I have a set of measurement data to which I fit a polynomial and store the coefficients in a single netCDF file along with other information.
The degree of the polynomial is not always the same, so for flexibility I planned to store the coefficients in a single array variable rather than as separate variables so that I have one format that handles any degree of polynomial. As I'm fitting measurement data, the coefficients have associated units. If I stored the data as individual variables, I could attach these values via a "units" attribute, but I'm storing the values in an array. However, an attribute can be a vector of values so in theory it could be possible to define a vector "units" attribute of the same length as my array dimension and thereby associate a different unit value to each coefficient. I think this probably violates the CF conventions and that when the conventions state - "The value of the units attribute is a string" - that I should interpret that as meaning a single string and not a vector of strings. Is there a better and CF-compliant way to handle this, or should I just resign myself to the fact that if I want the flexibility of an array variable, the users will have to work out the units for themselves? Thanks! Tim _________________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Tim Patterson Instrument Data Simulation Expert Product Engineering/Test Data Coordination MTG Programme GEO Division EUMETSAT Eumetsat-Allee 1 64295 Darmstadt Germany Tel: +49 6151 807 487 Fax: +49 6151 807 7 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.eumetsat.int 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
