Operation IceBridge : Data Release Challenges

1. Operation IceBridge : Data Release Challenges Marilyn Kaminski, Joel Plummer, Eric Larour and Sophie Nowicki

2. Gridding and unstructured meshes. • Release gridded datasets as this is the #1 form of data delivery expected by the modeling community. • To address needs of growing number of higher-order models, release gridded datasets with patches of increased resolution in critical areas (PIG, JKS, …) • Release also raw datasets at each measurement point (lat,long,value) for FEM models that rely on unstructured meshes.

3. Uncertainty analysis. • Release error ranges and error types (i.e. what is the statistical distribution of errors) along with datasets. • If not possible, release coarser resolution error maps that can be mapped onto the datasets. • Release error origin: introduced during the processing? during data handling? during interpolation? during measurement itself?

4. Modelers’ needs • - Data consistency over time is really important (for formats and grids) • Users need to be sure that new data can be read and understood in same ways as previous data • Same concern noted in development of sea ice community product • What is a good choice for users… ex: netcdfbut not universal? • Format converters could be written so data can be distributed in format of choice • NSIDC’s IceBridge charter to preservedata and increase usage leads to similar goals • Data consistency over time • Changes are OK but need to be planned, and previous data ought to be reprocessed • Standard archive formats (netCDF4 and HDF5 approved by NASA data mgmt) • Complete documentation and metadata