Environmental Protection Agency SCRIBE Overview  

Scribe is a software tool developed by EPA to assist in the process of managing environmental data. Scribe captures sampling, observational, and monitoring field data. Scribe can import electronic data deliverables (EDD) from analytical laboratories, location data from a global positioning systems (GPS), or data generated using real-time analytical methods. An associated program called Scriblets is used to capture and import sampling and monitoring data collected on handheld portable data assistants (PDA).

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 SCRIBE Home Site
Functions
  • Data Acquisition
  • Form/Label Generation
  • Database
    		•
    Input
  • Tabular File: *.txt, *.xls, *.mdb
  • Graphical File:NA
    		•  Output
    • Tabular File: *.htm, *.txt, *.xls, *.rtf, *.xml
    • Graphical File: NA
    • Print Report: Yes
    Contaminants
    • Metals
    • Chlorinated Solvents
    • SVOCs
    • Pesticides/PCBs
    • Petroleum
    • Radionuclides
    		 Media
    • Soil Sediment
    • Soil Gas
    • Air
    • Surface Water
    • Groundwater
    Technical Team Members
    • General technical staff familiar with sampling and field work.
    Comments  
     
    SCRIBE - installation
    • The setup program for the software will automatically upgrade earlier versions of Scribe, including Scribe Version 3.1 and Scribe  Version 3.5, to the current version.  Project files that have been upgraded for use with Scribe  Version 3.5 or later can no longer be opened in Scribe  Version 3.1 or earlier.
     
    SCRIBE - data loading
    • Data may be loaded manually or in an electronic file.
    • There are no error checking utilities to verify that the electronic data have been loaded successfully.
    • Sample location coordinates output from a global positioning system (GPS) may be entered electronically.
    SCRIBE - graphic loading
    • Not applicable.
    SCRIBE - logical flow
    • The layout contains a logical flow pattern that a novice can use to create a sampling event.
    SCRIBE - expert knowledge
    • Without expert knowledge, it is still possible for the user to complete a sampling event by following logical steps.
    • Some knowledgeof database functions is required to filter data results and set up views.
    SCRIBE - new or upgraded features

    Scribe was updated to Version 3.6 in October 2006.  New features (since Version 3.1 was evaluated for the DST matrix) include:
    • Custom Layouts:  The user can create and save custom layouts. Import custom layouts (grid and label) from one project database file to another.
    • Import Wizard:  The software contains improved import error logs to aid in the process of importing environmental data into Scribe.
    • Scriblets:  Scriblets now supports Pocket PC devices as well as Palm OS hand-held devices.  Scriblets’ functionality has been enhancements by a "one button" import feature that simplifies the process of importing sampling and monitoring data from the field device to Scribe.
    • Scribe Chain of Custody (COC):  All sampling data elements from the database can be accessed by the COC module.  The user can now mask the COC to include the current date as well as a numeric increment as the automatic sample numbering utility is advanced. 
    • Custom DataViews:  New "EDD to GIS" custom data views provide for a standard EDD for integration with GIS products such as the Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT) and ArcGIS systems.  Crosstab-style queries for reporting analytical result data can be added to the Scribe project file. 
    • Scribe ERA Quickmap:  The user can generate a tactical map of sampling data from Scribe. Scribe s "EDD to GIS" custom data views provide functionality to export sampling and monitoring data to the EPA ERA Quickmap service.  A map (jpg) of the sampling location data is returned and displayed in a browser window.
     
    SCRIBE - documentation
    • Help menus did not provide much information.
    • ERT’s technical support personnel are responsive and helpful.  All manuals and guides were updated in October 2006.
     
    SCRIBE - information sharing
    • Scribe.NET provides a method of storing and sharing Scribe projects.  Using Scribe.NET, Scribe projects can be shared between Scribe desktop clients and enterprise Oracle/SQL database clients.  Scribe projects are "Published" from the Scribe desktop client, and other desktop or enterprise users "Subscribe" to the published projects.  Users can subscribe to individual or multiple projects.  Regional or global subscriptions can also be created for sharing entire sets of published projects.
     
    SCRIBE - output
    • SCRIBE allows tabular output such as Microsoft Excel files, internet files, and text files.
    • SCRIBE will produce sample labels and chain-of-custody forms.
    • COCs can now be exported in f2l/ANSETS-compliant XML file format.
    • The software includes support for importing and exporting monitoring data in the NARAC XML format.
    • Scribe import and export menus now support RAT and Automated Data Review (ADR) data formats.
     
    SCRIBE - sources
    • Version 3.1 downloaded November 12, 2004.
    Note that this DST matrix is under active construction. Comments and suggestions about the structure
    or content of this website should be sent to Mike Adam .
    This web site contains technology information from private contractors and government agencies and is for informational purposes only. EPA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favor of the United States Government.