Previous: Alternatives to netCDF Next: Models, Conventions, and Formats Table of contents Frames User guide
2008 Unidata NetCDF Workshop for Developers and Data Providers

3 The "Classic" NetCDF Data Model
The netCDF data model in detail: dimensions, variables, attributes, coordinate variables

3.0  Models, Conventions, and Formats
Data models, conventions, and formats are at different levels of abstraction.
3.1  What Is a Data Model?
Data models are useful abstractions.
3.2  The "Classic" NetCDF Data Model
The classic netCDF data model uses dimensions, variables, and attributes, to capture the meaning of array-oriented scientific data.
3.3  CDL
CDL (Common Data Language) is text notation for netCDF objects and data.
3.4  A Simple Example
A concrete example of netCDF dimensions, variables, and attributes.
3.5  NetCDF Files
NetCDF files are containers for Dimensions, Variables, and Global Attributes.
3.6  Dimensions
Dimensions are used to specify variable shapes, common grids, and coordinate systems.
3.7  Variables
Variables hold data values. In the classic netCDF data model, a variable can hold a multidimensional array of values of the same type.
3.8  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.
3.9  Coordinate Variables
Coordinate Variables contain the coordinate values for a dimension.
3.10  An Example of Coordinate Variables
A concrete example of simple coordinate variables.
3.11  Attributes
Attributes hold metadata (data about data). An attribute contains information about properties of a variable or dataset.
3.12  Attribute Methods
Things you can do with a netCDF attribute include inquiring about its type or length, defining its value, and getting its value.
3.13  Variables Versus Attributes
When should you use variables or attributes?
3.14  Classic NetCDF Model Limitations
The classic netCDF data model used for netCDF-3 has some limitations.

 


Previous: Alternatives to netCDF Next: Models, Conventions, and Formats Table of contents Frames User guide
2008 Unidata NetCDF Workshop for Developers and Data Providers