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NovaStar Data Model / Point Class

Point classes define how a sensor measures a value.

Overview

Each NovaStar point type may conform to the characteristics of a point class, which defines how a physical or virtual sensor measures values.

NovaStar systems typically use point classes that are defined by TriLynx Systems and are consistent across systems so that software functionality, documentation, and training materials are consistent.

Point Classes

Point Class Description                                
analog Continuous range of sensor values recorded, for example:
  • pressure transducer (voltage must be converted to elevation)
counter Counter with rollover, for example:
  • rain sensor that counts bucket tips and rolls over
encoder Encoder counter that continues at rollover (values do not reset to zero):
  • ?
status Each bit marks a state, for example:
  • sensor station status reports
flag Integer values that each have a meaning
  • flasher on/off
  • GPS lock on/off
wind Wind run (distance in a day), for example:
  • wind sensor
alertwind ALERT wind format (combined wind run and direction).
flow Volume per time interval, for example:
  • data logger that computes streamflow discharge on the unit rather than transmitting water level
total Totalized data, for example:
  • ?

status Point Class

Point types that use the status point class require additional database entries in the point_status table.