IV-ROCS Instructions
The new Cooperative Observer Program data acquisition system called IV-ROCS is now available. The system can be accessed by calling toll free (877)266-7627. The IV-ROCS voice scripts will guide the caller through the data entry process. The following is an outline of what to expect:
- Select the language. When asked, enter 1 for English or 2 for Spanish voice.
- Identify yourself. Observers must enter their 6 digit COOP station number and verify the entry after it is repeated back to the observer. Enter 1 if the entry is correct or 2 if you need to reenter the station number.
- Enter your data. The IV-ROCS voice will prompt Observers for the data. Observers will only be asked to provide data that the station is equipped to provide and documented in the CSSA Database. Observation elements IV-ROCS is capable of ingesting include precipitation (including snow), temperature, evaporation, soil temperature, and river stage.
- Precipitation Types. After entering a precipitation value the IV-ROCS voice
will ask the observer to report a precipitation type. Observers can report as many
precipitation types as needed. The precipitation types and codes are as follows:
- Rain
- Freezing Rain
- Drizzle
- Freezing Drizzle
- Snow
- Snow Pellets
- Snow Grains
- Ice Pellets
- Hail
- Revised Reports. IV-ROCS will allow the observer to submit a revised report within 2 hours after the scheduled observation time documented in the CSSA database.
- Special Event Reporting. IV-ROCS allows special event reporting 2 hours after the scheduled observation time. Special event elements include Precipitation, Snowfall, Snow depth, Water Equivalent of Snow, and River Stage.
The system has some special features to streamline the data entry process. These features include:
- Key-ahead. As observers become familiar with the data entry scripts they can use the key-ahead feature to speed data entry. The key-ahead feature allows the observer to begin entering data while the voice script is still running. When observers use the key-ahead feature the system will immediately stop the voice script and advance to the data entry point in the program. The key-ahead feature is not available during the data verification process.
- Entry Verification. Observers must enter the # key after each data entry to let the system know they have finished entering data. The IV-ROCS voice will then read back the entry and ask for verification. Enter 1 if the entry is correct or 2 if you need to reenter the data. The # key is not required after data verification entries.
- Special Characters. To report a trace of precipitation observers must use the * key on the telephone key pad. The * is also used to indicate negative temperature values. Observers are required to enter precipitation values without the decimal point. The program will insert the decimal point at the proper point and read the value back to you. As a reminder rain is entered to the nearest 0.01 inch, snowfall is entered to the nearest 0.1 inch, and snowdepth is entered to the nearest inch.
- Missing Data. Observers are allowed to indicate missing data by just pressing # when prompted to enter data. The system will respond with “missing value" and ask for verification. Press 1 to confirm and 2 to reenter the data.
- E-mail Notification. The final voice script asks if the observer would like a NOAA's National Weather Service representative to contact them. By entering 2 the IV-ROCS will send an e-mail referencing the observation station identification number and SID to the local office requesting they contact the observer. If an observer does not need assistance they may simply hang up anytime after entering all observation data.
