Message types help you record similar observations consistently. For example, they distinguish a free-text observation from a numeric temperature reading. Managing message types requires permission.
Create a message type
- Open Message types in the browser.
- Select Create new message type.
- Enter the Name and Description.
- Select the Data type: String or Number.
- Set Default and, if needed, Message notification.
- Select Save.
Use the name or description to explain what is recorded and in which unit. A number without an agreed unit can be difficult to interpret later.
Message notification links the selected notification to the type. Check its purpose and recipients before use; the message type's name alone does not determine who receives a notification.
Select a default
The service has one default message type. Setting a new type as the default clears the previous default selection.
A folder can also have a Default message type selected on its own form. This controls the initial selection when creating a message for a Spot in that folder. The user must still check the type before saving the message.
Change an existing type
Open the message type from the list, make the necessary change and save. Before changing the data type, check what kinds of messages have already been recorded under it. If you want to collect a different measurement, create a separate, clearly named message type for it.