When did you last hear of "datum" in the context. I would usually speak
about a single piece of data.
But then I didn't study Latin but statistics;)
To get you going again see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datum where the
plural of Datum is given as Datums!
A datum (plural datums) is a reference from which measurements are made. In
surveying and geodesy, a datum is a reference point on the earth's surface
against which position measurements are made, and an associated model of the
shape of the earth for computing positions.
So surveyors also make linguistic solecisms. Good! No doubt they also have
their purists.
See also http://www.pol.ac.uk/ntslf/tides/datum.html where it says:
"Tidal levels are quoted relative to chart datum (approximately the lowest
level due to astronomical effects and excluding meteorological effects). The
heights of chart datum (CD) relative to ordnance datum (OD, at Newlyn) in
the UK are listed below.
If for example, you have a data value for Liverpool of 1m relative to CD and
want to convert it to be relative to OD, then this would be -3.93m (i.e.,
1m - 4.93m)."
It seems to me that going by the Latin they have got this the wrong way
round. ie it should be (i) Tidal levels are quoted relative to chart _data_
and then (ii) you have a _datum_ value for Liverpool.
I note that half the entry regarding Data on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data discusses this very point - which says a
lot about Wikipedia contributors but not much about different types of data.
Nick Landau
----- Original Message -----
From: "Simon Howarth" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "'Nick Landau'" <[log in to unmask]>;
<[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 10:57 AM
Subject: RE: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
> Wording could be improved to make it scan better, but the overall content
> is
> OK. I think requesting this confirmation is a wise move, if the request is
> in any way questioned.
>
> My only other comment is pedantic, and is to state that "datum is", but
> "data are".
>
> Simon.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nick Landau
> Sent: 13 November 2006 16:23
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
>
> I don't know about the DPA, but the Clear English campaign might also be
> consulted (the letter-writer not you).
>
> Nick Landau
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul Dodgson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 4:01 PM
> Subject: [data-protection] Incorrect use of the DPA 29(3)
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I detail below a letter which asks the recipient to state the powers
> they are exercising when making requests for information.
>
> I am looking for it to be shot down, or otherwise wounded! It actually
> relates, in part, to a very poor request from a housing benefit
> inspector who made application using the wrong sections of the relevant
> Act, and in any case was not certified!
>
> Any views very much appreciated
>
> Paul
>
> Dear XXX,
>
> I have from you a request for information (your ref xxxx). I have not
> eluded to the case name for obvious data protection reasons.
>
> The request is made under S29 (3) DPA 98.
>
> Section 29(3) provides that personal data is exempt from non-disclosure
> provisions if the disclosure is for purposes detailed in Section 29 (1).
> In this case I consider that to relate to Section 29 (1) a,b or c.
> [adjusted to suit]
>
> This is fine. What is not is the statutory powers you wish to rely on
> obliging us to release that information no longer protected from
> non-disclosure by virtue of that described above.
>
> I suggest you look at your letters in this regard. Clearly if any such
> investigation [specific to the issues I am dealing with, but could be
> amended to suit] ended in court and it came to the knowledge of the
> court that inappropriate powers were cited, this could have a negative
> impact insofar as your case is concerned.
>
> I have an obligation to ensure that personal data is protected, subject
> to the exemptions available in the Act and any enabling powers requiring
> that such data be released consequent upon Section 29 (1) DPA 98. I
> trust you understand that I cannot approve release of information on the
> basis of what I have received thus far.
>
> I strongly advise that you take advice from your Data Protection
> Officer.
>
>
> Yours etc
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> Leicestershire County Council - rated a 'four-star' council by the Audit
> Commission
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All archives of messages are stored permanently and are
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If you wish to leave this list please send the command
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All user commands can be found at : -
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Any queries about sending or receiving message please send to the list owner
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