Conventions......

• To: netcdfgroup@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• Subject: Conventions......
• From: kegp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (k.prada)
• Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1992 07:23:48 EST

               Look, what light breaks on yon horizon?

Harry Edmon knows, and writes:

>And I think one of the best ways to do this is to use "cdl" files and
>ncgen to create the file framework (i.e. variables, attributes,
>dimensions) and then use netCDF calls to fill in the variable values.

This is how the structure of the OarS/BoaT toolkit works.  The generic
concept is built on the convenience of the "cdl" files along with the
structural and descriptive information.  Several programs already exist
in this new toolkit that use this idea.  One of these is an interactive
"cdl" file generator that introduces compliant attributes. The user
merely fills in the blanks.  

Adherence to conventions is based on need, convenience, and suitable
resources.  We think OarS/BoaT will provide the resources, while the
users define the conventions.  In some cases these conventions will
emphasize structure and geometry while others will stress description. 
Both aspects are valuable.  Your comments indicate this dual importance.

___________________________________________________________________________
            Ken Prada                 |
Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering |       (508) 457-2000 Ext 2711       
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution  |          kegp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Woods Hole, Massachusetts  02543    |