Navigating Through the IRI Data Library: A Tutorial

The Data Library is an extremely powerful tool that allows you to access, manipulate, and view a wide array of earth science data in a variety of formats (e.g., data files, tables), visual plots (e.g., contour, color, vector), and plot formats (e.g., PostScript, GIF). The goal of this tutorial is to introduce you to the structure of the Data Library and the many ways to navigate through it.

Structure

Part I: Locating and Understanding Datasets

Primarily for first-time users of Data Library

Introduces the methods of finding datasets in the library and the available information about each dataset.

Introduces the general structure of the pages in the Data Library

Part II: Selecting Basic Data Parameters

Primarily for intermediate users

Introduce the basic methods of selecting geographic locations, data variables, and time periods.

Part III: Manipulating, Visualizing, and Downloading Data

Primarily for intermediate and advanced users

Can be used solely as a reference

Introduces functions that manipulate, plot, and download data

Feel free to start at whichever part is most suitable for your skill and experience level. The intention is for this to be a hands-on exercise and there are number of tools that facilitate that goal.

Tutorial Tools

Instructions

The step-by-step instructions of the tutorial are in red to help you distinguish them from the accompanying discussions.

Check Link

Most instructions are followed by a CHECK link that shows how your page should appear after the instruction is completed properly.

Multiple Windows

Each new series of instructions starts with a link that will open the proper page in a new window so that you can easily follow the discussion and instruction of the tutorial. These links are noted by an asterisk (*).

Learning the Language

You will learn how to perform operations using the Data Library interface as well as with Ingrid commands, the language on which the Data Library is based. Ingrid commands are recognizable throughout the tutorial by their green color.

Navigation

Navigation Banner - the blue navigation banner in the upper left hand corner of this page will allow you to move throughout the tutorial and is described in greater detail in Part I.
Navigation Buttons

- Next step in the tutorial
- Skip ahead
- Table of Contents

Table of Contents - offers an outline of the tutorial and the opportunity to go directly to any section.

An archive of selected previously-asked questions is available to help you answer your more specific questions as you use the Data Library. If the tutorial and question archive does not address your question, then there is also an email contact that will be happy to help you.

I. Locating and Understanding Datasets II. Selecting Basic Data Parameters III. Manipulating, Visualizing, and Downloading Data Tutorial Table of Contents