It is possible to download these files for use in spreadsheet functions. The
files are tab-delimited files and have .txt extensions. File sizes range from
about 525KB to 825KB.
These are the steps to download a file, using Netscape as the web browser.
First access the page on which the file is located. Then click on “Edit”, then
go to “Select All” and click to highlight the entire file. Next click on
“File”, then “Save As” to save the file in the location you specify with the
name you want to give the file.
To read the files, open Excel, then click on “File” and “Open”. Since the files
are tab delimited files, instruct Excel to open “files of all types” to locate
have the file appear in the list of files in the location where the file has
been saved. Once the file name to be opened has been selected and clicked,
Excel returns the “Text Import Wizard.” My Excel program returns values that
are appropriate for the file, so I just click “Next.” (The values I use are
“Original Data Type”--Delimited”; “Start Import” at row 1 since I usually want
the entire file; and whatever the computer has put in the "File Origin” box.)
Once “Next” has been clicked, a second “Text Wizard” box appears. Again, my
program gives me the options I need, so I just automatically click “Next.” (The
values my program uses are “Text Delimiter” is set at “Tab”, “Treat Consecutive
Delimiters as one” box is not selected, and “Text Qualifier” box shows “).
After clicking “Next”, the third “Text Wizard Box” appears. Again, I just
accept what my program has selected and click “Finish.” (My program
automatically selects “General” for the “Column Data Format” box.)
Once “Finish” has been clicked, the Excel file opens. The files are now
available for manipulation (sorting by geyser, calculation of intervals, etc.)
The files are imported with standard column formats, so the first thing I
usually do is to reformat the column widths. I widen the second column to see
the entire geyser name. I narrow the fourth column, which is the “ie”, “ns”,
“e” (for electronic), or “vr” designation attached to some of the times. Once
you have performed your desired operations, you will probably want to save your
version of the file. If you elect to save the entire original file as an Excel
workbook, .xls extension, file, the file size will triple.
Lynn Stephens
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