Proposal: Example for Independent Latitude, Longitude, Non-spatiotemporal Variable, and Time Axes

[GeyerB]

Title

Example for Independent Latitude, Longitude, Non-spatiotemporal Variable, and Time Axes

Moderator

@GeyerB

Moderator Status Review [last updated: 20/03/02]

no update yet

Requirement Summary

Analogue to chapter 5.1. Independent Latitude, Longitude, Vertical, and Time Axes, where the use of spatiotemporal dimensions is explained we should explain how to structure data with Independent Latitude, Longitude, Non-spatiotemporal Variable, and Time Axes. The new class of standard_names starting with probability_distribution_of belongs to that group.

We could have a new subchapter of chapter 5 or an annex with additional examples for all sorts of such examples coming in future.

Technical Proposal Summary

Independent Latitude, Longitude, Non-spatiotemporal  Variable, and Time Axes
For probability distributions of variables, dimensions are used to locate data values in time and space and in the range of the variable itself.

Example: Independent coordinate variables with non-spatiotemporal variables

dimensions:
  time = UNLIMITED; // (5 currently)
  nbin = 36;
  nv = 2;
variables:
  double time(time);
    time: standard_name = "time";
    time: long_name = "time" ;
    time: units = "days since 1970-01-01 00:00:00" ;
    time: bounds = "time_bnds";
  double time_bnds(time,nv);
  float class(nbin);
    class: standard_name = "wind_from_direction"
    class: long_name = "wind sector";
    class: units = "degree";
    class: bounds = "class_bnds";
  float class_bnds(nbin,nv);
  float WDIR_freq(time,class,lat,lon);
    WDIR_freq: standard_name = "probability_distribution_of_wind_from_direction_over_time";
    WDIR_freq: units = "1";
    WDIR_freq: coordinates = "lon lat class"
    WDIR_freq: cell_methods = "time: sum (interval: 40s)"

Benefits

Users of the new category of standard_names starting with probability_distribution get a roadmap how to construct such data files.

Status Quo

No example available.

Detailed Proposal

see above

[JonathanGregory]

I agree that it would be a good idea to add such an example. Thanks.

[JonathanGregory]

Dear @GeyerB

You raised this issue in 2020, proposing to add an example of the use of a non-spatiotemporal axis. I think it's a good idea, as I did then. Are you still willing to carry this forward?

Best wishes

Jonathan