Course Info: Reading NetCDF Metadata

Reading NetCDF Metadata

Course Description 

In this lesson, students are placed into a scenario where they need to explore the multi-dimensional structure inside a NetCDF file of Hurricane Harvey streamgage data that they need to eventually visualize for next week’s meeting with their advisor.  Using Python libraries, students find ways to understand the breadth of dimensions, coordinates, and variables within this file, load those data into software/tools, and convert units so both datasets can be visualized easily together.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this lesson is any scientific NetCDF-consumer unfamiliar with multi-dimensional structures, NetCDF’s usage of dimensions, coordinates, variables, and metadata. 

Publication Date

January 24, 2025

Questions or Comments? 

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of this lesson. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Bryan Guarente (guarente@ucar.edu). For technical support, please visit our Registration and Support FAQs.