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Environmental Protection Agency
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) Overview
 

Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) incorporates tools from the field of environmental assessment into an effective problem-solving environment. The capabilities of SADA can be used independently or collectively to address site-specific concerns in characterizing a contaminated site, assessing risk, selecting the location of future samples, and when designing remedial action. These tools include:
  • Data exploration and visualization
  • Statistical analysis
  • Human health and ecological risk assessments
  • Sample plan design
  • Cost/benefit analysis
  • Geospatial interpolation

Home

SADA Home Site
Functions
  • Visualization
  • Secondary Sampling
  • Initial Sampling
  • Geospatial Interpolation
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Human Health Risk Assessment
  • Ecological Risk Assessment
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Input
  • Tabular File: *.csv
  • Graphical File: *.dxf, *.shp
  • Output
    • Tabular File: *.csv
    • Graphical File: *.jpg
    • Print Report: Yes
    Contaminants
    • Metals
    • Chlorinated Solvents
    • SVOCs
    • Pesticides/PCBs
    • Petroleum
    • Radionuclides
    Media
    • Soil Sediment
    • Soil Gas
    • Surface Water
    • Groundwater
    Technical Team Members
    • Risk Assessor
    • Statistician
    • Staff Familiar with Interpolation Techniques
    Comments  
     
    SADA - data loading
    • SADA provides a sequence of useful dialog boxes that assist the user with loading a data file. For instance, one dialog box allows the user to match field names in their data file with required field names in SADA. Another dialog box is used to check the data set for errors.
    • User must import data in a csv file format. Microsoft Excel (xls) files may be saved as csv files using the Excel "save as" command.
    • During the evaluation, the last column of data in the test data file was not recognized. An error screen appeared stating that there was a problem with data in the last column; however, the last column was empty. The last column was deleted to correct the error.
    SADA - graphic loading
    • Map coordinates and sample coordinates must be in a consistent format (either state plane or Universal Transverse Mercator [UTM]). A UTM base map was obtained to correct the error.
    • dxf files must be created in AutoCAD 2000.
    SADA - logical flow
    • The program is designed so that the user selects a module in a toolbar window and a series of steps are then provided in the Steps window. Steps that are common to more than one module are preserved when the user switches between modules, minimizing data entry.
    • The user must navigate through a series of Help screens (by links) to be able to obtain the answers to many questions that involve program functions.
    • Help menu may not explain the purpose or results of specific program modules in terms that a non-expert may understand. For example, "Interpolate my Data" does not describe output that can be obtained through the Interpolation module.
    SADA - expert knowledge
    • SADA appears to be designed for users with a certain level of expert knowledge. For instance, the user must have some understanding of various interpolation methods to effectively use the "Interpolate My Data" module. The Help menus briefly describe the methods; however, without prior knowledge, it is difficult for the user to identify the most appropriate method to use for a specific problem. A statistician or risk assessor would also be helpful.
    SADA - documentation
    • The SADA tutorial should be read before the software is used. A thorough review of the tutorial and sample problems may enable general technical staff to use sophisticated modules with greater confidence.
    • Help menus describe SADA functions and provide information at different steps of the SADA process.
    SADA - output
    • User may save any image to the Windows clipboard using copy image button, then image can be pasted into a Microsoft application, such as Word or PowerPoint.
    • User may save tabular data by clicking the information button on the toolbar. A data table will appear in a new dialog box. User may click the "Excel" button at the top of the dialog box to save the tabular data to a file. Information provided in the data table depends on the module that is active. For instance, if user is in the "See My Data" module, the data table will contain the input data. If the user is in the "Interpolate My Data" module, the data table will contain a matrix of gridded values in an X/Y/Z/Result format.
    • "Auto-documentation" step is available in Steps window for all modules. This step allows the user to save different types of input and output to a HTML file, providing a easy method to document the analysis and share with others. Radio buttons allow the user to select the type of information to include in the auto-documentation file.
    SADA - sources
    • Version 4 downloaded October 5, 2004.
    • Tutorial.
    • Help Menus.
    Note that this DST matrix is under active construction. Comments and suggestions about the structure
    or content of this website should be sent to Mike Adam .
    This web site contains technology information from private contractors and government agencies and is for informational purposes only. EPA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favor of the United States Government.