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Glossary

Auxiliary variable is related to Variable › Dependent variable

A auxiliary dependent variable is a function of the unbounded indepedent variable(s).

(source: badc.nerc.ac.uk/help/formats/NASA-Ames)
Bounded variable is related to Variable › Independent variable

The number of values taken by one (and only one) of the independent variables is not defined a priori in the data file – so that the data provider does not need to know in advance how many values it takes. This single independent variable is called unbounded, although it is bounded in a mathematical sense.

(source: badc.nerc.ac.uk/help/formats/NASA-Ames)
Category is related to Data origin

The category describes the genesis (first specification) of the data itself.
In principal the data are originated on a platform (instrument) or a model type.

Data

Data or datasets consist of primary data. Metadata can be optionally included.

Data format

Following data formats are currently supported: GTE, NASA Ames, NetCDF.

Data origin

The data origin describes the genesis of the data itself. The data origin is defined by two specifications: the category (see glossary) and the data source (see glossary).

Data protocol

A data protocol is a document which describes the exchange accordingly the publication of data and its formatting. The purpose a data protocol is encourage an orderly and timely analysis of data.

Data source is related to Data origin › Category

The data source describes the genesis (see glossary) of the data itself and will specified in detail by category (see glossary).
In principal the data are originated on a instrument or a model.

Dependent variable is related to Variable

The independent variable is typically the variable representing the value being manipulated or changed and the dependent variable is the observed result of the independent variable being manipulated.

(source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_and_independent_variables)
Independent variable is related to Variable

The independent variable is typically the variable representing the value being manipulated or changed and the dependent variable is the observed result of the independent variable being manipulated.

(source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_and_independent_variables)
Instrument is related to Data origin › Category › Data source

A device for recording or measuring data.

Level 0 is related to Processing level

Reconstructed, unprocessed instrument and payload data at full resolution, with any and all communications artifacts (e.g., synchronization frames, communications headers, duplicate data) removed.

Level 1A is related to Processing level

Reconstructed, unprocessed instrument data at full resolution, time-referenced, and annotated with ancillary information, including radiometric and geometric calibration coefficients and georeferencing parameters (e.g., platform ephemeris) computed and appended but not applied to Level 0 data.

Level 1B is related to Processing level

Level 1A data that have been processed to sensor units (not all instruments have Level 1B source data).

Level 2 is related to Processing level

Derived geophysical variables at the same resolution and location as Level 1 source data.

Level 3 is related to Processing level

Variables mapped on uniform space-time grid scales, usually with some completeness and consistency.

Level 4 is related to Processing level

Model output or results from analyses of lower-level data (e.g., variables derived from multiple measurements).

Logbook

A logbook describes the events which have arisen in connection with a mission. The logbook can contain verbal descriptions, photos and mission itineraries (e.g: flight tracks).

Metadata is related to Data

Metadata is data about data. Metadata is structured information that explains, describes, or locates the original primary data, or that otherwise makes using the original primary data more efficient.

(source: adobe.com/digitalimag/pdfs/about_metadata.pdf)
Model is related to Data origin › Category › Data source

A scientific model seeks to represent empirical objects, phenomena, and physical processes in a logical and objective way.

(source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_modelling)
Model type is related to Data origin › Category

A model type is used for a classification of a model in a category.

Ongoing subset

A mission can divided in a couple of ongoing subsets. The datasets, which are associated with a ongoing subset, represents only data of this mission period.
On aicraft based mission the ongoing subset is also known as flight.

PI

Principal investigator of a project or a mission.

Platform is related to Data origin › Category

A platform is a base, where the instrument is located during a observation.
The platform can be a mobile device (aircraft, ship, car, etc.) or the platform is attached to a certain place.

Primary variable is related to Variable › Dependent variable

A primary dependent variable is a function of the indepedent variable(s).

(source: badc.nerc.ac.uk/help/formats/NASA-Ames)
Primary data is related to Data

Primary data are the data itself exclude metadata.

Processing level

Data products can be processed at various levels ranging from Level 0 to Level 4.
Level 0 products are raw data at full instrument resolution.
At higher levels, the data are converted into more useful parameters and formats.

(source: science.nasa.gov/earth-science/earth-science-data/data-processing-levels-for-eosdis-data-products)
Unbounded variable is related to Variable › Independent variable

All other independent variables, if they are not bounded and if they exist, are bounded.

(source: badc.nerc.ac.uk/help/formats/NASA-Ames)
Variable

A variable in that context is a place holder in terms of a observed or a modelled parameter.

Virtual variable is related to Variable › Independent variable › Unbounded variable

A virtual variable is a independent and unbounded variable.

Waiting period

The waiting period is a period of time which one must wait in order to get a full data access. During the waiting period (e.g. used for publications of the mission members) the access to the primary data is prohibited.

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