Why is it popular? What are its strengths and limitations?
| 5.0 |
NetCDF Files
NetCDF files are containers for Dimensions, Variables, and Global Attributes. |
| 5.1 |
Dimensions
Dimensions are used to specify variable shapes, common grids, and coordinate systems. |
| 5.2 |
Variables
Variables hold data values. In the classic netCDF data model, a variable can hold a multidimensional array of values of the same type. |
| 5.3 |
Variable Methods
Things you can do with a netCDF variable include getting information about it, putting data values into it, and getting data values out of it. |
| 5.4 |
Attributes
Attributes hold metadata (data about data). An attribute contains information about properties of a variable or dataset. |
| 5.5 |
Attribute Methods
Things you can do with a netCDF attribute include inquiring about its type or length, defining its value, and getting its value. |
| 5.6 |
The "Classic" NetCDF Data Model
The classic netCDF data model uses dimensions, variables, and attributes, to capture the meaning of array-oriented scientific data. |
| 5.7 |
Introducing CDL (Common Data Language)
CDL (Common Data Language) is a human-readable notation for netCDF objects and data. |
| 5.8 |
Another Simple Example
In this example, a simple data file is examined with ncdump, showing its dimensions, variables, and attributes as CDL. |
| 5.9 |
A Convention for Coordinates: Coordinate Variables
Coordinate Variables contain the coordinate values for a dimension. |
| 5.10 |
An Example of Coordinate Variables
A concrete example of simple coordinate variables. |
| 5.11 |
Variables Versus Attributes
When should you use variables or attributes? |
| 5.12 |
Classic NetCDF Model Limitations
The classic netCDF data model used for netCDF-3 has some limitations. |