DSSAT would be more helpful to new users if one could buy complete file sets
for individual crops, sites, years, etc.  Then these example file sets could
be easily modified with your own data replacing the data in the example
files.  This minimizes format and keypunching errors and allows you to get
up to speed in using the software more quickly. From what I gather, you need
to contact other users in order to get such data sets.  A system for
accumulating and distributing dataset-files for individual crops at a cost
(or free, even) would be very helpful.

Bill Donald

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Caldwell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 10:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: For developers: XML schema for DSSAT data, RAPID.org
initiative.


Dear DSSAT list,
     This note is primarily for software developers:
     RAPID, Inc. (http://www.rapidnet.org) has organized a meeting to
discuss how data on field operations should be communicated. RAPID is "a
non-profit organization that actively assists the North American
Agri-Business realize the economic and stewardship benefits of electronic
commerce. RAPID develops and promotes commonly supported standards,
processes, databases and electronic connectivity." This effort won't
evaluate or replace ICASA data standards, but it may create a better means
for communicating DSSAT data between applications.
     I will attend the meeting next Wednesday, June 27, in Baltimore. If
you have any advice or recommendations, please contact me personally before
the meeting (mailto:[log in to unmask]). Let me know if you would like to
stay informed of the initiative.

Sincerely,
Bob Caldwell, Cropping Systems Specialist,
   Dept. of Agronomy & Horticulture/SEREC/NEREC
   University of Nebraska - Lincoln
   306 Keim Hall, P.O. Box 830910, Lincoln, NE 68583-0910
[log in to unmask]    Phone: (402) 472-4792. FAX: (402) 472-7904.