---
title: "Defining a WDTF Dataset"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/WDNC/2053439979/Defining%20a%20WDTF%20Dataset"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

Define a dataset by specifying the destination and frequency, then add observations to include in the dataset.

# Create the Dataset

**Step 1**

In the WDTF Datasets module click **Add New Dataset** to define a new dataset and complete the following properties:

| **Property** | **Description** |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Provide a descriptive name for this dataset. |
| Organisation | Choose a destination organisation for which you have configured connection credentials.<br>See <u>[Creating a Credential](https://support.rubiconwater.com/help/spm/content/topics/modules/credentials/pcd_create_credential.htm)</u> for more details. |
| Extract Frequency | Choose an extract frequency. This specifies how often extracts will be made from this dataset if you schedule periodic extracts. |
| **Note**<br>This frequency applies to all the observations included in the dataset. If you need to use different frequencies for some observations, you can create another dataset for those observations. |
| Status | Extracts can only be run from *Active* datasets. |
| **Note**<br>- Set a dataset to *Inactive* to temporarily suspend extracts from the dataset.
- *Retire* a dataset if you do not intend to use it again. Retired datasets cannot be edited but are retained for auditing purposes. |

**Step 2**

Click **Save **to save your changes.

# Add an Observation to the Dataset

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ You must define an observation type in the [Observation Types module](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WDNC/pages/2053439917) before you can add an observation of that type to the dataset.

**Step 1**

Select the dataset that you just created and open the Observation tab.

**Step 2**

Click **Insert**. This will add an observation based on the data from a single tag.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ You can also add multiple observations at once. See <u>[Adding Multiple Observations to a WDTF Dataset](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WDNC/pages/2053800299)</u> for more details.

**Step 3**

Enter the following properties:

| **Property** | **Description** |
| --- | --- |
| Status | Set the status to *Active* to include this observation in dataset extracts. Set the status to *Inactive* to temporarily prevent extraction of this observation. |
| Data source | Specify whether the data will be read from a tag, or from meter readings. |
| Tag/Irrigators | Use the chooser to select a tag, or to select the irrigator or group of irrigators whose meter readings will be used to supply data. |
| Unit Conversion | If the source reading has a different unit from the unit required for the water data type, apply an appropriate conversion factor here. The conversion is done to the same number of decimal places as the conversion factor (to a limit of six decimal places). |
| **Example**<br>If the water level has been recorded in centimeters but is expected in meters, enter 100 as the unit conversion. |
| Regulation | Select the observation type from the drop-down list. This will be one of the sub-categories of water data specified in the Australian Water Regulations 2008. |

**Step 4**

Click **Save** to save the observation.

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