topographic map has vertical and horizontal grid lines. These lines are numbered at each end. The position of your Saltwatch samples will be recorded by quoting the grid references, thats a combination of the numbers at the bottom (the easting) and the side of the map (the northing)

NOTE: The online data entry program will check that the grid reference you enter is on the map sheet you specified, this should also help you because it states what the number should be between. eg., Easting between 2301 - 2746 or Northing 57899 - 58467

The Easting

The first figure you need is the small figure (between 2 and 7 for Victoria) which appears before every tenth grid line along the bottom or top of the map. If the figure changes within the map you are using, use the figure to the left of the sample you are entering.

Now you need the two digit number appearing at the top and bottom of the grid line which is to the left of your sample (not necessarily the grid line closest to your sample).

Now measure the number of millimetres (or estimate how many tenths along the square) from the grid line across to the sample point.

The Northing

The first figure you need for the Northing grid reference is the small two digit number (between 56 and 62 for Victoria) which appears before every tenth grid line on the sides of the map. If the figures change within the map you are using, use the figures below (south the sample you are entering.

Now you need the two digit number appearing at the ends of the grid line which is below your sample (not necessarily the grid line closest to your sample).

Now measure the number of millimetres (or estimate how many tenths along the square) from the grid line up to the sample point.

6. Water source Select from the list the type of water body from where the water sample was collected.

7. Salinity (EC) Conductivity. Enter the salinity (electro conductivity) concentration in micro siemens/cm.

Uploading your data onto the Internet

Once you have collected all your data, return to this web site, and click the data entry icon to begin entering your data.