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3.1.1  What is a SmartBook?

We wish to tap into this process by supplying scientists with a tool that they can use to collect all data that are relevant to one particular publication (henceforth referred to as a project). Key to this approach is a standard Data and Metadata Template in the form of an Microsoft Excel© SmartBook in which they can enter their data and in which they can further process their data to eventually upload into the online MagIC database.

Because we use this standardized SmartBook protocols can be established around which scientists can build (or adapt) their (current) laboratory protocols. For example, they can streamline the collection of measurement data by enabling the export of standard MagIC Format Text Files that can be readily imported into the MagIC SmartBooks. Similar export functions can be established for various data reduction software and geomagnetic modeling codes. This approach significantly increases the flow of magnetic data into the MagIC database and circumvents labor-intensive data entry for individual scientists.

The MagIC SmartBook has been defined in a way so that it can store all measurements and their derived properties for studies of paleomagnetic directions and intensities, and rock magnetic experiments, such as hysteresis, remanence, susceptibility and anisotropy. The basic design of this SmartBook focuses on the work-flow in typical paleomagnetic and rock magnetic studies. This ensures that individual data points can be traced between actual measurements and their related specimens, samples, sites, locations, and so forth.

To make working with the MagIC SmartBooks more straightforward, we have developed the MagIC Console Software that, in addition to many other functions, contains an Import function for standard text files. This software helps you to Enter Data, it helps you to check the Correctness and Coherence of the data entries, and it helps you Prepare for Uploading your SmartBook in the MagIC database. Since the MagIC SmartBooks have been developed as Microsoft Excel© Files, most users will feel comfortable with the setup, which makes use of standard toolbars and dialogboxes.