Interfaces and data exchange
From Documentation
This section describes the import and export capabilities of openLCA.
Contents |
Import wizard
The import wizard is used to load data sets into openLCA. To open it, select the import entry in the application menu.
In the import wizard, the supported import formats are categorized by their respective data format name. Select the type of data you want to import and click "Next". The wizard then asks you where the data should be saved, about the location of the data, and other import options.
Importing EcoSpold files
For importing EcoSpold files, go to the import wizard and select the EcoSpold data format. Choose first the database in which the data should be imported. Then select the directory where the data you want to import are located and the import files, and click "Next". It is possible to import zip files and single xml files. You can select multiple files at once.
During the EcoSpold import you will then be asked in which category data should be saved in the openLCA database. Creating a new category is helpful in order to keep several imports separate.
Now, the import wizard compares all units in the import data with existing units in openLCA, and may propose conversion factors, if different units are found. If the database contains a unit that is not recognised by openLCA, select a flow property and enter a conversion factor for the new unit. The conversion factor is defined as reference unit/unit. For example, for unit kWh and reference unit MJ, the conversion factor is 3.6, as 1kWh = 3.6 MJ. If you are done with editing the units, click on "Finish" and the import will start.
NB: For importing ecoinvent files, you should first import processes (unit processes, and/or multi-output processes, and/or system processes) and then import the LCIA methods.
Importing ILCD files
For importing data in ILCD format, you first need to zip your ILCD files on the first level, as one ILCD dataset consists of several connected single datasets. For instance one process dataset is linked to numerous flow, unit group, source, contact datasets, etc. Then go to the import wizard and select the ILCD data format. Choose a database and the file you want to import and click on "Finish".
Export wizard
The export wizard can be used to, obviously, export data from openLCA. To open it, select the export entry in the menu of the application or right-click an element in the navigation tree. The EcoSpold format in openLCA supports exporting processes and LCIA methods; the ILCD format export allows exporting actors, sources, unit groups, flow properties, flows and processes.
In the export wizard, all supported export formats are listed. Select a format, the target location in your file system, the data you want to export. Then click "Finish".
Other export options
Beyond the previous described export options, openLCA provides further export possibilities.
- Diagrams can be saved as image via right-click "Save image..."
- Tables can be exported as Excel file via the Excel icon in the menu bar
- Product systems can exported as csv matrix via the table icon in the menu bar
Import and export openLCA script
It is also possible to import and export entire databases, for backup or data exchange. To do so, use the function "Import openLCA script" and "Export to openLCA script" respectively.
Export to openLCA script
To save and export a database to openLCA script format,
- Right-click on a database and choose "Export to openLCA script".
- Define a location and name for your file. The extension must be kept as "*.olca" and the export can start.
Import to openLCA script
For reusing a previoulsy exported database, simply:
- Right-click on the MySQL connection and select "Import openLCA script".
- Select your olca file
- Create a database and choose a name
- The import starts!
See also
- Getting started
- Basic handling
- Elements in the application
- Interfaces and data exchange
- Advanced functions
- Contact and Feedback
