Engineering summary
How to Access and View Detected Events in SeisComP: engineering guidance from QuakeLogic covering data acquisition systems, applications, measurement wo...
SeisComP is a widely used software package for seismological data acquisition, processing, and analysis. One of its core features is the detection and cataloging of seismic events. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to access and view detected events in SeisComP, and explain where the event catalog is stored.
Viewing Detected Events in SeisComP
Using the SeisComP GUI (Scolv)
The Scolv tool in SeisComP is a graphical user interface designed for reviewing and manually locating seismic events. Here’s how you can use it:
- Launch Scolv:
- Open a terminal and type
scolvto start the application. - Alternatively, you can launch it from the SeisComP graphical interface if available.
- Browse Events:
- Once Scolv is open, you can browse through the list of detected events.
- Click on an event to view detailed information such as magnitude, location, and origin time.
Using the Command Line Interface
SeisComP provides powerful command-line tools for querying and managing events. Here’s an example of how to list events using the command line:
Open Terminal:
- Open a terminal window.
Run Query:
- Use the
seiscompcommand to list events. For example:bash seiscomp exec scevtls -d mysql://user:password@host/database - Replace the database connection string with your actual SeisComP database connection details.
Using the SeisComP Web Interface
If your SeisComP setup includes the web interface, you can access it via a web browser to view detected events:
Open Browser:
- Open your preferred web browser.
Navigate to SeisComP Web Interface:
- Enter the URL of your SeisComP web interface.
- Browse to the event list page where you can filter and view events.
Understanding the Event Catalog Location
The event catalog in SeisComP is typically stored in a database. The type and location of this database depend on your SeisComP configuration:
Database Configuration
SeisComP supports various database backends such as MySQL and PostgreSQL. The connection details are specified in the SeisComP configuration files, usually found in /etc/seiscomp3 or a similar directory.
Configuration File (global.cfg)
To find the database settings, open the global.cfg configuration file. Look for entries like these:
database.archive = mysql://user:password@host/database
database.events = mysql://user:password@host/databaseThese entries specify the connection details for the event catalog database.
Database Tables
Event information is stored in various tables within the database, including Event, Origin, Magnitude, and more.
Steps to Access the Event Catalog
Ensure SeisComP is Running
First, ensure that SeisComP services are running. You can start them using the following command:
seiscomp startAccessing Scolv
To access Scolv, open a terminal and type:
scolvUsing the Command Line
To list events using the command line, run:
seiscomp exec scevtls -d mysql://user:password@host/databaseWeb Interface
Open your web browser and navigate to the SeisComP web interface URL, if configured.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily view the events detected by SeisComP and understand where the event catalog is stored. Whether you prefer using the graphical interface, command line, or web interface, SeisComP provides flexible options to manage and review seismic event data.
Stay tuned for more tips and guides on using SeisComP and other seismological tools!
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team. Happy seismographing!
About QuakeLogic
QuakeLogic located in northern California is a leading provider of advanced seismic monitoring solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of seismic data acquisition and analysis. Our innovative technologies and expert support help organizations worldwide to better understand and mitigate the impacts of seismic events.
Contact Information
- Email: sales@quakelogic.net
- Phone: +1-916-899-0391
- WhatsApp: +1-650-353-8627
- Website: www.quakelogic.net
For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our sale team. We are here to help you with all your seismic monitoring needs.
Thank you for choosing QuakeLogic. We look forward to assisting you with your seismic monitoring projects.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04
Executive Summary
Data acquisition systems synchronize, digitize, store, transmit, and quality-check sensor signals used in seismic, vibration, acoustic, and SHM workflows. This article has been expanded as an engineering resource for readers evaluating data acquisition systems concepts, instrumentation choices, and monitoring workflows. The discussion is educational and should be paired with project-specific review by qualified engineers, applicable codes, owner requirements, and equipment documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Define the engineering objective before selecting sensors, test equipment, trigger thresholds, or reporting workflows.
- Use calibrated instrumentation, documented installation practices, time synchronization, and traceable data handling where measurement quality matters.
- Interpret measured data in context: site conditions, structure type, noise environment, sampling rate, bandwidth, and boundary conditions all affect conclusions.
- Use authoritative references and project-specific criteria rather than relying on generic thresholds or unsupported performance claims.
Technical Explanation
In practical data acquisition systems work, the engineering system is more than a sensor or a test platform. A credible workflow includes the measurement objective, instrument selection, mounting or boundary conditions, sampling and timing strategy, data validation, event or response detection, engineering review, and reporting. Weakness in any part of that chain can reduce confidence in the final interpretation.
For monitoring applications, engineers should document sensor orientation, coupling, environmental exposure, dynamic range, frequency bandwidth, data logger configuration, clock synchronization, communications, and maintenance procedures. For testing applications, engineers should document input motion, fixture design, payload properties, control limits, safety interlocks, acceptance criteria, and post-test data review.
Engineering Applications
| Application | Engineering Question | Typical Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Research and education | How does a structure, component, or sensor respond under controlled conditions? | Test plan, calibrated data, input motion, boundary conditions, and repeatable observations. |
| Critical infrastructure | Is the asset response normal, changing, or potentially unsafe after an event? | Baseline data, event records, thresholds, inspection workflow, and engineering sign-off. |
| Industrial facilities | Can monitoring support operational continuity and response decisions? | Site-specific criteria, reliable telemetry, alarm logic, maintenance records, and documented procedures. |
People Also Ask
What should be specified before buying equipment?
Specify the measurement objective, frequency range, amplitude range, environment, data format, timing needs, installation constraints, reporting requirements, and applicable standards or owner criteria.
Why do references and standards matter?
They provide terminology, acceptance criteria, test methods, and documentation expectations. They do not replace engineering judgment, but they reduce ambiguity and make results easier to review.
How should data quality be checked?
Review calibration status, timing, clipping, sensor orientation, signal-to-noise ratio, environmental artifacts, data completeness, and whether the record supports the engineering decision being made.
Related QuakeLogic Resources
- How to Download Waveform Data from SeisComP
- Safeguarding Seismic Instrumentation: A Guide to Power Surge Protection
- TTL vs RS232 vs RS485: Choosing the Right Communication Standard for SHM
- Understanding Dataless SEED and Response Files in Seismology: Essential Tools for Seismic Monitoring
- Related QuakeLogic products and technologies
- QuakeLogic Engineering Blog topic resources
References
Recommended Diagram or Download
Media placeholder: Add an original diagram showing the measurement chain from sensor or test platform to data acquisition, analysis, engineering interpretation, and reporting. Where this article becomes a buyer guide or application note, create a downloadable PDF version after engineering review.
Discuss a Monitoring or Testing Application
QuakeLogic supports seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound monitoring, vibration monitoring, data acquisition, and shake table testing applications. For project-specific guidance, contact QuakeLogic with the asset type, measurement objective, site constraints, and required deliverables.
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Topic cluster
Related engineering knowledge areas
- Structural Health MonitoringMonitoring for bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, industrial facilities, and resilient infrastructure.
- Earthquake Early WarningOn-site detection, alerting workflows, seismic switches, and critical infrastructure warning systems.
- Seismic SensorsSeismometers, accelerometers, geophones, sensor selection, calibration, and field deployment.
- Infrasound MonitoringLow-frequency acoustic sensing for environmental noise, blast, UAV, volcano, and defense applications.
Definitions and references
Terms, standards, and source cues
- SHM: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- damage detection: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- earthquake early warning: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- seismic switch: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- seismometers: related to Seismic Sensors in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- accelerometers: related to Seismic Sensors in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- infrasound sensors: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- low-frequency noise: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
Standards mentioned
- SeisComP documentation and configuration references
- ISO documentation only when supported by source material
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