Data files
Currently, when data is requested there are four basic output file types available for each float that can be selected
- Profile file
- Trajectory file
- Metadata file
- Technical file
Profile file
The profile file contains the data collected during the ascending profiling stage of the float's mission. Depending on user preference, profiles can be supplied as files containing an individual profile or multiple profiles from a single float.
Profile time and location is defined at the moment the float reaches the surface. A profile typically contains 100 pressures, between 0 and 2000 decibar (approximately between 0 and 2000 m depth). At each pressure, each parameter in that float’s suite is sampled. The core parameters of temperature and salinity are measured by all fully working floats.
Individual profiles will possess either an 'R' or 'D' suffix to indicate the quality control of the data as real-time data or delayed-mode data (best quality; subjected to detailed QC and calibration by a human operator).
Trajectory file
The trajectory file contains all data collected whilst the float is in 'drift' phase, including direct satellite fixes acquired during surface drift and calculated times of actions underwater, when communication is impossible. In addition, it may contain measurements collected by the float during drift phase. THERE IS ONE TRAJECTORY FILE PER FLOAT. (Example: 2901097_traj).
Metadata file
The metadata file contains information about the float including programmed parameters, characteristics, calibration and general information. THERE IS ONE METADATA FILE PER FLOAT. (Example: 2901097_meta).
Technical file
The technical file contains technical information transmitted by the float for each cycle. This can be used to infer the status and physical condition of the float. THERE IS ONE TECHNICAL FILE PER FLOAT. (Example: 2901097_tech).
