Problem: Scientists need to be able to easily find and retrieve subsets of meterological data, as well as quickly visualize that data on a map.

Solution: The Data Locator project is a search engine for finding GRIB and NetCDF meteorological data here at Global Systems Division (GSD) or Earth System Research Lab. Employing a web coverage service (WCS) to return subsets of desired data in NetCDF format, the Data Locator web application can either return this data as a downloaded NetCDF file (.nc), or it can generate web pages for viewing the data in a web browser or from within Google Earth. A web service is also available for other applications to invoke in order to find and retrieve this data.

Introduction

Want a quick introduction to Data Locator? Watch this tutorial movie or view these screen shots.

Project Status

As of October 30, 2007, this software is a prototype undergoing internal testing at ESRL.