CSV Data Dictionary

Instructions

1. Create a CSV data dictionary using the CSV_dd_template. You can create either: a. One data dictionary for each data file or b. One data dictionary representing all data files in your dataset

2. See the CSV_dd_quick_guide for more details about completing the template

3. Enter a new row in the data dictionary for each column/row name in your data matrix a. Use "*" wildcard when the description applies to multiple column/row names b. For example - if the same description applies to all spectra data column names in the data file(s) i. one row in the data dictionary can refer to "wave_*" and this definition will be understood to apply to multiple column names within a data sheet

4. View an example CSV_dd_example

5. Save the CSV_dd template following the CSV Reporting Format guidance with the filename "dd.csv" or "*_dd.csv". Alternatively you may choose to name you data dictionary: a. With the same name as the associated data file, but include '_dd.csv' at the end of the file name b. Create a unique filename for your data dictionary c. Incorporate a wildcard into the filename if data dictionary applies to multiple data files (for example - "soil_cores_*_dd.csv")

Contents of the CSV_dd

For each variable provide the following:

• Column or Row Name

• Unit

• Definition

• Column or Row Long Name

• Data Type

• Missing Value Code

Notes

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