What is NetCDF?NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) is a binary format for array-oriented scientific data. Metview uses NetCDF as an internal format for representing data units which can't be conveniently represented by GRIB, BUFR or geopoints, for example, to handle data arrays representing cross-sections and cross-sectional averages, vertical profiles, Hovmøller matrices, etc. Such NetCDF data files can then be imported by other NetCDF conversant software if users so wishThe full specification of the format, as used in Metview, can be found on the NetCDF overview page. The official homepage of NetCDF is hosted by UCAR: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/netcdf/. The NetCDF iconNetCDF files are represented by this icon in the user interface: ![NETCDF.png](/plugins/servlet/confluence/placeholder/unknown-attachment?locale=en_GB&version=2)
Examining NetCDF contentsThe contents of a NetCDF file can be inspected with the NetCdf Examiner, which can be started up from the user interface (right-click examine on the icon). Image Added
VisualisationNetCDF cannot be directly visualised Direct visualisation of NetCDF is not available in Metview but it is based on the implemented via the NetCDF Visualiser icon. With the NetCDF Visualiser this icon we can specify the plot view type, the NetCDF variable and the NetCDF dimension dimensions (with slicing) to generate the actual plot. It supports visualisation Visualisation is supported both on maps and xy-charts both for scalar and vector data, as well. Image Added Image Added Image Added Image Added Image Added intermediate Metview uses NetCDF as an internal format to store the data extracted/computed prepared for the so-called analysis views (various sections and profiles). The data preparation icons of these views all store their results in NetCDF, these include: (including Cross Section Data, Average Data, Hovmoeller Data, Thermo Data and Vertical Profile Data) all store their results in NetCDF. Script language supportMetview provides support for NetCDF from its Macro and Python interfaces. This includes: - accessing dimensions, variables and attributes
- changing performing arithmetic on variables' values
The list of available functions for NetCDF can be found on the NetCDF Functions page. |