CSV Data Dictionary

Instructions

  1. 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. 2.
    See the CSV_dd_quick_guide for more details about completing the template
  3. 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. 4.
    View an example CSV_dd_example
  5. 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 - "soilcores*_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
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.