Instructions

Instructions

1. A tabular data file should meet the minimum criteria as defined in the Elements: a. Detailed Guide to the Elements b. Quick guide to the Elements

2. If the data are initially saved in a different program (e.g. Excel), comply with the reporting format, convert the file to CSV, and resolve data inconsistencies and/or formatting problems.

3. Submit a companion CSV data dictionary following the CSV_dd_instructions.

4. Within the FLMD file, the standard for each CSV guidelines reporting format related file should be ESS-DIVE CSV v1. If submitting your dataset to ESS-DIVE, include the keyword ESS-DIVE CSV File Formatting Guidelines Reporting Format in the package-level metadata.

Notes

• CSV fields common to ESS-DIVE Package Level Metadata are consistent in format structure.

• These elements represent the ideal file for interoperable and machine-readable data.

• Following the recommended format and structure of the CSV Reporting Format will facilitate FLMD extraction of some fields using the File Level Metadata Extractor

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Contents of the Elements

File Structure

• Character Set

• Delimiter

• Data Matrix

• Column or Row Name Orientation

Naming Structure

• File Name

• Column or Row Names

• Units

Field Structure

• Consistent Values

• Missing Value Codes

• Temporal Data

• Temporal Data Range

• Spatial Data