>From my (perhaps naive!) viewpoint, it seems the convention is trying to use a >single "time" variable to encode two different concepts; the simple "elapsed >time" since a given time-zero, monotonically increasing without >discontinuities, in line with all other measurement variables like distances, >temperatures, etc.); and an encoded "look-up-table" or "date" into which leap >second discontinuities are inserted at random junctures and which may not even >be defined outside certain boundaries.
I expect that any request to define, say, a temperature variable in this way - sometimes in units of Kelvin and sometimes in a different measurement system which jumped certain temperature values - would be quickly dismissed, but the current proposals for the time variable all seem to be advocating this approach instead of perhaps reserving "time" for storing the actual count of seconds, analogous to all other CF coordinate measurements, and introducing a separate "date" variable for those who want to encode whatever discontinuous, non-linear date system they choose. I should note that this proposal might not be fully backwards compatible (i.e. it's probably entirely incompatible). Regards, Tim Any email message from EUMETSAT is sent in good faith but shall neither be binding nor construed as constituting a commitment by EUMETSAT, except where provided for in a written agreement or contract or if explicitly stated in the email. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of EUMETSAT. This message and any attachments are intended for the sole use of the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, dissemination or distribution (in whole or in part) of its contents is not permitted. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete it from your system. _______________________________________________ CF-metadata mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.cgd.ucar.edu/mailman/listinfo/cf-metadata
