Project Focus

Virtual Networks at the IRIS DMC

A virtual network is group of stations and/or seismic networks, representing an affiliation that goes beyond the traditional bounds of seismic networks to represent an umbrella organization or initiative. Virtual networks associate to recording stations and seismic networks either indefinitely or for some limited period of time. It is a grouping system that reflects growing partnerships between seismic institutions to undertake large projects and act as a single, newly formed entity. The virtual network naming system allows these traditional networks to have their data represented under the auspices of one or more of these initiatives.

This web tool allows users to discover and explore the currently catalogued virtual networks at IRIS DMC, showing which seismic networks and stations are associated with a given virtual network. The user can then explore further details via links which point to the MetaData Aggregator, which is a powerful online encyclopedia of seismic stations. In addition, the user can request output in 'VND' format, a tabular listing of a virtual network's membership, in both comma-separated text and .xls format.

Shortcut usage is also available by entering the URL with specific parameters, such as in these examples:

http://www.iris.edu/vnets?vnet=_SAFOD
(show me the _SAFOD virtual network)
view >>

http://www.iris.edu/vnets?vnet=_ANSS&vout=XLS
(give me the VND file in Excel format for the _ANSS)
view >>

http://www.iris.edu/vnets?vnet=_AFTAC&vout=CSV
(give me the VND output in CSV text format for _AFTAC)
view >>

The current list of virtual networks are listed at:

http://www.iris.edu/vnets

Submitted by Rob Casey, IRIS DMC