Characteristics of METOC Data
Sampled values representing a continuous phenomenon
- Gridded data, linear profiles, regional observations
- Uniformly spaced time samples
Complete representation usually requires assembling data from multiple sources and multiple files
- 3-D, multi-quantity grids often disassembled into 2-D, one - quantity files
- Observations, analysis, forecasts, scientific models
Each source may use a different format
- Ad-hoc based on sensor, numeric application, textual report, …
- International standards: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)