Overview
Conversions psql
phpPGAdmin
PGAccess
PostgreSQL Manager
MS Access
The geographic data table contains coordinates for any number of city, county, and state locations. Additionally, it holds information on time zones, elevation, FIPS codes, AFOS IDs and a daylight savings time flag. Entries must exist for every state where you expect APRS packets will originate.
Editing can be accomplished by using one of the following:
- psql - PostgreSQL Interactive Terminal (command line, text based)
- phpPGAdmin - web based PHP administration
- PGAccess - TCL script X-Windows based administration
- PostgreSQL Manager - A new GUI based tool that will run on Windows or Linux/Unix
- MS Access - Using Microsoft Access to manage the database
In all cases, PostgreSQL must be configured to accept TCP connections on a network connection. See the sub-section on PostgreSQL in the Installation section of the documentation on how to enable network connectivty if you have not already done so.
The following conversions may prove useful if you edit the data.
Pressure Conversions:
Tenths of Millibars = Inches of Mercury / 338.653
Inches of Mercury = Tenths of Millibars x 338.653
Wind bearing is in degrees relative to true north (like a compass). The following table shows the relationship between degrees and direction.
Degrees Direction 0 N 45 NE 90 E 135 SE 180 S 225 SW 270 W 315 NW
psql - The PostgreSQL Interactive Terminal
psql is shipped with PostgreSQL. Despite the fact that it is text based, it is probably the most powerful tool for maintaining the database. However unless you are skilled in the use of SQL (Structured Query Language), it is recommended that you use a different tool.
If you want to learn more about using PostgreSQL and SQL in general it is recommended that you obtain and read Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL by Stones & Matthew (Wrox Press), ISBN 1-861005-15-6. There is a lot of practical information packed into the book and is well worth the price.
phpPGAdmin is probably the best GUI interface available for administrating the database. Written in PHP script, it is a web based solution that can run in most browsers. It is easy to use and well supported. You read more about it and download it from:
To effectively use the administration tool, you need to be familiar with fundamental concepts associated with SQL databases and PostgreSQL in particular.
PgAccess is a TCL script-based X-Window app that can be used to administrate and maintain PostgreSQL. Information and download is available at the following site:
Downloads are available if you follow the Users link.
Where phpPGAdmin would run on any platform since it is browser based, this solution must run on Linux/Unix under X.
The PostgreSQL Manager is a new tool that is available for administrating and maintaining PostgreSQL databases. It is available for Windows as well as Linux. Looks very good. Can be reviewed and downloaded from:
As of this writing, this author has not tested the app.
Microsoft's Access can also be used to access and maintain the data. However, bear in mind that by using Access you will be unable to do any administration - at least very easily (will require a "pass-through" query).
You must also have the ODBC driver for PostgreSQL installed on the Windows machine. The must current ODBC driver can be downloaded from:
There are a number of different downloads. Be sure you get the one that is appropriate for you operating platform.
Once installed, go into the ODBC Administrator and set-up your data source. It will be classified as a "Machine Source".