Coordinate Variable Identification with the axis Attribute

1
Coordinate Variable Identification with the axis
Attribute

• Russ Rew, UCAR Unidata
• GO-ESSP, June 2007

2
Summary of Axis Proposal

• Clarifies ambiguity in when to use axis attribute
• to identify horizontal coordinate variables
• to specify orientation of coordinate system
• Resolves CF inconsistency in prohibition for
  rotated latitude / longitude
• Prohibits use for auxiliary coordinate variables
• Recommends use for coordinate variables
• Points out benefits compared to status quo

3
The Process a Model for CF Decisions?

• Vigorous email debate and discussion (39
  postings, 9 participants, 3 months)
• Proposal drafted when email died down
• Proposal entered as Trac ticket, further
  discussion invited
• No discussion occurred
• Proposal adopted
• No test file yet for compliance validation

4
Why No Discussion on Trac Wiki?

• Interested participants already voiced opinions
  on email?
• Proposal not very controversial?
• Arguing against a public proposal is
  harder/riskier than discussing with email?
• Too much effort required to offer a
  counter-proposal?
• CF Wiki site is unfamiliar or hard to use?

5
Email Versus Wiki

• Email or forums for permanent record of issues,
  debate, and discussion
• Email requires participation
• short efforts (minutes)
• over a long period (months)
• Wiki for collaborative editing and maintenance of
  concrete proposals and documents
• Wiki needs committed participant
• large effort (hours)
• short time interval (days)