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Station-Group Data Columns

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Written by Darren Huang
Updated over a week ago

1. Overview

Station-Group Data Columns define the schema—labels, formats, units, and behaviors—for each numeric or date field in your station-group records. Properly configured columns ensure consistent data entry, accurate reporting, and clean chart generation across all Station-Group Types.

2. Navigation

  1. Log into SensGrid and open your project.

  2. In the left sidebar, expand Station-Group.

  3. Click Station-Group Data Columns.

3. Page Layout

  • Sidebar Breadcrumbs: Shows path “Station-Group > Station-Group Data Columns.”

  • Toolbar: Buttons for grid customization, import/export, editing, and deletion.

  • Station-Group Type Selector: Dropdown to choose which group’s schema you’re editing.

  • Overwrite Import Columns: Checkbox to control whether imported data replaces existing definitions.

  • Data Columns Grid: Lists every column definition with full metadata.

  • Filter & Pagination Controls: Build filters, set page size, and navigate large schemas.

4. Data Column Function Bar Introduction

This section provides introductions on function bar that located at the top-right corner of the instrument data column data grid.

Function Name

Introduction

Edit Grid

Allows customization of the grid layout and content for better data management.

Click 'Edit Grid' to enter inline edit mode and make changes directly in the table cell.

Import

Enables uploading or bringing in data from external sources into the system. Click the link to download the data template, fill the data, and click Import to finish bulk upload.

Export

Allows downloading or saving data from the system to external formats.

Edit

Tick to select an existing data column row, and click on 'Edit' to open its setting panel and make changes.

Delete

Tick to select an existing data column row to remove selected entries from the system.

5. Selecting a Station-Group Type

Above the grid, use the Station-Group Type dropdown to choose the schema you wish to view or modify. Only columns belonging to the selected type display in the grid.

6. Data Columns Grid

The grid shows each column definition with the following fields:

Field

Description

Column Index

Numeric order of the column in data listings and reports.

Column Identifier

Internal key used by the system (e.g., StationName, StationDateTime).

Column Header

User-facing label displayed in tables and charts.

Column Short Code

Abbreviated label for compact displays (optional).

Data Type

Data category (String, Number, Date).

Data Format

Display format (e.g., dd-MM-yyyy HH:mm:ss, number of decimal places).

Data Unit

Measurement unit appended to numeric values (e.g., m, mm, mRL).

Usage Type

Context for the field (DATA vs. metadata fields).

Enabled

Checkbox to include/exclude the column from forms and exports.

Is Editable

Determines if users can modify the field’s value in data-entry forms.

Is Visible

Toggles visibility in default grid views and reports.

Is Nullable

Indicates whether the field can be left blank (true for optional, false for required).

6.1 Column Definitions

  • Column Index Set this to control the column’s position in exported CSVs and UI tables.

  • Column Identifier Must be unique within the Station-Group Type and contain no spaces.

  • Data Format For dates: use Java-style patterns (e.g., dd-MM-yyyy HH:mm:ss). For numbers: specify decimals (e.g., 0.0000).

  • Usage Type Typically DATA for measurement fields. Future metadata types may appear here.

6.2 Grid Operations

  • Sort by clicking any column header.

  • Resize by dragging the column edge.

  • Reorder via Edit Grid and drag handles.

7. Editing and Deleting Columns

Quick inline edits: Click Edit Grid, make changes directly in cells, then click Save Grid.

  • Edit

    1. Select a row and click Edit.

    2. Update any field in the form.

    3. Click Save to apply changes.

  • Delete

    1. Select one or more rows.

    2. Click Delete and confirm removal.

Deleted columns will no longer appear in data-entry forms or exports.

8. Filtering and Pagination

  • Create Filter Build queries on any column (e.g., Data Type = Number AND Enabled = true).

  • Page Size Choose 10, 20, 40, 60, or 80 rows per page.

  • Navigate Use numbered controls or next/previous arrows to move through pages.

9. Examples of Common Workflows

Example 1: Temporarily Hide a Column from Reports

  1. Filter grid: Column Header = Distance (m) (3D).

  2. Select the matching row.

  3. Click Edit, uncheck Is Visible, and Save.

Result: The 3D distance column still collects data but is hidden in standard views.

Example 2: Bulk-Enable Editable Fields via Import

  1. Export current definitions.

  2. In the CSV, set Is Editable to true for all rows.

  3. Import the updated CSV with Overwrite Import Columns checked.

Result: All data columns become editable across forms.

10. Best Practices & Tips

  • Maintain sequential Column Index values; leave gaps (e.g., 10, 20, 30) for future inserts.

  • Use clear, concise Column Headers and Short Codes for consistent reporting.

  • Always export before bulk imports to preserve backups.

  • Leverage filters to quickly find columns by Data Type, Enabled status.

Related Articles
Grouping
Station-Group Types
Station-Group Instrument Sets
Station-Group Chart Settings
Station-Group Report Settings
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