Weather by You!
Templates and Projects support => Html Templates => Topic started by: avoorpool on June 10, 2012, 05:40:14 PM
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Hi Jacques,
I came accross the attached image and would like to add this to my 1st page [now] of Weather Blues, below the Moon Phase image.
I checked all possibilities but can't find the blue box in which the forecast and moon images are embedded. (just a few French names in the original Weather Blues "Internet/Images" file, but they don't correspond with the images on the page).
Can you give me a hint how I can get the (copied) script (includes the attached image) into the box and which image (box) as background for the script I can use?
Thanks,
Cheers,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
1st thing, you could take any box included in the template to use it.
Take, for example, nisht sky box and modify it with a graphic program,
I recommand Notepad++ as it is powerful and easy (and as I know it I'll
be able to help you easily) http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.1.3.html (http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.1.3.html)
The night box is a good example for you as it merge 2 images; night sky
and the moon. Then you will be able to erase stars easily and strech center box
to fit your needs.
Then you'll have to take your script into your page to made it work.
hope this help you.
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
Thanks for the message. I'll try to get it in place!
I've another quick question.
I've set up several html pages for the template and those are uploaded in Cumulus/Configuration/Internet/Files.
However, I'm running out of lines (now 7 out of 10).
IF there are no html pages with "updates" (just text pages like UV Info) I can delete those from the files setting in Cumulus, and just keep them on the server?
Correct?
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
Yes, you could remove page not needing constant updates,
like photos.htm or webcam.htm. These pages need to be processed
only to add some automatic info, ie. 2 first lines for weather station name
and "Slogan". When the infos are "injected" they stay there for ever!
And if your are producing a lot of pages more, Cumulus could give you
an extra 10 pages, but you have to edit a file "by hand".
Then, don't limit your creativity! Cumulus is able to follow you!
Regards,
Jacques
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Hey Jacques,
Thanks for your quick reply.
Since you're working on Weather Blues V2 (with an additional 2nd [tabs] line), it might be interesting to process the additional files in Cumulus. (just in case my creativity continues :D )
Which file needs to be processed "by hand"?
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
For Weather Blues v2 menu, it will not be a 2nd row for items,
but a pull-down list for each item of current bar. Then each item
that you can fit (squeezed or not) in menu bar could have a (infinite)
number of items. See (v.2): http://weatherbyyou.com/demo/weather_blues (http://weatherbyyou.com/demo/weather_blues)
For processing more than 10 files, you just have to edit Cumulus.ini.
You'll see these 6 lines for each file that you actually process:
ExtraLocal1= path and filename for local file
ExtraRemote1= path and filename for remote file
ExtraProcess1=0
ExtraBinary1=0
ExtraRealtime1=0
ExtraFTP1=1
You'll see those 6 lines repeated and numbered from 0 to 9.
Then you just have to continue numbering until reaching 19.
Your creativity would be satiated with that! ;)
Regards,
Jacques
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Thanks Jacques!!
Looks great, V2.... :o
I'll need the additional (files) pages at some point for sure!!
Cheers,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
I was curious to see why you have needs for so many additional pages,
then I revisited your site and were surprised to see so many (educational)
informations about weather.
Then I'm about to modify my template licence fineprints to have rights
to copy your contents!!! ;) :D :D
Bravo!
Jacques
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Bonjour Jacques,
Thank you for your enouraging comments :D
Indeed, I like to add a lot more information about the weather rather than just giving numbers and figures! There is so much behind it and it gives the visitor a bit of an explanation about the daily used weather subjects!
One question for you.
At the moment I'm copying the forecast page for my website from my Wunderground upload information (BestForecast). It looks great, but I need to manually upload this.
Do you have an idea of where I can get scripts, html information so I can implement this and it will be uploaded automatically?
Merci,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
For your WU forecast, I don't think that is an easy way to do it.
But WU is now offering an API for developpers. You could check that way.
Infos on WU API is here: http://english.wunderground.com/weather/api (http://english.wunderground.com/weather/api)
(big data volume access could be charged)
Also, you could try Saratoga-Weather.org script (WU-forecast.php)
at this adress: http://saratoga-weather.org/scripts-WUforecast.php (http://saratoga-weather.org/scripts-WUforecast.php)
I haven't try these at all, but found it as a starting point for your needs.
Best regards,
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
Thanks for the info.
Since I upload my data to WU, I've registered in order to obtain API info.
Also, I checked with Saratoga, and they offer for Canada the EC script.
Once downloaded I'll see where and how to implement the script into my Forecast page (hopefully without messing up my template page :D ).
Typically, does the script run in the header section of the page or after the standard part of each page (header text, picture etc).
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
I've played yesterday with script from Saratoga and it's pretty simple! :D
But, you have html template version and this script is done in php.
Then, first, you have to know if your provider support Php. To test it,
a fast way is to take any htm page that you have and create a copy
renamed to .php (ex. index.htm to index.php) and sent it to your website.
You could not try it on your Pc, browser know only html pages, not php!
Your provider server will process this file as a php file, without founding
any specific Php command to execute and will only display html content.
You have to know that Php is only a html code writer on the server side.
Php code is changed to html by server depending on what you mentionned
to do (ex: If language=French use French words). If test is positive,
you could play with Saratoga script in an empty page included in template.
Little php knowledge:
A "php block" is begining with <?php and ending with ?>
A command like first line IF.. could be one or more lines embrassed with {...}
While taking ec-forecast-testpage.php file as guide, copy 1st section before
DOCTYPE html... (forget IF section) to correspondant place in empty page.
Copy <style>... </srtle> section juste before </head> in empty page.
Then all in between <body>... </body> is the test forecast itself. You'll see
php commands like this <?php print $forecast[1]; ?>, play with indice [1];
you could replace 1 with number from 0 to 7.
Check in file ec_forecast.php to see list of "Php variables" you could play with.
you'll find near a dozen, like $forecast[1].
Then, hope this help you!
Regards,
Jacques
Ps. I'm playing with it, and will launch page including it in a few days.
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Hi Jacques,
Thanks for your description.
My server definitely supports .php, since I use it for my NOAA reports at this moment. (can't use the html since my server does not support the Realtime.txt files.)
Since Holland's (my origin) defeat against Germany I need to set my thoughts on something different, so I'll "play" a bit with the php scripts after making a .org copy of the existing html in case I mess up :D .
If all goes wrong, I count on your expertise in maybe another addition to the existing template.. :o :shock:
Cheers,
Arthur
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HI Jacques,
Forgot one thing to ask you.
Since all is written in .php script is there actually a possibility to incorporate this into the existing template (with header image, header text etc, etc - see attached idea...)
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
You surely can include ec_forecast in your template!
With little tricks have send you in latest message... you can!
I've played with this script today and you can take a look at
the page I've build on that link:
http://weatherbyyou.com/demo/Weather_bl ... recast.php (http://weatherbyyou.com/demo/Weather_blues_v2/forecast.php)
But, I don't know where you've find 10 days Forecast with so much text!!
Environment Canada publish 7 days forecast!
Regards,
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
That looks simply AWESOME....or.....MAGNIFIC!!!!
Exactly what I'm looking for!!!
What I do at the moment is make a copy of the "source" when I look at the WU forecast for my station (IONTARIO232).
Paste this in the page I have named "Forecast" and update it every once in a while......
They give a 10 day forecast, which I think is too unreliable...
I feel the Environment Canada forecast is much, much better, especially the way it looks in the template.
Any chance of getting a copy (= beta version) to play with in my template :o :o ??
It would complete another goal in my wbsite design (the Moon page is nearly finished as well..!!)
Merci Beaucoup,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
Like I told you, I've played with ec_forecast file to see how it works.
But I have to confirm some things, I've mixed icon (brief) forecast
with plain text forecast, as brief are too cryptic.
As you can see in that test, icon for Thursday night is missing. I have
to check if it is the same during evenings. Also in 1st lines it seems that
an icon is there in the evening, but replaced with big temp numbers after 4pm.
Then a lot to look for before sending it "unofficially" to you.
Tomorrow, I plan to solve these "problems"!
Regards,
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
I noticed a few of the things you mentioned, but it all is very exciting!!!
My neighbours and friends (frequent visitors of the website) have made many compliments about the layout, the clean overview, colours and template overall (blue is my favourite colour!!), but............asked me several times about a possible forecast (although they know it can't be given from my data only.....) (FYI, my data seems to be pretty good according CWOP / MADIS analysis. 2 green thumbs for all transfered data since I started 8 days ago!!)
Your forecast page looks very good.
Currently I'm studying the ec-forecast.php page of where to enter the station/location data etc, etc.
Merci, Merci,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
This morning, I've verified what I was thinking about non-stable layout...
and I'm right! :( Yesterday night forecast text (in bottom), first 2 lines
mentionned Thursday and Thursday night, but this morning these lines
mention Today and Tonight.
[attachment=0:15nj704b]forecast.jpg[/attachment:15nj704b]Then, these 2 lines are not stable and have only one icon correspondance,
for 2 lines! :( My layout tried to merge icons with these lines, because
as you see, icons could have no text. Then, we have to stay with horizontal
"ribbon" icon layout and vertical descriptive text.
I've tried to enhance desing because it was a little weird. Saratoga design
is a medium size box (with box-line around), a wide icons "ribbon", and
a narrow column for descriptive text. I've tried to spread icon "ribbon"
to have more fluid design, but with 7 icons... no miracles to do.
Then, take ec_forecast as it is, and put it on a 1 column full-page latout.
Best regards,
Jacques
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Bonjour Jacques,
Thanks for your message. Indeed I've checked a few websites who use the ec-forecast according to Saratoga-Weather script, and they all have the same lay-out....
If you keep the left-column "Forecast", will this still fit into 1 page?
Today I will play around a bit with the "empty" page and see if I can get the script to work.....(or are you implementing the ec-forecast script into Weather Blues "as-is"?)
Your example of Sorel-Tracy looks actually good.
On another note the following:
When it comes to weather information, for me, accuracy is a "Must"!! (I've checked weather stations in the Toronto area and saw wind records of 396 km/h...... :D :D ). (Toronto would be gone!!)
My problem with ec-forecast is that the information is observed at Oshawa Airport, approx 25km from my home/station (see: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pag ... ric_e.html (http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-54_metric_e.html))
I've found a temp solution in my forecast page, to implement the Wunderground forecast icon (see: http://altonaweather.host22.com/forecast.htm (http://altonaweather.host22.com/forecast.htm)) and click on the icon.
THIS forecast is of my direct surroundings, based on the WU BestforecastTM, however when you have a closer look it differs a bit from the ec-forecast :o
Saratoga-Weather mentions that the WU forecast script can not be used in Canada.....Why??
I'm a registered WU user since 2009, however I can't get a API for the forecast script, although I have my personal key etc, etc.
Do you think the WU forecast will be another option to implement in Weather Blues?
Merci,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
This morning I'm redrawing completely ec_forecast layout to strech it (H & V).
I'll probabley include it in the Weather Blue v2.0, but as an optional page.
(When design meets my "standards")
For the WU Forecast, I'm a little mixed about their results. As you said,
their results are not so good, mainly because they are "machine-made",
while Environment Canada is doing theirs by human meteorologists.
But I think we can play with that to, since many Canadian cities are
availables.
When you go to WU api, you have a link to their "Playground"
http://english.wunderground.com/weather ... l?apigee=1 (http://english.wunderground.com/weather/api/d/documentation.html?apigee=1)
You could check, but I have checked (just a little) with Montréal ans it check
Dorval/Trudeau airport, that make sens!
Then, I'll continue we EC and depend on time spent on that I'll check WU
Bonne journée,
Jacques
EDIT: Playground too hate IE, I had to use PC Firefox or my tablet to "play" with it!
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Hi Jacques,
So far it's been :roll:
I get dizzy reading everything in the ec-forecast.php script, however I managed to get a correct link in my Forecast page to the appropriate .php display. (htttp://altonaweather.host22.com/forecast.htm (http://htttp://altonaweather.host22.com/forecast.htm)) click on [Pickering]
This, of course is not embedded into the Weather Blues template.
How can I incorporate the script (copy/paste script in current html page???, like your display of Sorel-Tracy) or is there a way you can share a preview of the optional page for WB V2 :D ??
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
I'm still working on my own version.
I want to keep layout near from EC's layout,
but just a bit strech to "fill" a page nicely! :D
WIP....
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
I didn't spend much time behind my PC this weekend, instead had a great father's day weekend with my 8 year old son Max.
This morning I had a "sneak-peek" at your working page, and you did do a great, great job with implementing the ec-forecast info into Weather Blues!!
I don't know if the numbers are updated correctly, you can tell....but the lay-out looks very nice with the seperations and it's very much like the EC forecast page!!!
Is there a chance you can share a "beta" version already, and some instructions of how to implement the script into the existing template?
Merci Beaucoup,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
I've worked on that page this weekend to made it working live.
Then this page is working correctly, but I'm not impressed with
its speed! When browser's cache is empty, the page display its
header, but nothing below, during a few seconds.
Presently, I'm working on my own script, instead of working with
public page to extract data like ec-forecast script, I'm working
on raw data directly. By that way I hope to have speedier page
and in the same time having all data necessary to build an exclusive
graph of the day... then Canadian users of this template will be able
to switch from Cumulus graphs to my own based on EC data.
Then many work to do before launch.
Regards,
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
Thanks for your message.
Your ec-forecast "test" page is great. It looks like the data is uploaded correctly (once per hour looking at the time stamp), but I can't say much about the speed.
I very much like your idea of creating your own script, not being depending on public data. Does that mean the information comes from each individual PWS?
In the mean time, is there a possibility to "try-out" the current script in the current version of Weather Blues (not V2)?
I'm trying to get the script to work in my Template, but that will never look as great as the test version displayed with Sorel-Tracy Regional data.
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
Yes, future script will manipulate all EC weather stations, more
then 500 is available in Canada wide. Also Quebec gov. have near
300 other stations. I think you could see if Ontario gov. has its own too!
I've found also some water level monitoring stations... then ideas are boiling! :ugeek:
For older script, I have to take time to sweep it a lot
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
Sounds very promising to me!!
In case many weather stations are incorporated, even WU "Bestforecast" might be an option to implement..??
(there are several pws with Lake Ontario water temp as well..!!)
For the time being, I would like to add a "simple" forecast page with ec info to my site. (currently I have 2 links embedded: 1 to my pws with bestforecast and 1 with a link to EC which is not displayed in the page, but in pop-up php format).
Maybe you can give me a bit of advise in how to implement the standard Saratoga script in my current page?. So far it's not working and I'm strugling and strugling :roll:
I've uploaded the entire (unpacked) zip-file in the public_html/forecast directory on the server.
Tried numerous options of where to enter the script in my standard page (keeping the header with image as is), but obviously made some mistake somewhere!!
Any adivse is very much appreciated!!
Thanks,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
For WU forecast, I'll check that later, but it could be a good thing
to incorporate as many "serious" forecast as we can.
As I think your watching my current Beta forecast page, based on
EC's forecast. I have to say that this page haven't moved any farther.
Working on that kind of project is a little as a ride in forest...
we can be lost with all those trees! :shock:
Actually, I've done a "map" of what's inside, and found that
EC have 849 weather stations Canada wide. :o
Each of these stations are represented by a file with around 700 lines.
Then, what's available on EC's web page is only a "summary"
of what is available, as example, long term forecast text are
only a real short sommary of the complete text, See:
EC's website display that text:
- Chance of showers
But in station's file, that text is available:
- A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 13. High 26.
Also there is an "Almanac", for all records for a station (I haven't see
them all, but found as old as 1930).
Then, I'm about to extract all weather infos availables and created a menu
to select any of 849 stations.
A real good Beta will be available in a few days! :D
Regards,
Jacques
Ps. I've tried to see your forecast page, but wasn't there anymore!!
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Hi Jacques,
WAUW, that sounds very impressive!!
Especially after the enormous storm we had yesterday (I guess Quebec was hit as well) I followed some other official websites, and indeed the display is alwasy very minimal (except for Global, they have a nice forecast which includes a lot of information: http://www.globaltoronto.com/weather/fo ... dium=email (http://www.globaltoronto.com/weather/forecast4me.html?icast_page=/Local/Extended&icast_location=CAXX0358&utm_campaign=WxDaily&utm_source=76695921&utm_medium=email)
My forecast page should be normal visible (it has 2 links to EC forecast and WU bestforecast)
One question remains: Looking at your "work-page" it looks like WB V2 is written in .php scripts. Will this be compatible with the current version (upgradeable to V2??)
I also visited some other weather sites, completely running on .php, and most of them show a bit of a delay with displaying the pages once you click on it!! (I guess bacause it's build on the server??)
Have a nice weekend,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
I've visited Global's weather page and.... WOW! Wheather Channel
(MétéoMédia here) has some "crust to eat"... what a beautiful page!!
For Weather Blues v.2... It will not be an upgrade, but a complete
new template. As sure you'll have to copy your content to the new
version, but inside structure will be the same. Then for example,
you will be able to take entire "content" id to the newer version.
Menu will be in 1 file, then you'll have just one place to modify
(that menu will handle submenus to have a cleaner and nore
professional look)
To include language pack, I have to turn it to Php, wrapping v.1
by Php enhancements. Then surely a weekend to move things
to newer version, but just for existing page! As Php is simply
a html writer, it could handle html pages natively.
Finally, NO, Php is not slower as the page is prepared by server
instead of being "filled" by visitor's browser, like javascript do!
To build a "living" page we have to use a server-side language,
like Php (or others) or Java / Javascript on user-side.
Little delay on many sites are due mainly because sites are trying
to be clever then ever... detect Smartphones or Pc... Browser used...
sreen resolution... languages supported... and so on!
Then we allways have to find a balance between website "richness"
and loading time!
Regards,
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
Thanks for your explanations!!
I hope you'll give a rookie like me some instructions once V2 is ready for distribution, otherwise I'm afraid I'll loose my entire website (I just start to feel a bit more comfortable with html.... :D
Looking into the scripts of Saratoga for ec-forecast, it seems to me a lot more complicated., however it might just be a matter of time to get used to (once the transition is made....)
Indeed, I like the Global forecast page, since it gives a lot more additional information. I've been in contact with Anthony Farnell (chief metereologist, originally from Montreal) and he has responded promptly, however I don't think he'll be involved in the web design but is just supplying weather information.
Looking forward to see your hard work in getting a forecast page designed (looks awefully complex to me :roll: )
Best Regards,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
Continue to play with html to be confortable wit it and you'll see
Php is easy... to do your first page, just rename a .htm page
to .php... that's it! :ugeek: Php has html as base, then it's like
spices for meal... it depends on your taste how "spicy" do you like!
For your meteorologist contact... I know that he don't do website,
but he could give authorisation for using their datas???...
and who knows maybe he can give a link to their raw datas!!!
To be followed! ;)
Jacques
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Hi Jacques,
I do like spicy food, so I hope to find joy in the "spicy" web pages as well with .php :D
It simply looks difficult to me with many unknown characters (..?? $. ( { etc). I'll study it a bit on several tuition pages on the internet.
Just starting to see the light within html....Have to find a way to combine (= implement) within each other.
Hope you'll give some detailed instructions once we come to the point to switch templates!!!
I'll be switching my webhost as well (I think I will go with iPage). They have an attractive 12 - 24 month offer and support Realtime.txt, so hopefully I can implement the Steel gauges and corrrect NOAA page. Also it will change my domain name into simply .ca
Better than with the host22 in the name!! I'll keep you informed.
I've send a message to Global (forecast4you) for further information. Let you know their answer.
Best Regards,
Arthur
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Hi Arthur,
You don't have to worry about Php, In French I've already made a tutorial
geared for Cumulus to Php users. You will learn what is Php, but with
Cumulus enhancement goal in mind... really easy!
For iPage host, it seems to be pretty complete, easy to operate...
and cheap too... could be a good place!
Best Regards,
Jacques