Locations

The first time a user opens Periscope’s configuration window, located at http://(IP address of the Web Supervisor/JACE)/periscopeconfig, they will need to add locations. Locations are used to group data into logical categories typically based on a building or location’s name, but they can be used to refer to specific rooms, building wings, or anything the user wishes to classify as a location. All mapped data will then be assigned to a location in order to identify where it is coming from. All entries under the location properties menu should be filled in, especially the conditioned floor area and utility rates. These are used for numerous conversions within Periscope, and can help the user more clearly understand the extent of their energy usage. A default color can also be set/modified, which Periscope will use when displaying any data from that location in a viewlet.

New locations can be added by selecting the new location button at the bottom of the screen. In addition, folders can also be used to arrange them into like groups, like Classrooms, Regional Offices, Fire Stations, etc... Default location colors are displayed in selectable color palette icons next to each location’s name.

CO2 FOOTPRINT

Periscope users can discover their region’s emissions at http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html. By simply entering a zip code and the user’s energy provider, the most accurate and up to date emissions average can be discovered and entered in the appropriate entry box. This can then be used as a conversion factor within Periscope, allowing the user to accurately track their carbon footprint and take full advantage of the energy conversions used throughout Periscope.

GLOBAL PROPERTIES

Located in the drop-down menu above the location properties, the global unit properties allows users to alter the units displayed in Periscope viewlets that display utility usage information. Changing units will not automatically convert the user’s data into equivalent values; therefore the user should ensure their data is set up accordingly before it is assigned a global unit. Also included in the global properties menu is the help URL and default theme setting. The help URL will redirect users to a specified web address when the help option is selected in Periscope’s dashboard mode. The default theme setting will effect whether a user’s default dashboard appearance is “light” or “dark”. The theme option will only be visible if using the default Periscope theme (not custom themes).