MERLIN-Expo

Time series are used for temporal measurements and data such as wind speeds, precipitation, concentrations in water etc. The data you need to provide for your study depends on which sub-systems you have selected for your model.

The time series are listed on the left hand side of the screen. When you select a time series in the list, the table on the right displays its data.

Time series begin at 0 and use a time unit of days.

Below the table is a graph showing you the data you have entered. The time axis starts at the simulation start time and ends at the simulation end time. You can hide the plot by clicking the Toggle button.

Note - The table shows data for one dependency at a time. For a time series dependent on contaminants, a drop-down list above the table will let you choose which contaminant to enter values for. Use the default item in the drop down list if you want to assign the same values for all contaminants.

For long time series you might consider importing data from Excel by using the toolbar button. You can also copy-paste data from Excel (or some another spreadsheet). Copy the data, then right-click the upper left cell in the table and choose Paste from the menu.

To remove all data

1. Click a cell in the table.
2. Press CTRL+A to select all cells.
3. Press the DELETE key.

You can select how data is retrieved from the table during calculations by using the Interpolation drop down list:

• Interpolation-Extrapolation – Values between the specified time-points are linearly interpolated. Values before the first time point and after the last time-point will be extrapolated.
• Interpolation-Use end values – Values between the specified time-points are linearly interpolated. The value for the first time point will be used when time is less than the first time point. The value for the last time point will be used when time is larger than the last time point.
• Use input nearest – For each simulation time point the value for the nearest specified time is used.
• Use input below – For each simulation time point the value for the nearest of the lower specified time points is used. If none of the specified time points is lower, then the nearest of all specified time points is used.
• Use input above – For each simulation time point the value for the nearest of the higher specified time points is used. If none of the specified time points is higher, then the nearest of all specified time points is used.

The Editor will adjust to show how values are going to be used during the simulation.

For repeating data you can select the Cyclic button. The time series will then be “looped” and all values repeated.

Note - For cyclic data, you must ensure that the first value you give is the same as the last value. Also remember to include the whole range; if you want a table to repeat a one year cycle the first data point should be for day 0 and the last for day 365.

• Time series
• User interface