---
title: "Defining a WaterML Dataset"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/WDNC/2053800254/Defining%20a%20WaterML%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 WaterML 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.
See [Creating a Credential](https://support.rubiconwater.com/help/spm/content/topics/modules/credentials/pcd_create_credential.htm) for more details. |
| Status | Extracts can only be run from *Active* datasets. |
| **Note**
- 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 [Adding Multiple Observations to a WaterML Dataset](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WDNC/pages/2053800269) 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. |
| Tag | Use the chooser to select a source tag. |
| 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. |
| **Example**
If the water level has been recorded in centimeters but is expected in meters, enter 100 as the unit conversion. |
| Description | Select the observation type from the drop-down list. This will populate the other Observation fields.
See [Observation Types Module](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WDNC/pages/2053439917) for more information about observation types. |
**Step 4**
Click **Save** to save the observation.
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