SURFACE  LAND  DAILY
                           COOPERATIVE
 
                        SUMMARY OF THE DAY
                             TD-3200
 
                           Prepared  by
                           Lewis France
 
                  National Climatic Data Center
                         Federal Building
                    Asheville, North Carolina
 
                            JUNE 1996
 
 
 
 


This document was prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, National Environmental Satellite Data and Information
Service, National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, North Carolina.
 
This document is designed to provide general information on the current, origin, format,
integrity and the availability of this data file.
 
Errors found in this document should be brought to the attention of the Data Base
Administrator, NCDC.  See topic 58 for a summary of this data set.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       Table of Contents
 
                                                    Page                    Topic
             Number
                       INTRODUCTORY TOPICS
 
  1. Data Set ID.............................................5
 2.  Data Set Name..............................................5
 3.  Data Set Aliases...........................................5
_________________________________________________________________
                          DESCRIPTION
 4.  Access Method and Sort for Archived Data...................5
 5.  Access Method and Sort for Supplied Data..................10
 6.  Element Names and Definitions.............................13
 7.  Start Date................................................21
 8.  Stop Date.................................................21
 9.  Parameter.................................................21
10.  Discipline................................................22
11.  Coverage..................................................22
12.  Location..................................................22
13.  Keyword...................................................22
14.  Storage Medium............................................23
15.  File Mode.................................................23
16.  How to Acquire the Data...................................23
17.  Historical and Current Data Sources.......................23
18.  Data Derivation, Algorithms...............................24
19.  Data Derivation Algorithms, Responsibility for............24
20.  Project...................................................24
_________________________________________________________________
                          DATA CENTER
21.  Data Center, Archiving ...................................24
22.  Data Center, Originating .................................24
_________________________________________________________________
                           PERSONNEL
23.  Archiver..................................................24
24.  Technical Contact.........................................25
25.  Investigator..............................................25
_________________________________________________________________
                            SENSORS
26.  Sensor Name and Operating Principles......................25
27.  Sensor Siting.............................................25
28.  Sensor Accuracy and Calibration...........................25
29.  Sensor Sampling Characteristics...........................25
30.  Data Capture Method at/near Sensor........................25
_________________________________________________________________
                            STATIONS
31.  Station Location Accuracy.................................26
32.  Station Observation Schedule..............................26
33.  Station Data Time Averaging...............................26
34.  Station Groupings, using Spatial Sampling.................27
35.  Network Participation.....................................27
36.  Geographical Criteria for Selecting Stations..............27
37.  Geographical Distribution.................................27
38.  Elevation Distribution....................................28
_________________________________________________________________
                          DATA QUALITY
39.  Instrument Problems.......................................28
40.  Missing Data Periods......................................28
41.  Sampling Biases...........................................28
42.  Error Detection and Correction............................28
43.  Missing Value Estimates...................................29
44.  Quality Control Responsibility............................29
45.  Known Uncorrected Problems................................29
46.  Confidence Factors........................................29
47.  History of Data Usage.....................................29
48.  Quality Statement.........................................30
_________________________________________________________________
                             DATES
49.  Revision Date.............................................30
50.  Science Review Date.......................................30
51.  Future Review Date........................................30
_______________________________________________________________
                        OTHER DATA SETS
52.  Input Sources to this Data Set............................30
53.  Essential Companion Data Sets.............................30
54.  Derived from this Data Set................................31
55.  Larger Collections........................................31
56.  Similar Data Sets.........................................31
_________________________________________________________________
                         SUMMARIZATION
57.  Reference.................................................31
58.  Summary...................................................32
59.  Directory Interchange Format (DIF)........................34
      Glossary..................................................38


********************
* 1.   Data Set ID *
********************
TD-3200
 
***********************
* 2.    Data Set Name *
***********************
Cooperative Summary of the Day
 
****************************************
* 3.    Description:  Data Set Aliases *
****************************************
Surface Land Daily Cooperative Data
Summary of the Day Data
Co-op Data
Climatological Data
Daily Weather Data
SOD
 
****************************************************************                           * 4.   Description:
Access Method and Sort for Archived Data *
****************************************************************
Data are archived in a variable length element file structure.  The element file structure is designed to allow
maximum flexibility in requesting data.  Only those elements or groups of elements of particular interest need be
ordered.  Archived data are currently sorted by Station-ID (excluding the Division Number) as the primary key and
year, month, and meteorological element-type as secondary keys.
 
NCDC maintains an extensive digital collection of historical global, climatic archives from surface, oceanic, and
satellite sources.  Like types of meteorological data are categorized into "Tape Deck (TD) families".  For
instance:  the TD-5600 series contains upper air data; the 1100 series contains marine data, the 9700 series
contains model analysis data, etc.
 
In the early 1980's NCDC instituted the 'element file structure' in an effort to standardize the archival of
meteorological data.  The 3200 series utilizes the element file structure to assimilate surface weather
information.
 
The record structure as shared by the TD-32XX records (where "XX" denotes any one of a particular TD series) may
be generalize as two distinct "portions".  These portions are as follows:
 
The contents of the first portion is essentially 'fixed' as it contains information used to describe the remainder
of the record.  By its design, the second portion allows for a logical maximum of 100 data values; nonetheless,
the actual "maximum" varies with the TD series.  For example, in the daily data series the actual maximum is 62;
in the monthly data it is 26; in the minute data it is 60, etc.  In this respect, this portion is termed as
"variable"; consequently, the entire record is also of variable length.
 
Data may also be received in a fixed length record structure described in topic 5 "Description:  Access Method and
Sort for Supplied Data".
 
Provided within this section are information and examples of how to access the Variable Length data records,
specifically:
 
a.  COBOL Data Description (1 example)
b.  FORTRAN Data Descriptions (2 examples)
c.  Control Language Notes
d.  List of Variables ("Elements")
e.  Schematic Variable Length Record Format Layout
 
 
The following COBOL and FORTRAN statements are to be used as guidelines only.  NCDC recognizes the fact that many
different types of equipment are used in processing these data.  It is impossible to cover all the idiosyncrasies
of every system.
 
    a.  COBOL Data Description
 
This is a typical ANSI Standard COBOL Variable Length Description.
 
    FD INDATA
       LABEL RECORDS ARE STANDARD
       RECORDING MODE D
       BLOCK CONTAINS 12000 CHARACTERS
       DATA RECORD IS DATA-RECORD.
    01 DATA-RECORD.
       02 RECORD-TYPE                PIC X(3).
       02 STATION-ID                 PIC X(8).
       02 ELEMENT-TYPE               PIC X(4).
       02 ELEMENT-UNITS-CODE         PIC XX.
       02 YEAR                       PIC 9(4).
       02 MONTH                      PIC 99.
       02 FILLER                     PIC 9(4).
       02 NUMBER-VALUES              PIC 9(3).
       02 DAILY-ENTRY
            OCCURS 1 TO 100 TIMES DEPENDING ON NUMBER-VALUES.
          04 DAY                     PIC 99.
          04 HOUR                    PIC 99.
          04 DATA-VALUE              PIC S9(5) SIGN LEADING
                                                 SEPARATE.
                    04 D-VAL REDEFINES DATA-VALUE.
                       05 SIGN-VAL        PIC X.
                       05 DATA-IN         PIC X(5).
                    04 FLAG-1             PIC X.
                    04 FLAG-2             PIC X.
 
 
 
    b.  FORTRAN Data Description
 
    (1) FORTRAN 77 Example 1
 
This description is for those systems that can handle variable blocked records normally.
 
           IMPLICIT INTEGER (A-Z)
 
           OPEN (10,FILE = 'FILENAME',ACCESS = 'SEQUENTIAL', STATUS = 'OLD',
          +    RFORM = 'VB',MRECL = 1230,TYPE = 'ANSI',BLOCK =
          +    12000)
    C          LAST 2 lines of OPEN statement are SPERRY UNIQUE
 
           DEFINE FILE 10 (ANSI, VB, 1230, 12000)
         CHARACTER*3 RECTYP
         CHARACTER*8 STNID
         CHARACTER*4 ELMTYP
         CHARACTER*2 EUNITS
         CHARACTER*1 FLAG1, FLAG2
           DIMENSION IDAY(100), IHOUR(100), IVALUE(100), FLAG1(100),
          +     FLAG2(100)
 
     10  READ (10,20,END=999,ERR=10) RECTYP, STNID, ELMTYP, EUNITS, IYEAR,
          +     IMON, IFIL, NUMVAL, (IDAY(J), IHOUR(J), IVALUE(J),
          +     FLAG1(J), FLAG2(J), J=1, NUMVAL)
       20  FORMAT (A3, A8, A4, A2, I4, I2, I4, I3, 100(2I2, I6, 2A1))
 
    (2)  FORTRAN 77 Example 2
 
This description is for those systems that can't handle variable blocked records normally.
 
 
            PROGRAM TAPEREAD
            IMPLICIT INTEGER (A-Z)
            .....
            OPEN(1,FILE=TAPE:',ACCESS='SEQUENTIAL',FORM=FORMATTED',
          + STATUS='OLD',READONLY)
 
            CHARACTER BUFFER*12000      ! YOUR MACHINE MUST SUPPORT
                                        ! CHARACTER VARIABLES THIS LARGE
            CHARACTER*3 RECTYP
            CHARACTER*8 STNID
            CHARACTER*4 ELMTYP
            CHARACTER*2 EUNITS
            CHARACTER*1 FLAG1, FLAG2
            DIMENSION IDAY(100), IHOUR(100), IVALUE(100), FLAG1(100)
          +       FLAG2(100)
            .....
            NBYTES=0
   5        NBEG=1
            READ(1,101,END=99)BUFFER     !READ IN PHYSICAL RECORD (BLOCK)
  10        NBEG=NBEG+NBYTES
            READ(BUFFER(NBEG:NBEG+3,102)NBYTES   !READ THE CONTROL WORD
            IF( NBYTES.EQ.0 )GO TO 5
            READ(BUFFER(NBEG+4:NBEG+NBYTES-1),103) RECTYP, STNID, ELMTYP,
          + EUNITS, 1YEAR, IMON, IFIL, NUMVAL, (DAY(J), IHOUR(J),
          + IVALUE(J), FLAG1(J), FLAG2(J), J=1, NUMVAL)
            .....
 
            .....
            GO TO 10
    99      CONTINUE
            .....
            .....
            STOP 'FINISHED'
   101      FORMAT(A)
   102      FORMAT(I4)
   103      FORMAT (A3, A8, A4, A2, I4, I2, I4, I3, 100(212, 16, 2A1))
            END
 
 
 
    c. Control Language Notes
 
    (1) IBM JCL Notes
 
             For ASCII Variable specify:
         LRECL   = 1234
         RECFM   = DB
         OPTCODE = Q
 
             For EBCDIC Variable specify:
         LRECL   = 1234
         RECFM   = VB
 
    (2) VAX DCL Notes
 
               $ MOUNT/FOREIGN/BLOCKSIZE=12000 MT:  tapename TAPE:
 


    d.  List of Variables
 
  ELEMENT                                   WIDTH          POSITION
 001  RECORD TYPE (= DLY)                     3            001-003 --
 002  STATION ID                              8            004-011  |
 003  METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT TYPE             4            012-015  |
 004  MET. ELEMENT MEASUREMENT UNITS CODE     2            016-017   -- ID
 005  YEAR                                    4            018-021  |   PORTION
 006  MONTH                                   2            022-023  |
 007  FILLER (= 9999)                         4            024-027  |
 008  NUMBER OF DATA PORTIONS THAT FOLLOW     3            028-030 --
 009  DAY OF MONTH                            2            031-032 --
 010  HOUR OF OBSERVATION                     2            033-034  |
 011  SIGN OF METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT VALUE    1            035       -- DATA
      VALUE OF METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT         5            036-040  |   PORTION
      QUALITY CONTROL FLAG 1                  1            041      |
      QUALITY CONTROL FLAG 2                  1            042     --
 
      DATA GROUPS IN THE SAME FORM AS ELEMENT 12           043-054  DATA PORTION
      POSITIONS 31-42 REPEATED AS MANY        12           055-066  DATA PORTION
      TIMES AS NEEDED TO CONTAIN ONE MONTH    12           067-078  DATA PORTION
      OF RECORDS.                           .....          .....
 608                                          12           1219-1230  DATA PORTION
 
    e.  Format  (Variable Length Record Layout)
 
    1.  The first eight elements (positions 001-030) constitute the ID PORTION of the record and describe the
characteristics of the entire record.  The next six elements, the DATA PORTION of the record contains information
about each meteorological element value reported.  This portion is repeated for as many values as occur in the
monthly record.
 
    2.  Each logical record is of variable length with a maximum of 1230 characters.  Each logical record contains
a station's data for a specific meteorological element over a one month interval.  The form of a record is:
 
               ID PORTION (30 Characters) Fixed length
 
        ********************************************************
        * REC |  STATION | ELEM |     |      |    |      | NUM  >
        * TYP |    ID    | TYPE | UNT | YEAR | MO | FILL | VAL  >
        ******|**********|******|************|****|******|******
        * XXX | XXXXXXXX | XXXX | XX  | XXXX | XX | XXXX | XXX  >
        ********************************************************
ELEMENTS  001      002      003   004    005   006   007   008
 
 
 
 
 
 
       DATA PORTION (12 Characters, repeated "NUM-VAL" times--up to 100)
 
          ****************************************************************
         < DY | HR | MET.  ELEM | FL | FL | DY | HR | MET. ELEM  | FL | FL >
         <    |    |            |  1 |  2 |    |    |            |  1 |  2 >
         <    |    |************|    |    |    |    |************|    |    >
         <    |    |    | DATA  |    |    |    |    |     | DATA |    |    >
         <    |    |  S | VALUE |    |    |    |    |  S  | VALUE|    |    >
         <****|****|****|*******|****|****|****|****|*****| *****|****|*** >
         < XX | XX |  X | XXXXX |  X |  X | XX |  XX|  X  | XXXXX|  X |  X >
          ****************************************************************
ELEMENTS  009  010   011   012    013  014  015  016  017    018   019  020
 
           ********************************
          < DY | HR | MET. ELEM | FL | FL *
          <    |    |           |  1 |  2 *
          <    |    |***********|    |    *
          <    |    |   | DATA  |    |    *
          <    |    | S | VALUE |    |    *
          <****|****|***|*******|****|*****
          < XX | XX | X | XXXXX |  X |  X *
           ********************************
ELEMENTS   603  604  605   606    607  608
 
    3.  The Number of Data Portions (position 008) for the logical record of type "DLY" ranges from 1 to 62.
 
**************************************************************
* 5.  Description:  Access Method and Sort for Supplied Data *
**************************************************************
In addition to a variable length record structure, users may also receive data in a fixed length record structure
as described below.  However, the user must specify whether to extract either the original or edited data values.
Supplied data are in the same sort as archived data (see topic 4 "Description:  Access Method and Sort for
Archived Data").
 
Provided within this section are information and examples of how to access the fixed length data records,
specifically:
 
a.  COBOL Data Description
b.  FORTRAN Data Description
c.  List of Variables ("Elements")
d.  Schematic Fixed Length Record Format Layout
 
 
    a.  COBOL Data Description
 
    This is a typical ANSI Standard COBOL Fixed Record Length Description
 
      FD   INDATA
           LABEL RECORDS ARE STANDARD (FOR STD LABEL TAPES)
           RECORDING MODE F
           BLOCK CONTAINS 15 RECORDS
           DATA IS DATA-RECORD
      01   DATA RECORD
           02  RECORD-TYPE         PIC X(3).
           02  STATION-ID          PIC X(8).
           02  ELEMENT-TYPE        PIC X(4).
           02  ELEMENT-UNITS       PIC XX.
           02  YEAR                PIC 9(4).
 
           02  MONTH               PIC 99.
           02  FILLER              PIC 9(4).
           02  NUMBER-VALUES       PIC 9(3).
           02  DAILY-ENTRY
               OCCURS 31 TIMES.
               04  DAY             PIC 99.
               04  HOUR            PIC 99.
               04  DATA-VALUE      PIC S9(5) SIGN LEADING SEPARATE.
               04  D-VAL REDEFINES DATA-VALUE.
                   05  SIGN-VAL    PIC X.
                   05  DATA-IN     PIC X(5).
               04  FLAG-1          PIC X.
               04  FLAG-2          PIC X.
 
   b.  FORTRAN Data Description
 
    FORTRAN 77 Example
 
      DEFINE FILE 10 (ANSI, FB, 402, 6030)
      CHARACTER*3 RECTYP
      CHARACTER*8 STNID
      CHARACTER*4 ELMTYP
      CHARACTER*2 EUNITS
      CHARACTER*1 FLAGI, FLAG2
      DIMENSION IDAY(31), IHOUR(31),
   +  IVALUE(31), FLAG1(31), FLAG2(31)
 
 10   READ (10,20,END=999,ERR=10)RECTYP, STNID, ELMTYP, EUNITS, IYEAR,
   +      IMON, IFIL, NUMVAL, (IDAY(J), IHOUR(J), IVALUE(J),
   +      FLAG1(J), FLAG2(J), J=1, 31)
 
 20   FORMAT (A3, A8, A4, A2, I4,I2, I4, 13, 31(212, I6, 2A1))
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   c.  List of Variables
 
  ELEMENT                                      WIDTH   POSITION
001   RECORD TYPE (= DLY)                        3     001-003--
002   STATION ID                                 8     004-011  |
003   METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT TYPE                4     012-015  |
004   MET. ELEMENT MEASUREMENT UNITS CODE        2     016-017  |--ID
005   YEAR                                       4     018-021  |  PORTION
006   MONTH                                      2     O22-023  |
007   FILLER (= 9999)                            4     024-027  |
008   NO. OF DATA PORTIONS THAT FOLLOW (= 031)   3     028-030--
009   DAY OF MONTH                               2     031-032--
010   HOUR OF OBSERVATION                        2     033-034  | DATA
011   SIGN OF METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT VALUE       1     035      |--PORTION
      VALUE OF METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT            5     036-040  |
      QUALITY CONTROL FLAG 1                     1     041      |
      QUALITY CONTROL FLAG 2                     1     042    --
 
      DATA GROUPS IN THE SAME FORM AS ELEMENT   12     043-054  DATA PORTION
      POSITIONS 31-42 ARE REPEATED              12     055-066  DATA PORTION
      31 TIMES.                               .....    .....
194                                             12     391-402  DATA PORTION
 
 
   d.  Format (Fixed Length Record Layout)
 
    1.  The first eight elements (positions 001-030) constitute the ID PORTION of the record and describe the
characteristics of the entire record.  The next six elements, the DATA PORTION of the record, contain information
about each meteorological element value, reported. This portion is repeated 31 times.
 
    2.  Each logical record is fixed with 402 characters.  Each logical record contains a station's  data for a
specific meteorological element over a one month interval.  The form of a record is:
 
 
 
                    ID PORTION (30 characters) Fixed Length
 
            ******************************************************
            * REC |  STATION | ELEM |     |      |    |      | NUM >
            * TYP |    ID    | TYPE | UNT | YEAR | MO | FILL | VAL >
            ** ***|**********|******|*****|******|****|******|**** >
            * XXX | XXXXXXXX | XXXX |  XX | XXXX | XX | XXXX | XXX >
            ******************************************************
ELEMENTS      001      002      003    004   005   006   007   008
 
 
 
 
                  DATA PORTION (12 Characters, repeated 31 Times)
 
             *****************************************************
            < DY | HR | MET. ELEM | FL | FL | DY | HR | MET. ELEM  >
            <    |    |***********|    |    |    |    |**********  >
            <    |    |   | DATA  |    |    |    |    |   | DATA   >
            <    |    | S | VALUE |    |    |    |    | S | VALUE  >
            < ***|****|***********|****|****|****|****|***|******  >
            < XX | XX | X | XXXXX |  X |  X | XX | XX | X |  XXXXX >
             *****************************************************
ELEMENTS     009  010  011   012    013  014  015  016 017    018
 
             ********************************
            < DY | HR | MET. ELEM | FL | FL *
            <    |    |***********|  1 |  2 *
            <    |    |   | DATA  |    |    *
            <    |    | S | VALUE |    |    *
            < ***|****|***|*******|****|*****
            < XX | XX | X | XXXXX |  X |  X *
              *******************************
ELEMENTS      189  190 191   192    193   194
 
 
****************************************************
* 6.   Description: Element Names and Definitions  *
****************************************************
RECORD TYPE
The type of data stored in this record.  (Value is "DLY"). Each record contains one month of daily values.
 
STATION-ID
This 8-character alphanumeric station identifier is assigned by the National Climatic Data Center.  The first two
digits refer to a state code (value range is 01-91; reference Table "A").  The next four digits refer to the
Cooperative Network Index number (value range is 0001-9999).  The last two digits are the  Cooperative Network
Division Number (value range is 01-10; 99 = Missing Division Number; reference Table "B").
 
METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT-TYPE
The type of meteorological elements stored in this record.  Range of values are listed below.
 
    DYSW
 
    The different types of weather occurring that day (reference Table "C"; See topic 46 "Data Quality:
    Confidence Factors").
 
    EVAP
 
    Daily evaporation (not reported when temperature below freezing). Unit Measurement, Inches & Hundredths of
    Inches.
 
    MNPN
 
    Daily minimum temperature of water in an evaporation pan (effective September 1963). Unit Measurement,
    Whole Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    MXPN
 
    Daily maximum temperature of water in an evaporation pan (effective September 1963). Unit Measurement,
    Whole Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    PRCP
 
    Daily precipitation.  (Precipitation reading for 24 hours ending at time of observation.  Trace is less
    than 0.005 inch.  Unit Measurement, Inches to Hundredths.
 
    SNOW
 
    Daily Snowfall (Snowfall includes sleet).  Amount is for 24-hour period ending at observation time.  Hail
    was included with snowfall from July 1948 through December 1955.  Hail occurring alone was not included
    with either snowfall or snow depth before and after that period.  Trace is less than 0.05 inch.  Unit
    Measurement, Inches to Tenths.
 
    SNWD
 
    Snow depth at observation time.  (Snow depth is depth of snow on the ground at time of observation.  Trace
    is depth less than 0.5 inch.) Unit Measurement, Whole Inches.
 
    TMAX
 
    Daily maximum temperature.  (Maximum temperature reading for 24 hours ending at time of observation.) Unit
    Measurement, Whole Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    TMIN
 
    Daily minimum temperature.  (Minimum temperature reading for 24 hours ending at time of observation.) Unit
    Measurement, Whole Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    TOBS
 
    Temperature at observation time. Unit Measurement, Whole Degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    WDMV
 
    24-hour wind movement.  Unit Measurement, Whole Miles.
 
 
 
 
    WTEQ
 
    Water equivalent of snow depth.  (For principal stations only.  Effective October 1963 for snow depth equal
    or greater than 2 inches).  Unit Measurement, Inches to Tenths.
 
    SNyz
 
    Daily minimum soil temperature (see note below).  Unit Measurement, whole degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    SOyz
 
    Soil temperature at observation time (see note below).  Unit Measurement, whole degrees Fahrenheit.
 
    SXyz
 
    Daily maximum soil temperature (see note below).  Unit Measurement, whole degrees Fahrenheit.
 
       Note:    Positions "y" and "z" of the soil temperatures are encoded using reference Table "D", e.g.,
                SN12 indicates that the daily minimum soil temperatures that follow are measured in an area
                covered with grass and at a depth of four inches or 10 centimeters.
 
METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT MEASUREMENT UNITS CODE
 
The units and decimal position (precision) of the data value for this record (reference Table "E"). See topic 45
"Data Quality:  Known Uncorrected Problems" for additional details.
 
YEAR
 
This is the year of the record.  Range of values is 1850-current year processed.
 
MONTH
 
This is the month of the record.  Range of values is 01-12 LST.
 
FILLER
 
Filler value is 9999.
 
NUMBER OF DATA PORTIONS THAT FOLLOW
This notates the actual number of values reported.  Range of values is 01-62.
 
 
 
 
NOTE:  A record may contain fewer or more data values than you might expect.  A monthly record of daily values may
contain as few as one data value or as many as 62 data values.
 
A maximum of two DATA PORTIONS are used for each day of the month so as to allow one original meteorological data
value and one edited data value.  The only exception at this time, is that the  "days with weather" element-types
(DYSW) of original data values can be reported in multiple logical records ( e.g. only one original DYSW Data
Portion  for each day is given  within a single  DLY logical record.  When more than two types of weather  on any
given day,  a new DLY logical record for the same month will exists until DYSW is exhausted.  At most, 62 data
values may be contained in any given logical record (e.g., 30 + (62 x 12) = 774 characters).  Thus, while a
maximum of 1,230 characters has been assigned, no more than 774 characters will be used for the daily data record
types.
 
If a particular data value was not taken or is unavailable, there is no entry for it.  (For meteorological
elements observed once a day, if all the daily observations of a given month are received and pass QC checks,
there will be one DATA PORTION for each day. Whereas, if every value were to fail the QC, there may be two DATA
PORTIONS for every day of that month.)  When two DATA PORTIONS for a daily record are encountered (with the
exception of DYSW), the original data values are flagged and the second DATA PORTION is the best possible
replacement.  (See code definitions for the Flag 2 element).
 
DAY OF MONTH
 
Contains the day of the month on which the data element was observed.  Range of values is 01-31 LST.
 
HOUR OF OBSERVATION
 
Contains the hour of the daily observation.  Hour of observation is reported using the 24-hour clock with values
ranging from 00-23 LST, except in the cases of soil temperatures element-type (where the hour is 99 to indicate
missing) and "days with weather" (where the hour is 24).  Through June 1967 observations were designated as "AM"
or "PM"; these values were set to 06 or 18 respectively during the conversion to TD-3200.  From July 1967 through
1981, all observations were set to hour 18 (because the majority are p.m. observations).  Beginning January 1982,
the actual hour of the observation is indicated.  (See topic 32 "Stations:  Station Observation Schedule" for
additional information).
 
SIGN OF METEOROLOGICAL VALUE
 
The algebraic sign of the meteorological data value is given as either a blank or a minus sign (-).  Blank
indicates a positive value and a minus sign represents a negative value (see topic 45 "Data Quality:  Known
Uncorrected Problems").
 
VALUE OF METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT
 
The actual data value is given as a five-digit integer.  One major exception does exist however, for the DYSW
(days with weather code) element-type values as explained in Table "C".  A very small number of data values are
known to have non-numeric entries.
 
 
For fixed length records only when a data value is missing, the sign of the data value is set to "-", the data
value is set to "99999", flag position 1 is set to "M" and flag position 2 is blank.
 
Prior to September 1991, when no daily precipitation reading was taken but the amount from that day (if any) is
included in a subsequent value, the data value of precipitation is set equal to "00000" and flagged with an "S" in
flag position 1.  In turn, the successive accumulated amount will be flagged with an "A" in flag position 1.
Since September 1991, it has been a practice at NCDC to set the precipitation value to "99999" in this situation;
the flagging procedure has not changed.
 
FLAG1
 
The Data Measurement FLAG (reference Table "F").
 
FLAG2
 
The Data Quality FLAG (reference Table "G").
 
 
 


                              TABLES
 
            TABLE "A"
 
       State-Code Table
 
01 Alabama             28 New Jersey
02 Arizona             29 New Mexico
03 Arkansas             30 New York
04 California     31 North Carolina
05 Colorado             32 North Dakota
06 Connecticut     33 Ohio
07 Delaware             34 Oklahoma
08 Florida             35 Oregon
09 Georgia             36 Pennsylvania
10 Idaho          37 Rhode Island
11 Illinois             38 South Carolina
12 Indiana             39 South Dakota
13 Iowa          40 Tennessee
14 Kansas          41 Texas
15 Kentucky             42 Utah
16 Louisiana          43 Vermont
17 Maine          44 Virginia
18 Maryland             45 Washington
19 Massachusetts     46 West Virginia
20 Michigan             47 Wisconsin
21 Minnesota          48 Wyoming
22 Mississippi     49 Not Used
23 Missouri             50 Alaska
24 Montana             51 Hawaii
25 Nebraska             66 Puerto Rico
26 Nevada            67 Virgin Islands
27 New Hampshire     91 Pacific Islands


                              TABLE "B"
 
                  Cooperative Network Division Table
 
NOTE:  The division number for a station may change over
time.
 
           HAWAII (STATE 51)*
 
ISLAND NAME                   DIVISION
 
   Kauai                           01
   Oahu                            02
   Molokai                         03
   Lanai                           04
   Maui                            05
   Hawaii                          06
 
 
*NOTE:  Hawaii (State 51) division numbers were changed
during the initial conversion of this file.  Divisions within
islands no longer exist.  Division numbers now represent each
island.
 
          PACIFIC ISLANDS (STATE 91)
 
Division
 
02 - East of 180th Meridian - Phoenix Islands, Line
     Islands, and American Samoa
 
03 - Western Pacific Islands, North of 12N
 
     04 - Caroline and Marshall Islands


                              TABLE "C"
                                     DYSW - Daily Occurrence of Weather Tables
 
POR =  Period of Record.
00 -     Day of no occurrence
01 - Day with smoke or haze (POR through 1963 and 1982 to
     Present
02 - Day with fog (POR through 1963 and 1982 to Present)
04 - Day with drizzle (POR through 1963 and 1982 to
     Present)
05 - Day with ice pellets (sleet)
06 - Day with glaze
07 - Day with thunder
08 - Day with hail
09 - Day with dust or sand storm (POR through 1963 and
     1982 to Present)
10 - Day with blowing snow
11 - Day with high wind (POR through 1963 and 1982 to
     Present)
12 - Day with tornado (POR through 1963 and 1982 to
     Present)
13 - Day with rain (1982 to Present)
14 - Day with snow (1982 to Present)
 
 
 
From 1980 forward, these two-character DYSW element-type
codes are stored into the rightmost four characters of the
data value portion of the meteorological element.  Within the
four characters used, the weather codes are entered left
justified.  Thus, if one type of weather occurs during a day,
the data values would appear as OXXOO, where XX is the
appropriate weather code.  If two types of weather occur, the
data value will contain OXXYY, where XX is value 1 and YY is
value 2.  If more than two types of weather occur on the same
day, they will be stored into additional "DLY" records of the
element-type code "DYSW" as needed.
 
NOTE:  Prior to 1980, each weather code for DYSW is written
as a unique DATA PORTION.  Only the left position (XX) of the
DYSW code is used (e.g., appears as OXXOO).


                              TABLE "D"
 
                        Soil Temperature Table
 
          (y = Code for soil cover)
          (z = Code for soil depth)
 
************** *****************************
|Code| Cover | |Code   |  Depth   |  Depth |
|    |       | |       | (inches) |   (cm) |
|************| |*******|**********| *******|
|y=1 | Grass | |       |          |        |
|  2 | Fallow| |z = 1  |     2    |     5  |
|  3 | Bare  | |       |          |        |
|    | ground| |    2  |     4    |    10  |
|  4 | Brome | |       |          |        |
|    | grass | |    3  |     8    |    20  |
|  5 | Sod   | |       |          |        |
|  6 | Straw | |       |          |        |
|    | mulc  | |    4  |    20    |    50  |
|  7 | Grass | |       |          |        |
|    | muck  | |    5  |    40    |   100  |
|  8 | Bare  | |       |          |        |
|    | muck  | |    0  | Unknown  | Unknown|
|  0 |Unknown| |       |          |        |
************** *****************************
 
NOTE:  Soil records are kept since 1982.  Some stations may
report soil temperatures at observation time twice a day.
Separate records will occur for both observation times.
 
 
 
 
                              TABLE "E"
 
                      Units of Measurement Table
 
Range of values where b = Blank:
 
bF   Whole degrees Fahrenheit (right justified
HI     Hundredths of inches
bI     Whole inches (right justified)
bM   Whole miles (right justified)
NA   No units applicable (nondimensional)
TI   Tenths of inches


                              TABLE "F"
 
                       Data Measurement Flag 1
 
              A -     Accumulated amount since last
              measurement.
              B -     Accumulated amount includes
              estimated values (since
     last measurement).
              E -     Estimated (see Table "G" for
              estimating method).
              J -     Value has been manually
              validated.
              M -   For fixed length records   only.
                    Flag1 is "M" if the data value
           is missing. In this case, the
  sign of the meteorological value                      is
assigned "-" and the value of                      the
meteorological element is                         assigned
"99999".
              S -     Included in a subsequent value.
              (data value = "00000" OR
     "99999").
              T -     Trace (data value = 00000 for a
              trace).
              ( -   Expert system edited value,
           not validated.
              ) -   Expert system approved
           edited value.
          Blank -   Flag not needed.
 
Note:  The presence or absence of an "E" in Data Measurement
Flag 1 is not a reliable source of indicating that a
subsequent value replaces an original value.  Users should
examine Data Quality Flag 2 for a code "0-5" to indicate
whether a replacement value follows an original value.
 
Flag 1 values of "S" and "A" usually occur in pairs (ie. a
daily value will have Flag 1 assigned as "S" and the next
daily value will have Flag 1 assigned as "A").  For some
daily values these flags do not occur in pairs.
 
Other values occasionally appear in Data Measurement Flag 1
for which documentation is not currently available, e.g., "C"
and "s".
 
                              TABLE "G"
 
                         Data Quality Flag 2
 
0  - Valid data element.
1  - Valid data element (from "unknown" source, pre-1982).
2  - Invalid data element (subsequent value replaces
     original value).
3  - Invalid data element (no replacement value follows).
4  - Validity unknown (not checked).
5  -     Original non-numeric data value has
          been replaced by its deciphered numeric
          value.
A  - Substituted TOBS for TMAX or TMIN
B  - Time shifted value
C  - Precipitation estimated from snowfall
D  - Transposed digits
E  - Changed units
F  - Adjusted TMAX or TMIN by a multiple of + or -10
     degrees
G  - Changed algebraic sign
H  -     Moved decimal point
I  - Rescaling other than F, G, or H
J  - Subjectively derived value
K  - Extracted from an accumulated value
L  - Switched TMAX and/or TMIN
M  - Switched TOBS with TMAX or TMIN
N  - Substitution of "3 nearest station mean"
O  - Switched snow and precipitation data value
P  - Added snowfall to snow depth
Q  - Switched snowfall and snow depth
R  - Precipitation not reported; estimated as "O"
S**- Manually edited value
T  - Failed internal consistency check
U  -     Failed areal consistency check (beginning                Oct. 1992)
 
** - Manually edited value could be derived by any of the
          procedures noted by Flags A-R.


     


     ********************************
* 7.  Description:  Start Date *
********************************
Data from 1948 onward comprise the bulk of the data set.  This is when punch cards were used to help summarize
climatological data.  Data from earlier periods were placed upon punch cards as a result of various agreements
with state universities.
 
Meteorological Element-Type
 
    Daily Temperature             1850
 
    Daily Precipitation       1862
 
    Daily Evaporation         1951
 
    Soil Data                 1982
 
*******************************
* 8.  Description:  Stop Date *
*******************************
Present
 
*******************************
* 9.  Description:  Parameter *
*******************************
Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Evaporation
Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Maximum Water Temperature in Evaporation Pan
Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Minimum Water Temperature in Evaporation Pan
Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>Daily Maximum Temperature
Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>Daily Minimum Temperature
Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>Observation Time Temperature
Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Soil Temperature at Observation Time
Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Daily Maximum Soil Temperature
Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Daily Minimum Soil Temperature
Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Precipitation
Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Snowfall
Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Snow Depth
Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Water Equivalent of Snow Depth
Atmospheric Dynamics>Wind>Wind Movement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*********************************
* 10.  Description:  Discipline *
*********************************
Earth Science>Atmospheric>Meteorology/Climatology
Daily Precipitation, Daily Snowfall, Daily Snow Depth, Daily Maximum Temperature, Daily Minimum Temperature,
Observation Time Temperature, Evaporation, Water Equivalent of Snow Depth, Maximum/Minimum Water in Evaporation
Pan, Wind Movement
 
Earth Science>Land>Hydrology
Evaporation, Maximum/Minimum Water Temperature in Evaporation Pan, Daily Snowfall, Daily Snow Depth, Water
Equivalent of Snow Depth, Daily Precipitation
 
Earth Science>Land>Agriculture
Soil Temperature at Time of Observation, Daily Maximum Soil Temperature, Daily Minimum Soil Temperature, Daily
Precipitation, Evaporation
 
*******************************
* 11.  Description:  Coverage *
*******************************
Southernmost Latitude            15S
Northernmost Latitude            75N
Westernmost Longitude           130E
Easternmost Longitude            60W
 
*******************************
* 12.  Description:  Location *
*******************************
Areal Coverage
North America>USA, Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
 
******************************
* 13.  Description:  Keyword *
******************************
Temperature
Maximum Temperature (24 HR)
Minimum Temperature (24 HR)
Minimum Temperature (in Evaporation Pan)
Maximum Temperature (in Evaporation Pan)
Temperature at Obs Time
Precipitation
Snow
Snow on Ground
Water Equivalent
Evaporation
Soil Temperature
Weather
Drizzle
Ice Pellets
Glaze
Thunder
Hail
Dust
Sand Storm
Blowing Snow
Winds
Tornado
Rain
Smoke
Fog
TD-3200
3200
FA00242
 
*************************************
* 14.  Description:  Storage Medium *
*************************************
The data are currently stored on 108 magnetic tape cartridges totalling about 10 gigabytes.  Tape copies can be
made of either the variable length or fixed length record structure.  Data can also be acquired at 800, 1600, and
6250 BPI density.
 
********************************
* 15.  Description:  File Mode *
********************************
ASCII
EBCDIC (at additional cost)
 
**********************************************
* 16.  Description:  How to Acquire the Data *
**********************************************
These data are available for purchase from the National Climatic Data Center, Climate Services Branch, Federal
Building, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 120, Asheville, NC.,  28801-5001, phone number (704)-271-4800.
 
**********************************************************
* 17.  Description:  Historical and Current Data Sources *
**********************************************************
Cooperative Observations
Principal Climatological Stations
Summary of the Day Observations
Punched Card Deck 345
Punched Card Deck 486
State Universities
Evaporation Observations
Digital Files
Daily Observations (manuscripts and publications)
Tape Deck 9639
Tape Deck 9727
Historical Files
MAPSO Diskettes
 
**************************************************
* 18.  Description:  Data Derivation, Algorithms *
**************************************************
No information available at this time.
 
********************************************************************
* 19. Description:  Data Derivation, Algorithms Responsibility for *
********************************************************************
No information available at this time.
 
*****************************
* 20. Description:  Project *
*****************************
National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Program
 
**********************************************
* 21. Data Center:  Data Center, Archiving   *
**********************************************
National Climatic Data Center,
NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC
151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
Asheville, NC  28801-5001
 
**********************************************
* 22. Data Center:  Data Center, Originating *
**********************************************
National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
Asheville, NC  28801-5001
 
****************************
* 23. Personnel:  Archiver *
****************************
Chief, Data Base Management Branch
NOAA/NCDC
151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
Asheville, NC  28801-5001
 
 
 
 
*************************************
* 24. Personnel:  Technical Contact *
*************************************
Climate Services Division
NOAA/NCDC
151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
Asheville, NC  28801-5001
PHONE: 704-271-4800
 
********************************
* 25. Personnel:  Investigator *
********************************
Data Base Management Branch
NOAA/NCDC
151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
Asheville, NC  28801-5001
 
*****************************************************
* 26. Sensor:  Sensor Name and Operating Principles *
*****************************************************
No information available at this time.
 
******************************
* 27. Sensor:  Sensor Siting *
******************************
No information available at this time.
 
**************************************************
* 28. Sensor:  Sensor Accuracy and Calibration   *
**************************************************
Maximum temperature; Minimum temperature
The accuracy of the maximum-minimum temperature system (MMTS) is +/- 0.5 degrees C, and the LED displays the
temperature to the nearest 0.1 degree F. The observer records the values to the nearest whole degree F.
 
A Cooperative Program Manager calibrates the MMTS sensor annually against a specially-maintained reference
instrument.
**************************************************
* 29.  Sensor:  Sensor Sampling Characteristics  *
**************************************************
No information available at this time.
 
****************************************************
* 30.  Sensor:  Data Capture Method at/near Sensor *
****************************************************
No information available at this time.
 
**********************************************
* 31.  Station:  Station Location Accuracy   *
**********************************************
TD-3200 Station History Locations are known to the nearest minute of latitude and longitude.
 
***********************************************
* 32.  Station:  Station Observation Schedule *
***********************************************
The primary thrust of the cooperative observing program today is the recording of 24-hour precipitation amounts,
but about 55% of the stations also record maximum and minimum temperatures.  It should be noted that these Summary
of the Day observations are for the 24-hour period ending at the time of observation.  Observer convenience or
special program needs mean that observing times may vary from station to station.  The vast majority of
observations are taken near either 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. local time. Principal climatological stations are
usually fully instrumented and therefore record a more complete range of meteorological parameters.  These
observations are usually for the 24-hour period midnight to midnight.
 
One particular concern to the user of the Summary of the Day observations is the time of observation.  Ideally a
climatological network should consist of observations all taken at the same local time.  As mentioned above,
observer convenience is recognized and it is not possible to establish and enforce such requirements.  The next
best thing is to have adequate and accurate information about the observing practices at each station.  Even this
is an elusive target.  Observers occasionally change their observing schedule without notifying either the NWS or
NCDC; in some instances precipitation observations are taken in the morning and temperature observations in the
evening - or vice versa.  (See topic 42, "Data Quality:  Error Detection and Correction.")
 
Observations through June 1967 carried only the designation "AM" or "PM" (actual hour is shown in the
Climatological Data bulletin); subsequently, these were set to 06 or 18 respectively during the conversion to TD-3200.  Beginning with July 1967 and continuing through December 1981, all reference to observations time was
dropped from the data files.  When converting to TD-3200 all observations during this period were set to hour 18
(because the majority are p.m. observations).  Users must take these aberrations into consideration when comparing
or summarizing the data.  From January 1982 onward, the actual time of observation is carried with the data.
 
***********************************************
* 33.   Station:  Station Data Time Averaging *
***********************************************
No information available at this time.
 
 
 
 
************************************************************
* 34.  Station:  Spatial Sampling Using Station Grouping   *
************************************************************
Not Applicable
 
******************************************
* 35.  Stations:  Network Participation *
******************************************
The TD-3200 data base is comprised of U.S. stations primarily staffed by "cooperative" observers.  The vast
majority of these observers are volunteers (non-paid, private individuals) for the National Weather Service (NWS).
The cooperative stations are augmented by principal climatological stations operated by the NWS  having highly
trained observers.
 
The NWS cooperative station network includes instances in which the services provided by a station are paid by
other federal agencies (e.g., the Department of Interior and Department of Transportation).  Those commonly paid
as observers include employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Park Service (NPS), Bureau
of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFC), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA).
 
The observing equipment used at all of the stations--whether at volunteer sites or federal installations--are
calibrated and maintained by NWS field representatives, Cooperative Program Managers (CPMs) and Hydro-Meteorological Technicians (HMTs).
 
There are a handful of cooperative stations recovered from surface Summary of the Day records of U.S. Department
of Defense (USDOD) Military sites (e.g., air force and naval bases).
 
**************************************************************
* 36.  Stations:  Geographic Criteria for Selecting Stations *
**************************************************************
Years ago stations were selected according to a grid plan.  Today stations are selected if another station closes
or a different requirement exists for a specific area.  When previously established stations close a new station
compatible to it is established within 5 miles when possible.
 
*********************************************
* 37.  Stations:  Geographical Distribution *
*********************************************
here are no specifics for distribution of stations, other than an attempt to distribute throughout the entire
region to give an overall sampling of the area. Currently there are approximately 8,000 active stations in the
data set.  Historically, approximately 23,000 stations are included for various years.
 
 
 
******************************************
* 38.  Stations:  Elevation Distribution *
******************************************
Elevations for fixed surface locations for the data set are mostly below 1,000 meters above sea level.  The
minimum elevation is -30 meters and the maximum is 3,000 meters.
 
*******************************************
* 39.  Data Quality:  Instrument Problems *
*******************************************
No information available at this time.
 
********************************************
* 40.  Data Quality:  Missing Data Periods *
********************************************
Microfiche inventories of the TD-3200 data set are available which indicate missing data periods by station for
most elements.
 
***************************************
* 41.  Data Quality:  Sampling Biases *
***************************************
No information available at this time.
 
******************************************************
* 42.  Data Quality:  Error Detection and Correction *
******************************************************
The historical data were converted from existing digital files and placed in the element structure format in
January 1982.  At that time the data were only processed through a gross value check.  Shortly  thereafter, NCDC
instituted a greatly enhanced computer algorithm for operational automated validation of digital archives.  The
revised edit system performs internal consistency checks and evaluates against surrounding stations in addition to
climatological limits and serial checks.  Quality control flags are appended to each element to show how they
fared during the edit procedures and to indicate what, if any, action was taken.  The files then, consisted of
observed values only prior to 1982, with both observed and edited values (as necessary) being supplied since 1982.
 
Since 1982 the operational edit system has evolved into a Geographical Edit and Analysis (GEA) expert system which
affords interactive graphics presentations for the human editors.  As of 1991 additional capabilities to detect
systematic errors in the daily data have been incorporated using the Validation of Historical Daily Data (ValHiDD)
system.
 
Furthermore, in November 1993 the entire historical period of record was independently processed (no human
editing) through the ValHiDD system for 5 elements (temperature:  maximum and minimum; precipitation:  total,
snowfall, and snow depth).  Hence, the entire period of record for these elements offers observed with edited
values.  (See topic 45 "Data Quality:  Known Uncorrected Problems.")
 
***********************************************
* 43.  Data Quality:  Missing Value Estimates *
***********************************************
No information available at this time.
 
******************************************************
* 44.  Data Quality:  Quality Control Responsibility *
******************************************************
Responsibility for data quality rests with the individual observer, the NWS Cooperative Program Manager and NCDC.
 
*************************************************
* 45. Data Quality:  Known Uncorrected Problems *
*************************************************
Users should also be aware of a potential for a "lag" in the change of observation times used in the logical
record and what is actually in practice at the site (that is, several months may be archived digitally under an
"old" observation time before NCDC received notification).
 
In 1988 for states 31-91 (North Carolina to Pacific Islands), the algebraic signs of positive meteorological data
values are coded as "+" symbols instead of as blanks.
 
Prior to the 1970's, accumulated amounts of precipitation were not always flagged with the "A".  Instead the
convention was to treat the value following a series of data values flagged with "S" as an accumulated value.
 
A very small number of data values are known to have non-numeric entries.
Duplicate records are known to exist in TD-3200.
 
******************************************
* 46.  Data Quality:  Confidence Factors *
******************************************
Days with Weather Code
 
The "days with weather" element-type (DYSW) cannot be used with any measure of confidence.  Principal
climatological stations operating 24 hours a day are expected to be the most reliable source of "days with
weather".  Reporting of this element by cooperative observers is not a requirement and criteria for reporting is
not definitive.  Most stations do not record this information.
 
*********************************************
* 47.  Data Quality:  History of Data Usage *
*********************************************
This data set has been used in countless climatological studies, legal litigations, insurance claims, and various
other research applications.
 
*****************************************
* 48.  Data Quality:  Quality Statement *
*****************************************
It must be understood that at the onset of punched card processing of climatological observations, the primary
goal was the publication of the monthly climatological summaries.  The conversion from manual to automated systems
meant that more work could be done faster with fewer people and at less cost.  Even though the punched cards were
retained, it was never envisioned that 20 to 30 years from then a great number of users would be seeking large
data files for retrospective studies using high-speed computers.
 
Benign neglect, state-of-the-art processing (CIRCA 1952), and limited resources (monetary and personnel) all
contributed toward less than optimum conditions in maintaining integrity of the digital files.  Many of these
shortcomings are now recognized and efforts are underway to upgrade the principal data sets.
 
*******************************
* 49.   Dates:  Revision Date *
*******************************
May 13, 1993              Jan  13, 1994
Nov 11, 1993              Feb   2, 1994
Dec 17, 1993              Apr  13, 1994
Jan  5, 1994              Jun  17, 1996
 
************************************
* 50.  Dates:  Science Review Date *
************************************
December 16, 1993
 
***********************************
* 51.  Dates:  Future Review Date *
***********************************
Not applicable at this time.
 
*********************************************************
* 52.  Other Data Sets:  Input Sources to this Data Set *
*********************************************************
 This data set is currently compiled from manuscript forms from the National Weather Service and other federal
agencies which are digitized at NCDC.  Some primary NWS stations are received on diskette.  Historical and other
sources are described in topic 17 "Description:  Historical and Current Data Sources".
 
 
********************************************************
* 53.  Other Data Sets:  Essential Companion Data Sets *
********************************************************
TD-3200 requires use of NCDC's in-house Station History file.
 
*****************************************************
* 54.  Other Data Sets:  Derived from this Data Set *
*****************************************************
Summary of Month                                                                      Climatological Data
Publication                                                       Historical Climatology Network-Daily
No information available at this time.                                                Freeze Data and Growing
Degree Days
 
***********************************************
* 55.  Other Data Sets:  Larger Collections   *
***********************************************
No information available at this time.
 
*********************************************                                         *  56.  Other Data Sets:
Similar Data Sets *                                         ********************************************
TD-3210  Summary of Day-First Order                                                   TD-3220  Coop Summary of
Month                                                        TD-3240  Hourly Precipitation
                               TD-3260  15-Minute Precipitation
 
************************
*  57.  Reference      *                                               ************************
National Weather Service, 1987:  Cooperative Program Management, Weather Service Operations Manual B-17
(revised), NOAA-NWS, Silver Springs, MD.
 
Hughes, P.Y., E.H. Mason, T.R. Karl, and W.A. Brower, 1992:  United States Historical Climatology Network Daily
Temperature and Precipitation Data - ORNL/CDIAC-50, NDP-042.  Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis  Center, Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 40 pp.
 
Reek, T., and T. Owen,  1991:  GEA Documentation and Users Guide, Internal NCDC Document, 30 pp.
 
Reek, T., and M. Crowe,  1991:  "Advances in Quality Control Technology at the National Climatic Data Center".
Preprints of the Seventh International Conference on Interactive Information and Processing Systems for
Meteorology, Oceanography and Hydrology, New Orleans, American Meteorological Society, pp. 397-403.
 
Reek T., S.R. Doty, and T. Owen, 1991:  ValHiDD Documentation and Users Guide, Internal NCDC document, 20 pp.
 
 
****************
* 58.  Summary *
****************
This file is a compilation of daily observations initially obtained from state universities, state cooperatives,
and the National Weather Service.  Currently, there are approximately 8,000 active stations, known as cooperative
observers, but data are in these files for approximately 23,000 stations for various years.  Selected Summary of
the Day data from related file TD-3210 for National Weather Service "first order" or principal climatological
stations and "second order" stations are also included in this file.
 
The period of record and number of stations varies among the states.  Most states began collecting data during
1948, but some began in 1946.  Prior to 1948, most of these data were collected through cooperative agreements
with state universities and other state organizations.  Many years of records were digitized with some going as
far back as the 1850s.
 
These data have received a high measure of quality control through computer and manual edits.  These data are
subjected to internal consistency checks, compared against climatological limits, checked serially, and evaluated
against surrounding stations.  Quality control "flags" are appended to each element value to show how they fared
during the edit procedures and to indicate what, if any, action was taken.  The historical data prior to 1982 were
converted from existing files then placed in the element file structure format after being processed only through
a gross value check. In November 1993 the entire historical period of record was processed through a stringent
quality  control.
 
The user can receive either the observed or edited data values on magnetic tape. Most of these data are also
contained in related Climatological Data publications by state (from NCDC).


                DIRECTORY INTERCHANGE FORMAT (DIF)


Entry_ID:
Entry_Title:  "Cooperative Summary of the Day"
Start_Date:  1850-01-01
Stop_Date:  Present
Source_Name:  Ground Based>Fixed: Coop Weather Stations
The observations in this data file are primarily those from the cooperative network, augmented by observations
from principal climatological stations operated by the National Weather Service and other sites having highly
trained observers.
 
The major effort toward automatic processing began in 1948 when punched cards were first used to help summarize
climatological data.  Data from that time onward comprise the bulk of the total file.  Data for earlier periods
were placed on punched cards as a result of cooperative agreements with various state universities.  Initially,
not all the states participated in this program so the number of stations as well as the period of record is
varied.
 
The digital files were transferred from punched cards to magnetic tape (TD-9727) in 1969.  This card image format
remained in effect until the current element file structure was developed in 1982.  At that time the historical
files were converted to the new format and processing of current data was completely revised.  During the
conversion, evaporation observations were placed on separate tapes.  Evaporation data are available in the digital
file beginning January 1970.
 
The digital file contains:  Record type, Station Identification, element types (days with weather, evaporation,
maximum and ;minimum temperature, precipitation, snowfall, snow depth, 24-hour wind movement, water equivalent of
snow, soil temperatures), units of measurement indicator, and data flags.  Soil data were added in January 1982
and there are approximately 250 stations reporting soil data.  Soil data prior to 1082 are available in Tape Deck
9639.  Some 285 principal climatological stations report most of the elements listed above.  The remainder of the
stations may report only one element or a combination of the elements listed.
Source_Name:  TD-9727
Group:  Technical_Contact
        First_Name:  Thomas
        Last_Name:  Ross
        Phone:  704-271-4994
        Group:  Address
             NOAA/NCDC
             Federal Building
             151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
             Asheville, NC  28801-5001
        End_Group
End_Group
Group:  Author
        First_Name:  Peter
        Last_Name:  Steurer
        Phone:  704-271-4445
        Group:  Address
             NOAA/NCDC
             Federal Building
             151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
             Asheville, NC  28801-5001
        End_Group
End_Group
Group:  Data_Center
 Data_Center_Name:  NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center
 Dataset-ID:  TD-3200
Group:  Data_Center_Contact
        First_Name:  Thomas
        Last_Name:  Ross
        Phone:  704-271-4994
        Group:  Address
             NOAA/NCDC
             Federal Building
             151 Patton Avenue, Room 120
             Asheville, NC  28801-5001
        End_Group
End_Group
End_Group
Originating_ Center:  NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC
Project:  Monthly Climatological Summaries
Project:  Climate and Global Change Program (CGC)
Storage_Medium:  137 Cartridges
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Evaporation
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Maximum Water&
            Temperature in Evaporation Pan
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Evaporation>Daily Minimum Water&
            Temperature in Evaporation Pan
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>Daily&
            Maximum Temperature
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>Daily&
            Minimum Temperature
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Atmospheric Temperature>&
            Observation Time Temperature
Parameter:  Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Soil Temperature at&
            Observation Time
Parameter:  Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Daily maximum Soil Temperature
Parameter:  Geography & Land Cover>Soil>Daily minimum Soil Temperature
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Precipitation
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Snowfall
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Daily Snow Depth
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Precipitation>Water Equivalent of&
            Snow on the ground
Parameter:  Atmospheric Dynamics>Wind>Wind movement
Discipline:  Earth Science>Atmospheric>Meteorology/Climatology
Discipline:  Earth Science>Land>Hydrology
Discipline:  Earth Science>Land>Agriculture
Location:  North America>U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
Keyword:  Temperature
Keyword:  Maximum Temperature (24 HR)
Keyword:  Minimum Temperature (24 HR)
Keyword:  Minimum Temperature (in Evaporation Pan)
Keyword:  Maximum Temperature (in Evaporation Pan)
Keyword:  Temperature at Observation Time
Keyword:  Precipitation
Keyword:  Snow
Keyword:  Snow on the Ground
Keyword:  Evaporation
Keyword:  Soil Temperature
Keyword:  Weather
Keyword:  Drizzle
Keyword:  Ice Pellets
Keyword:  Glaze
Keyword:  Thunder
Keyword:  Hail
Keyword:  Dust
Keyword:  Sand Storm
Keyword:  Blowing Snow
Keyword:  Winds
Keyword:  Tornado
Keyword:  Rain
Keyword:  Smoke
Keyword:  Fog
Keyword:  TD-3200
Keyword:  3200
Keyword:  FA 00242
Group:  Coverage
     Southernmost_Latitude:     15S
     Northernmost_Latitude:     75N
     Westernmost_Longitude:    130E
     Easternmost_Longitude:     60W
End Group
Group:  Reference
  NOAA Product Information Catalog, 1988, Washington, DC; U.S. Department of Commerce, 171pp.
 
  Selected Guide to Climatic Data Sources, Washington, DC; U.S. Department of Commerce
 
  TD-9727 - Summary of Day Cooperative
 
  TD-3210 - Daily Summary of OBS - First Order U.S.
End_Group
Group:  Quality
It must be understood that at the onset of punched card processing of climatological observations, the primary
goal was the publication of the monthly climatological summaries.  The conversion from manual to automated systems
meant that more work could be done faster with fewer people and at less cost.  Even though the punched cards were
retained, it was never envisioned that 20 to 30 years from then a great number of users would be seeking large
data files for retrospective studies using high-speed computers.
 
Benign neglect, state-of-the-art processing (CIRCA 1952), and limited money/people resources all contributed
toward less than optimum conditions in maintaining integrity of the digital files.  Many of these shortcomings are
now recognized and efforts are underway to upgrade the principal data sets.
End_Group
Group:  Summary
This file is a compilation of daily observations initially obtained from state universities, state cooperatives,
and the National Weather Service.  Currently, there are approximately 8,000 active stations, known as cooperative
observers, but data are in these files for approximately 23,000 stations for various years.  Selected summary of
the day data from related file TD-3210 for National Weather Service first order and second order stations are also
included in this file.
 
The period of record and number of stations varies among the states.  Most states began collecting data during
1948, but some began in 1946.  Prior to 1948, most of these data were collected through cooperative agreements
with state universities and other state organizations.  Many years were digitized with some going as far back as
the 1850s.
 
Since 1982 these data have received a high measure of quality control through computer and manual edits.  These
data are subjected to internal consistency checks, compared against climatological limits, checked serially, and
evaluated against surrounding stations.  Quality control "flags" are appended to each element to show how they
fared during the edit procedures and to indicate what, if any, action was taken.  The files the, consist of
observed values and, as necessary, best guess estimates.  The historical data were converted from existing files
and although placed int eh element structure format, were processed through a gross value check and not the new
(1982) edit system.
 
The user will routinely receive the observed and edited values on magnetic tape, but the observed values only can
be furnished on demand.  Most of these data are also contained in related "CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA (STATE)"
publication files.
 
This file is available for purchase from the NCDC.
End_Group
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             Glossary
 
 
Access Method for Archived Data -- How a digital data set can be accessed in its archived condition.
 
Access Method for Supplied Data -- How the user can access data in its most commonly supplied form.
 
Archiver -- The one person or institution responsible for archival and maintenance of the data, and how to
contact.
 
Archiving Data Center -- Name, organizational acronym and address of institution that archive and distribute the
data.
 
Confidence Factors -- The expected numerical accuracy of the data.
 
Cost of Acquiring Data -- Describes how to find the approximate costs that are
associated with obtaining the data set, or quotes the cost.
 
Coverage -- The smallest latitude-longitude "box" on the earth's surface that
all data measurements occurred within.
 
Data Capture Method at Sensor -- The method used to collect data initially at
the sensor.  Aspects that should be mentioned here include such concepts as manual, automatic, forms, charts,
telemetered, etc.
 
Data Derivation Algorithms -- The methods, if any, used to calculate values in the data set.
 
Data Derivation Algorithms, Responsibility for -- A list of programs or agencies that provide data derivation
algorithms or which carry out the data derivations using the algorithms.
 
Data Set Aliases -- Other names associated with the data set, now or in the past.
 
Data Set ID -- A unique code number or acronym identifying the data set.  Normally, it is the code number used by
the data center as the data set is archived.
 
Data Set Name -- A descriptive  name for the data set that provides a Thumbnail description.
 
Derived Data Sets -- Other data sets that are partly or entirely derived of this data set.
 
Discipline -- A collection of standard phrases that name the scientific disciplines, or fields, in which the data
are normally used.  Most of each phrase comes from the "Directory Interchange Format Manual".
 
Elements -- The basic units of data that need to be described.  Often, elements are simply data variables such as
station id, precipitation or ocean depth.  However, when FORTRAN, C, etc. issued to access a digital data set,
elements are the same as the "fields" used in the access software, such as in a FORTRAN "READ" format.  (This
definition simplifies the preparation and maintenance of the documentation.
 
Element Names and Definitions -- The names and brief definitions of the basic units of data that need to be
described.
 
Elevation Distribution -- Variation of the elevations of the fixed observing locations.
 
Error Detection and Correction -- Any procedures used now or in the past to identify, and avoid or correct, data
errors.
 
Essential Companion Data Sets -- Other data sets, if any, that must be obtained in order to use this data set.
 
File Mode -- The mode, or code standard, of a digital file in which a digital data set is stored. Commonly seen
modes include ASCII, EBCDIC, Fielddata (unisys only), and binary.
 
Future Review Data -- The date, if any, recommended by the archiver for the next science review.
 
Geographic Criteria for Selecting Stations -- Fixed surface locations may be selected with a specific type of
geographic environment in mind.  Geographic selection criteria describes this.
 
Geographic Distribution -- The spatial sampling, i.e. the number and closeness of fixed observing locations within
a geographical area.
 
History of Data Usage -- The extent to which this data set, or parts of it, has been used by researchers, and how
they rated its quality.
 
Instrument Problems -- Difficulties that occur as a natural result of sensor operation.
 
Investigator -- Data set experts other than the archiver or technical contact, who can provide information that
they cannot.
 
Keyword -- Words or short phrases that suggest the data set, or suggest aspects of it.  Actual variable names
should not be used as keywords.
 
Known Uncorrected Problems -- Known data difficulties, if any, for which no corrections have been made.
 
Larger Collections -- Supersets of data sets, if any, that include this data set.
 
Location -- A collection of standard phrases that name the major geographic area(s), and the atmospheric layer(s),
that the data refer to.  Most  of each phrase comes from the "Directory Interchange Format Manual".
 
Missing Data Periods -- Times when major parts of the data are missing.
 
Missing Value Estimates -- Procedures used to produce estimated values for missing data.
 
Network Participation -- Describes the named collections of fixed surface locations, if any, whose data contribute
to this data set.
 
 
Originating Data Center -- Name, organizational acronym, and address of the data center(s) that generated the data
documentation.
 
Parameter -- A collection of standard phrases that briefly name and describe the measured parameters of the data
set. Most of each phrase comes from the "Directory Interchange Format Manual".
 
Project -- Specific campaign or effort, if any, with which the data set is associated.
 
Quality Control Responsibility -- Agencies or programs, if any, that provide major quality control processing.
 
Quality Statement -- A brief generalization of how good the data are. Includes a "quality value" number.
 
Reference -- Any important bibliographic reference pertaining to the data set or any part of it.
 
Revision Date -- The date that this documentation is created, or the date of its latest revision.
 
Sampling Biases -- Data biases caused by inadequacies in spatial or temporal sampling.
 
Science Review Date -- The date, if any, of the latest review of this documentation for accuracy of technical
content.
 
Sensor Accuracy and Calibration -- The precision to which the measured variables are known.  It refers both to the
accuracy of the sensor and to the significant digits in the data values captured by the sensor.
 
Sensor Name and Operating Principles -- The sensors used to obtain the data in the data set.
 
Sensor Sampling Characteristics -- Spatial averaging, temporal accumulation, and sampling frequency that occur at
the sensor.
 
Sensor Siting -- The local environment into which sensors are placed.
 
Source Data Sets -- Other data sets, if any, used to assemble this data set.
 
Similar Data Sets -- Other data sets, if any, used to assemble this data set.
 
Sources -- Origins of the data set.
 
Spatial Sampling Using Station Groupings -- How data from specific locations are collected, aggregated, or
arranged to represent a geographical area.
 
Start Date -- The date of an earliest appearance.
 
Station -- A fixed surface location that reports data.
 
Station Data Time Averaging -- Aggregation or averaging of data over time to obtain values representative of a
time period.
 
Station Location Accuracy -- How accurately the positions of the fixed surface location are known.
 
Station Observation Schedule -- When fixed surface locations make data measurements.
 
Stop Date -- The date of latest appearance.
 
Storage Medium -- The quantities, capacities, and types of media on which the data are now stored.
 
Summary -- A concise abstract that is used to capture a few of the most important facts about the data set, all of
which should have appeared in more detail under individual topic discussions.
 
Technical Contact -- The person who can be contacted to obtain and provide information about the data.