Where is the data documentation

The BADC provides data documentation web pages for all catalogued datasets. The dataset web pages are compiled from information provided by the data supplier.

Dataset web pages are accessible via the Dataset Index and via the Get Data archive facility under the doc directory of each dataset directory.

Accessing data documentation pages from the dataset catalogue (as a result of a query for example)

The Dataset Index displays all datasets currently archived at the BADC. Datasets are listed by Title on a blue background. To each dataset title, is associated the dataset start/end date, a link to the catalogue record (including coverage and resolution details), a link to Dataset Web page and a link to Get data. A link to "Apply for access" is also available for restricted datasets. A summary also briefly describes the dataset.

An example is shown below for the Met Office UK Land Surface Stations data (one of the most popular archive at the BADC).

By following the link to Dataset Web page, the user will found out more background information about the selected dataset. Parameters and file formats description are also available from the Dataset web page.

Where possible, a consistent approach has been adopted throughout the pages so that users who have worked with the pages for one of the datasets should find no difficulty negotiating new datasets. A standard set of buttons and icons has been adopted and these are used throughout to break up the pages into meaningful sections and to provide quick visual markers. The sections include an Introduction, Access conditions (if any), File format, Documentation (as supplied by the data provider), Links to further information, Citation and Who to contact for more details. See for example the Met Office Land Surface dataset web page. All the information required to download and use the data should be available from the dataset web pages.

Accessing data documentation pages from the Get data archive facility

The user may already know which archive he/she wishes to get data from and therefore by-pass the dataset catalogue. In this case, the user is likely to download the data directly from the Get data archive facility.

Not only data is available from the Get Data archive facility, but also Documentation and software.

In the example of a registered user wishing to download Met Office Land surface data and documentation from the Get Data archive facility, the user first follow the link to the appropriate data directory - in this case ukmo-surface

The next window displays the content of the ukmo-surface directory:

Form this page, the user can access the data directories (provided the user has been granted access to the data), the doc directory and software directory when available.

In this specific case, there is an additional link to the Searchable Met Office stations catalogue.

The Doc directory contains links to BADC dataset web pages for the Land Surface data and any other relevant information e.g. quick link to file format, as shown below:

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