Dear @kenkehoe I suggested the keyword `standard_error` as the cell method for the uncertainty because, if I understand correctly, the number which is provided will be used mathematically as if it were a standard deviation quantifying the uncertainty distribution. For example, 2.3.1 of the GUM says "standard uncertainty: uncertainty of the result of a measurement expressed as a standard deviation."
I think that `standard_error` would be a better choice for it than the existing cell method of `standard_deviation` because when it's computed as a random statistical error it is actually the standard error of the mean, isn't it i.e. it's multiplied by 1/sqrt(N). Therefore it's a different calculation from a standard deviation, which doesn't have that factor. The standard error is not the only statistic you might use for an uncertainty distribution. Confidence limits are an alternative, for example (the "expanded uncertainty" of GUM 6.2), and that would be a different cell method again. I had assumed that random errors are evaluated statistically (Type A in GUM 2.3.2) and systematic errors are evaluated subjectively (Type B in GUM 2.3.3). However, if any combination is allowed, as you say, I agree that they should be separately indicated. I think they should all be put in the comment in `()` after the cell method. That is, the comment could begin with **one** of `statistical` and `subjective` (but not both), and **one** of `random` and `systematic` (but not both), in either order. I'm glad you think we are making progress. I agree. Best wishes Jonathan -- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread. Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub: https://urldefense.us/v3/__https://github.com/cf-convention/cf-conventions/issues/320*issuecomment-920855772__;Iw!!G2kpM7uM-TzIFchu!h2Vnl7ddpnGmhFdCJdyeRkqR3vNH7E64igQYqAAACPtGm7-Mq2izfaLul0A5QosMp7TxZnxHojA$ This list forwards relevant notifications from Github. It is distinct from cf-metad...@cgd.ucar.edu, although if you do nothing, a subscription to the UCAR list will result in a subscription to this list. To unsubscribe from this list only, send a message to cf-metadata-unsubscribe-requ...@listserv.llnl.gov.
