Data Format Standardization of Space Weather Model Output in the Community
Coordinated Modeling Center

Marlo Maddox, NASA/GSFC CCMC 

The space weather models that reside within the CCMC all have unique output
formats, coordinate systems, grid descriptions, and data structures.  The
homogeneous nature of these space weather models along with their highly
specialized and unique outputs pose a challenge with regards to portability and
reuse of not only the model data itself, but also any software that is developed
to handle a specific model and its corresponding data format.  The CCMC is
currently exploring two widely used data format standards, the Common Data
Format (CDF) and the Hierarchical Data Format 5 (HDF5) for use as an in-house
standard for space weather model output.  By adopting and implementing a data
standard, we will be able to identify and baseline variable naming conventions
and core metadata components that will be imbedded into each output file thus
creating data that is self descriptive, portable, and reusable.  Additionally,
adoption of an individual standard and converting all model output into a single
format is the first step in developing a framework in which coupled
interoperating models can be integrated into.  A lot of initial research and
planning must go into the initial architectural design of the conversion
software to ensure its flexibility.  We will discuss the overall design and look
at a few questions that must be considered with this endeavor.  What science
data formats are available and which ones are the best candidates for space
weather model data?  What type of metadata is required?  How do you describe the
coordinate systems and grids?  How should the data be logically & physically
arranged in the files?