Monthly archives: November, 2016

Convert .pdf to .ics

22.11.2016
rostoics
8 Comments


rostoics_mainThis tool converts NetLine/Crew CrewLink roster .pdf files into .ics calendar files.

CHECK ALL EVENTS FOR CORRECTNESS !!!

Please read these Instructions carefully prior using this tool !!!

 

 

Usage
=====
1a. Download your roster using your company's web interface (NetLine/Crew CrewLink).
1b. Download your roster using the CrewLink App.
2. Save the roster locally as .pdf file.
3. Go to Convert .pdf to .ics.
4. Press Browse... button and select the just downloaded .pdf file.
5. Press Upload roster (.pdf file). Roster is then processed by rostoics tool.
6. Press Download roster (.ics file) and save that file locally.
7. Import the .ics file into your calendar using your preferred gateway.

Select roster (.pdf file) to be uploaded:

(wait 5-10 seconds for roster processing to finish)

Instructions

22.11.2016
rostoics
1 Comment


Introduction
============
rostoics is a tool which converts NetLine/Crew CrewLink roster .pdf files into .ics calendar files. The .ics files are used to create calendar events on iPhone, iPad, Samsung, ... basically any device able to deal with .ics files. Google Calendar also supports .ics file import.

Who should use it ...
All those who make extensive use of online as well as local calendar entries, being it for private or professional purpose. Basically all those who have a highly charged daily schedule requiring organization to some extent. Online integration adds sharing features to friends an family members. Tedious and error prone manual event entries can be avoided.

Who should disregard it ...
When hardcopies of Crew roster, downloaded PDF documents or CrewLink App roster consultations are sufficient for planning purpose, calendar setup isn't really necessary.

Nomenclature
============
- event : Any calendar entry e.g. flight, ground duty, standby, free day, ...
- .pdf file : The format of the roster file downloaded from NetLine/Crew CrewLink.
- .ics file : Standardized calendar file format, generated by subject rostoics tool.

Restrictions
============
1. Only plain rosters are accepted. No notifications (schedule changes).
2. Only Luxair rosters are accepted for the time being.
3. Event spawning across more than one month is not allowed. - REMOVED (BETA)

I try to lift restrictions gradually.

Nota bene
=========
Be aware that apparently parsed events might be incorrect or incomplete. Always check every event after import !!!

Debug messages on Convert .pdf to .ics page (bottom) shows events not parsed properly. Manual modification is required. E.g. ...
debug : unparsed event!
        [20161129] Tue29 DH/LG 8361 /30 LUX 0540 0645 GVA [FT 00:00]

Please report (using Comment feature at the bottom of this page) any non parsed or badly parsed events.

Bug fixes could possibly introduce new bugs. Of course I try to avoid by all means, nevertheless there is a potential risk this might occur.

Any suggestions regarding formatting of event, additional information, this web interface, mistakes, ... just anything ... are welcomed!

Tested browsers
===============
Firefox 47.0.1 on Windows 7
Safari on iOS 10.1.1 (iPhone 6s)
Safari on iOS 9.3.5 (iPad [3rd generation])
Please report any browser related compatilities and incompatilities.

Screenshots iPhone

22.11.2016
rostoics
0 Comment


Below you see some screenshots how events are presented on iPhones (iOS 10.1.1) after .pdf conversion and .ics import (rostics 0.1.2).

rostoics_iphone_1

rostoics_iphone_2

rostoics_iphone_3

rostoics_iphone_4

CrewLink App

23.11.2016
rostoics
1 Comment


Details about the CrewLink App (by Harold Dijkstra) can be found here: CrewLink App (App Store)

It is designed to be a standalone App to locally store the roster as .pdf file. Calendar integration, like rostoics does it, is not featured. In the context of rostoics, CrewLink can be used to download and e-mail the roster to a specific address. This might sometimes be faster than accessing the company's NetLIne/Crew Crewlink web interface for downloading the roster. Such an e-mailed roster .pdf file is identical to the one downloaded directly via web interface.

Below some screenshots. Use the "Email" button on the second screenshot to send the roster .pdf file.

rostoics_crewlinkapp_1

rostoics_crewlinkapp_2