Attention Rainman users!

When updating monthly rainfall data through the internet, the URL will need to be changed under Preferences, from 'nrw' to 'longpaddock'.

This follows the recent name change in the departments of the Queensland Government. Instructions on how to change the URL can be found below in the Customer Support section.

The current version is 4.3+ (0492). The plus sign signifies that this version can now analyse all climate elements (e.g. maximum or minimum temperature) if there is access to this data.

Rainman StreamFlow contains records for:

• Australia
  1. historical monthly and daily rainfall for 3800 locations
  2. monthly and daily streamflow for nearly 400 locations
• Worldwide
  1. monthly rainfall records for some 9500 locations

Rainman information

Rainman StreamFlow gives the power to:

• analyse records for individual locations for seasonal, monthly and daily patterns
• forecast seasonal rainfall based on the SOI or SST
• use group locations for spatial analysis
• import monthly, daily rainfall and streamflow data
• print results; see examples of tables, graphs, charts or maps.

What's new in Version 4?

• International rainfall data
• New map system for selection (zoom into any country)
• 9700 rainfall locations worldwide
• 400 streamflow gauging stations in Australia (in addition to monthly and daily rainfall data)
• Analysis of monthly and daily streamflow (as well as normal rainfall data)
• Forecasts in Standard mode (SOI Phases)
• Forecasts in Research mode (vary the season and lead time)
• New SST (Pacific and/or Indian Ocean) analysis
• New 'Persistence' analysis for streamflow
• Results as tables, charts and maps
• Periods of forecast skill analysis
• Extra statistical tests
• Able to sort worst drought and wettest periods
• Mapping for spatial view of analyses
• Ability to select groups of locations for mapping and group analysis
• Ability to analyse any long-term time series, such as temperature or simulation model output
• New detailed tutorials for rainfall and streamflow
• Facilitator's notes for trainers and educators

Customer support

To change the 'nrw' URL to the new URL, start Rainman, go to the top menu, select File, then Preferences and check the (user-defined data updating internet site) option.

The new user-defined site for internet updating is: longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/Rainman3update/R33Update.zip

Updating monthly data

Monthly rainfall and predictor data and maps can be updated automatically over the internet for no charge. Data is usually available after about the tenth of the following month.

See instructions for updating data when the automatic function does not operate.

New install program on Version 4.3 (0492)

Version 4.3 (0492) has a new install program. This install is based on the proprietary Wise program. If you purchase a new computer and have problems installing your earlier version of Rainman to the new PC, please contact Val Saywell.

Step-by-step tutorial

Refer to the step-by-step tutorial showing you how to make good use of Rainman, and get answers to typical questions for seasonal climate forecasts.

Installing rainman onto a new computer with MS Vista

Refer to instructions on how to instal Rainman onto Microsoft Vista operating system.

Pricing and ordering information

Rainman is available in three editions.

Standard edition:

• Price $125
• This edition is recommended for farmers and businesses.

Educational edition:

• Price $125
• This edition is recommended for teaching in universities, colleges and schools.

Professional edition:

• Price $450
• This edition is recommended for agricultural advisers, consultants, water managers, government planners and researchers.

See the chart of the differences between the editions.

Please note:

• Prices quoted are for a single licence only.
• Please contact Val Saywell for site licence pricing.
• Prices quoted are in Australian dollers.
• Upgrades for any of the Rainman products will need to show proof of ownership.
• The upgrade cost is $25 (including GST and postage).
• View the chart of the differences between the editions.

Contacts for ordering the Rainman software are:

Val Saywell
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
203 Tor Street (PO Box 102)
Toowoomba Qld 4350
Ph: 07 4688 1200
Email

Rainman software can also be purchased by credit card from the Queensland Government Bookshop.