Port-Log FAQs
About our data sharing and publishing platform Port-Log - Frequently asked Questions
Port-Log General FAQs:
Is there a restriction to the number of sensors I can add to my Port-Log Hub?
here is no restriction to the number of sensors you can add. Multiple and different instrument types can be added to Port-Log at any time, so your sensor network can grow as necessary.
Can I view Port-Log on all Internet web browsers?
You can view Port-Log on most browsers but not all of them and we recommend keeping web browsers up to date for security reasons. Port-Log is proven to be compatible with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari.
What is Port-Log Connect?
Port-Log Connect consists of three different services:
- Stream – the real-time streaming of live data to another user, for example dredgers working within a Port
- Relay – a regular data feed to a third-party, for example weather forecasters
- API – allows a live data feed to be called from a third-party application, for example a website or under keel clearance application
How do I request a new user account for my Port-Log?
Port-Log Connect consists of three different services:
Please contact support@oceanwise.eu to request new user accounts. When you email, please provide the email address of the user, and the level of authentication they require. This could be basic (user can only view the Map and Latest Port-Log webpages), or advanced (user can access Map, Latest, History – including Download – and Console pages).
Please contact support@oceanwise.eu to request new user accounts. When you email, please provide the email address of the user, and the level of authentication they require. This could be basic (user can only view the Map and Latest Port-Log webpages), or advanced (user can access Map, Latest, History – including Download – and Console pages).
Can users have different access rights for different users i.e. restrict what some users can see and access?
Yes. Different access rights are built into Port-Log depending on your requirements. Levels of access include view-only of the latest data (lowest), ability to view and download historical data (middle) and access to the system pages (highest).
Port-Log Parameters FAQs:
How do we work out windspeed?
All meteorological data is calculated in accordance with the WMO
Sample rate – 1 Hz
Present wind = the most recent wind value calculated as per WMO guidance (for most of our customers this is calculated once per minute)
Gust – highest 3 sec rolling average in sample period e.g. 1 min, 10 min, 60 min (and occasionally 3 hrs when comparing observational data modelled data)
Gust = the maximum value over the observing cycle (generally 1 minute) of the 3-second running average wind speed
Sample periods – 1 min, 10 min and 60 min (plus gust)
Required sampling rates – we would usually recommend the sensor itself records at 1Hz (one record per minute), and the values for wind/gust are calculated according to customer requirement (generally once per minute, as previously).
Present wind = the most recent wind value calculated as per WMO guidance (for most of our customers this is calculated once per minute)
Required sampling rates – we would usually recommend the sensor itself records at 1Hz (one record per minute), and the values for wind/gust are calculated according to customer requirement (generally once per minute, as previously).
All averages are scalar (so not to reduce the speed when direction is highly variable) and the sample timestamp is always at the end of the sample period e.g. 10 min wind speed at 0300 is from 0251 – 0300.
Why has a tide gauge timed out? / Why is my gauge offline?
There could be many reasons for a tide gauge (or any sensor) timing out, but the first things to check are:
- If the system is connected to mains power, are there any known power issues at that location?
- If the system is being powered, is any data making it through to Port-Log?
If there aren’t any known issues, please check the local power supply and rectify if there is an issue.
Use the ‘GPRS’ tab on Port-Log to check input voltage/battery voltage for the system. A gradual decline indicates a fault with the battery charger or main power source (mains power/solar), or that the batteries have degraded.
Check the ‘QA/QC’ page for the particular site and filter for ‘Include Failed’ to see whether QA/QC measures could be preventing data from being displayed.
Why has a cluster gone offline?
This is likely to be caused by a local or global firewall issue, for further assistance contact support@oceanwise.eu
What do the alerts mean and how do they work?
Port-Log can send alert emails for a variety of triggers, including timeouts, thresholds exceeded or database failure.
Data validity is indicated by colour in Port-Log standard pages (note these may differ on custom pages).
Port-Log Data Storage & Security FAQs:
Is the data stored in Port-Log, backed up?
Yes, data stored in Port-Log is backed up on the Port-Log cloud servers. You can also request a complete copy of your data at any time (for which an additional charge may apply)
How can I be sure that my data is secure?
OceanWise takes cyber security very seriously and we have put measures in place to minimise a potential security breach. We are cyber security certified by the UK Government and all our hosting facilities are accredited to ISO 27001. Port-Log websites are secured by default but there is an option to make some of the web displays publicly accessible, if required.
Is a server required to be able to download and store the Port-Log data?
If you choose the cloud-based subscription you do not need to store the data locally, as it is stored indefinitely and securely, including backups, on the Port-Log hosted servers. You can choose to download any of the data at any time. However, if you opt for a local installation of Port-Log then you will require a suitable server on which to install the Port-Log database and software. OceanWise can help you with this and provide a fully configured server (at an additional cost), if required.
How much historical data can be stored in the cloud and is there a cap to the data?
There is no limit on the time or period that the data is stored. We will increase the volume of storage as necessary and, for customers with a dedicated server, advise if larger server is required, although this is only usually necessary for customers with many tens of monitoring stations or ‘sites’.
Who owns or has legal right to the data saved and who has the rights to distribute or sell the data gathered?
All of the data is owned by the customer and will not be distributed or used for any other purpose whatsoever unless this is specifically requested in writing. The Port-Log website is secured by default but there are options to make some of the web pages to publicly accessible, while a valid subscription exists.
Port-Log Pricing FAQs:
Is Port-Log just a one off cost?
No, it will be made clear on your quotation which elements of your purchase are subscriptions and which costs are one off costs (like cables, installation etc). Port-Log Hub, Port-Log Sites and of course the mobile data connections, are all annual subscriptions. There is a local installation option for Port-Log, which comes with a software licence price and an annual support and maintenance charge, so if this of interest, please contact us for details.
Is Port-Log charged on a ‘per user’ basis?
No. You can add as many users as you like for no extra cost. Port-Log is charged depending on the number of monitoring stations ‘or sites’ that you have
Does the annual Port-Log subscription start from the date I place the order?
No. The subscription will start when we start receiving good data from the first site, and not before this. We will email you an expiry notice each year at least 1 month before the expiry date, which must be renewed beforehand to ensure continuity of the service. Multiple-year subscriptions are available. Please see our online terms and conditions for more information.
