Overview

DESClogik is a core description software for core describers and micropaleontologists to enter observations. The software is configurable to meet different needs of different science parties. Configuring and editing the software is the responsibility of the Core Description Technician (you!).

As you're getting started make sure to read the Core Description S.O.P. for useful information on what (and how) you need to do at the beginning, middle, and end of the expedition.

Important Terminology

• Config Sheet (Configuration Sheet): This is an excel workbook that is the basis for DESClogik. These configuration sheets contain all the column information such as header, width, visibility, whether a column is free text or uses a pre-determined drop-down set of terms, and a unique definition for each column. Configuration sheets create the templates in DESClogik (see below).
• Template: A template is what the scientists are entering their data into in DESClogik. Templates are broken up into somewhat standardized groups: Macroscopic, microscopic, and one for each micropaleontology group sailing (e.g. nannofossils, forams, etc.). We'll discuss the difference between these templates later.
• Value lists: Value lists are groupings of similar terms. For example one value list we have is "principal_lithology_sediment_names" and inside that value list are terms that fall within this category such as "sand" and "clay". All terms used in DESClogik must be inside a value list.
• Sub Lists: A sublist is a subset of values from a value list that will be used on an expedition. In DESClogik sublists appear as a drop-down list of options for descriptive terms. For example "principal_lithology_sediment_names" value list could have thousands of values, so scientists will choose a smaller list of terms of only the principal lithologies they expect to see.
• Data Workbooks: These are exports from DESClogik that contain the descriptions uploaded by scientists.

What You Need

You will need to use the following software, server folders, and web based applications:

• 'All Things DESClogik' folder (VOL 1 > IODP_Share > All Things DESClogik): Contains previous expedition folders with all the configuration sheets and data workbooks from those expeditions, tutorials, and resources to give scientists to help them use the software.
• DESC Value List Manager: A web based application where value list and sublist excel workbooks are uploaded every time a change has been made to those sheets. http://eiger.ship.iodp.tamu.edu/apps/valuelistmanager/
• DESClogik: The description software users enter data into. Config Sheets are loaded into DESClogik, which generates the templates that users will use. It is an iterative process making edits to the config sheet, loading it into DESClogik, then making more edits.

Getting Started

Set up the Expedition Folder

Each expedition has its own folder in the "All Things DESClogik" folder. These folders contain the current value lists, configuration sheets, data exports, smear slide templates, Thin Section Reports, and logsheets. Open up recent expedition folders to get an idea of the structure previous techs have used.

1.Open up the "All Things DESClogik" folder VOL 1 > IODP_Share > All Things DESClogik. The most recent expedition is at the top of the list with an underscore before the name.

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Figure X: The file structure

2. Create a new folder following the same format as previous expeditions: "_DESClogik_EXP999". Put an underscore at the beginning to make it easier to access during the expedition.

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3. Open up the folder of the most recent expedition and copy the "Value List" folder into your new expedition folder. Taking the value list from the most recent expedition ensures you have the most updated set of terms.

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4. Go back to the previous expedition folder and remove the underscore. Now the only expedition folder at the top is your current expedition.

Finding a Jump Off Point

The best way to get started is read the scientific prospectus and chat with the EPM to find an expedition that encountered similar material as what your current expedition anticipates. Once you determine an expedition to start with the fun can begin!

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