[Met_help] BUFR, NetCDF files in MET

[Lacey Holland]

Hi, Leela!


Thanks for the questions! I'm glad to hear you were able to install MET 
on your Linux machine!

Yes, the BUFR files must be written like the NCEP Prepbufr files. 
Unfortunately, this isn't an easy format to work with, but it was 
something we were tied to using for the initial beta release (v0.9). As 
an alternative, I think you would have better luck reformatting your 
data into NetCDF format. Today, a lot of our staff is out for the 
holiday, but you'll get a more definite response early next week with 
respect to the specific NetCDF format and the availability of a .cdl file.

That's a good question about ASCII. We are currently planning to support 
ASCII files in METv1.1, which is being planned for the early spring (29 
Feb 2008). The specific ASCII format will likely be the same "little_r" 
format used by MM5 and WRF-Var.


Thanks for your interest and for the questions!
--Lacey Holland





Watson.Leela wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I have recently successfully installed METv0.9 on my Linux machine and 
> now have a couple of question regarding the acceptable data formats 
> for MET. I have formatted ASCII wind tower data that I would like to 
> use to verify my WRF forecasts, but I know that MET does not currently 
> accept this format. I have looked into converting this data into BUFR 
> format, however, I am wondering if the BUFR files must be written 
> exactly like the NCEP PrepBufr files (which, according to NCEP’s 
> website, are ‘special’ BUFR files)?
>
> It is also stated in the MET User’s Guide that the PrepBufr files are 
> converted into intermediate NetCDF files. Is there a .cdl file 
> available for converting point data to NetCDF? Lastly, is there any 
> sort of timeline for a MET version that allows formatted ASCII files 
> (if at all)?
>
> Regards,
>
> Leela
>
> *******************************************************************
>
> Leela R. Watson, Sr Scientist/Meteorologist
>
> ENSCO, Inc. / Applied Meteorology Unit
>
> 1980 N. Atlantic Ave., Suite 230
>
> Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
>
> Voice: (321) 853-8264
>
> Fax: (321) 853-8415
>
> Email: watson.leela at ensco.com
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> The information contained in this email message is intended only for 
> the use of the individuals to whom it is
> addressed and may contain information that is privileged and 
> sensitive. If the reader of this message is not
> the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any 
> dissemination, distribution or copying of this
> communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this 
> communication in error, please notify the
> sender immediately by email at the above referenced address. Thank you.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Met_help mailing list
> Met_help at mailman.ucar.edu
> http://mailman.ucar.edu/mailman/listinfo/met_help
>   


-- 
____________________________
Lacey Holland

UCAR/NCAR, Research Applications Laboratory
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO  80307
(303) 497-8396