ulalume3@99: .. _netcdf_file:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The SCC input netCDF file format
ulalume3@99: ================================
ulalume3@99: 
giuseppe@130: A more detailed version of this document can be found in this :download:`pdf file <../files/NetCDF_input_file_v3_5.pdf>`.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: .. note::
ulalume3@99: 
ioannis@120:    You can check the format of the files you create using the linked `script <https://gitlab.com/ioannis_binietoglou/scc-netcdf-checker>`_ .
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Rationale
ulalume3@99: ---------
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The Single Calculus Chain (SCC) is composed by three different modules:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  pre-processing module (*ELPP*)
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  optical processing module (*ELDA*)
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  depolarization calibrator module (*ELDEC*)
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: To perfom aerosol optical retrievals the SCC needs not only the raw
ulalume3@99: lidar data but also a certain number of parameters to use in both
ulalume3@99: pre-processing and optical processing stages. The SCC gets these
ulalume3@99: parameters looking at two different locations:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  Single Calculus Chain relational database (SCC\_DB)
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  Input files
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: There are some paramenters that can be found only in the input files
ulalume3@99: (those ones changing from measurement to measurement), others that can
ulalume3@99: be found only in the SCC\_DB and other ones that can be found in both
ulalume3@99: these locations. In the last case, if a particular parameter is needed,
ulalume3@99: the SCC will search first in the input files and then in SCC\_DB. If the
ulalume3@99: parameter is found in the input files, the SCC will keep it without
ulalume3@99: looking into SCC\_DB.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The input files have to be submitted to the SCC in NetCDF format. At 
ulalume3@99: present the SCC can handle four different types of input files:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 1. Raw Lidar Data
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 2. Sounding Data
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 3. Overlap
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 4. Lidar Ratio
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: As already mentioned, the *Raw lidar data* file contains not only the
ulalume3@99: raw lidar data but also other parameters to use to perform the
ulalume3@99: pre-processing and optical processing. The *Sounding Data* file contains
ulalume3@99: the data coming from a correlative radiosounding and it is used by the
ulalume3@99: SCC for molecular density calculation. The *Overlap* file contains the
ulalume3@99: measured overlap function. The *Lidar Ratio* file contains a lidar ratio
ulalume3@99: profile to use in elastic backscatter retrievals. The *Raw Lidar Data*
ulalume3@99: file is of course mandatory and the *Sounding Data*, *Overlap* and
ulalume3@99: *Lidar Ratio* files are optional. If *Sounding Data* file is not
ulalume3@99: submitted by the user, the molecular density will be calculated by the
giuseppe@128: SCC using model forecast/re-analysis or in case these are not available using the "US Standard Atmosphere 1976". If the *Overlap* file is
ulalume3@99: not submitted by the user, the SCC will get the full overlap height from
ulalume3@99: SCC\_DB and it will produce optical results starting from this height.
ulalume3@99: If *Lidar Ratio* file is not submitted by the user, the SCC will
ulalume3@99: consider a fixed value for lidar ratio got from SCC\_DB.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The user can decide to submit all these files or any number of them (of
ulalume3@99: course the file *Raw Lidar Data* is mandatory). For example the user can
ulalume3@99: submit together with the *Raw Lidar Data* file only the *Sounding Data*
ulalume3@99: file or only the *Overlap* file.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: This document provides a detailed example about the structure of
ulalume3@99: the NetCDF input files to use for SCC data submission. All Earlinet
ulalume3@99: groups should read it carefully because they have to produce such kind
ulalume3@99: of input files if they want to use the SCC for their standard lidar
ulalume3@99: retrievals.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Additionaly, the linked :download:`pdf file <../files/NetCDF_input_file_v3.pdf>` contains
ulalume3@99: tables with all mandatory and optional variables for the netcdf files
ulalume3@99: accepted by the SCC. Table 1 contains a list of dimensions, variables and
ulalume3@99: global attributes that can be used in the NetCDF *Raw Lidar Data*
ulalume3@99: input file. For each of them it is indicated:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  The name. For the multidimensional variables also the corresponding
ulalume3@99:    dimensions are reported
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  A description explaining the meaning
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  The type
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  If it is mandatory or optional
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: As already mentioned, the SCC can get some parameters looking first in
ulalume3@99: the *Raw Lidar Data* input file and then into SCC\_DB. This means that
ulalume3@99: to use the parameters stored in SCC\_DB the optional variables or
ulalume3@99: optional global attributes must not appear within *Raw Lidar Data* file.
ulalume3@99: This is the suggested and recommended way to use the SCC. Please include
ulalume3@99: optional parameters in the *Raw Lidar Data* only as an exception.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Tables 2, 3, and 4 report all the
ulalume3@99: information about the structure of *Sounding Data*, *Overlap* and *Lidar
ulalume3@99: Ratio* input files respectively.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Example
ulalume3@99: -------
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Let's now consider an example of *Raw Lidar Data* input file. Suppose
ulalume3@99: we want to generate NetCDF input file corresponding to a measurement
ulalume3@99: with the following properties:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Start Date           | 30\ :sup:`th` January 2009                |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Start Time UT        | 00:00:01                                  |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Stop Time UT         | 00:05:01                                  |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Station Name         | Dummy station                             |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Earlinet call-sign   | cc                                        |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: | Pointing angle       | 5 degrees with respect to the zenith      |
ulalume3@99: +----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Moreover suppose that this measurement is composed by the following
ulalume3@99: lidar channels:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. 1064 lidar channel
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +------------------------------+-------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Emission wavelength=1064nm   | Detection wavelength=1064nm   |
ulalume3@99:    +------------------------------+-------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Time resolution=30s          | Number of laser shots=1500    |
ulalume3@99:    +------------------------------+-------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Number of bins=3000          | Detection mode=analog         |
ulalume3@99:    +------------------------------+-------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Range resolution=7.5m        | Polarization state=total      |
ulalume3@99:    +------------------------------+-------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. 532 cross lidar channel
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Emission wavelength=532nm   | Detection wavelength=532nm               |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Time resolution=60s         | Number of laser shots=3000               |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Number of bins=5000         | Detection mode=photoncounting            |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Range resolution=15m        | Polarization state=cross (transmitted)   |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. 532 parallel lidar channel
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Emission wavelength=532nm   | Detection wavelength=532nm                |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Time resolution=60s         | Number of laser shots=3000                |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Number of bins=5000         | Detection mode=photoncounting             |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Range resolution=15m        | Polarization state=parallel (reflected)   |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. | 607 :math:`N_2` vibrational Raman channel
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Emission wavelength=532nm   | Detection wavelength=607nm      |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Time resolution=60s         | Number of laser shots=3000      |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Number of bins=5000         | Detection mode=photoncounting   |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | Range resolution=15m        |                                 |
ulalume3@99:    +-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Finally let's assume we have also performed dark measurements before the
ulalume3@99: lidar measurements from the 23:50:01 UT up to 23:53:01 UT of
ulalume3@99: 29\ :sup:`th` January 2009.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Dimensions
ulalume3@99: ~~~~~~~~~~
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Looking at table 1 of the pdf file we have to fix the following dimensions:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     points
ulalume3@99:     channels
ulalume3@99:     time
ulalume3@99:     nb_of_time_scales
ulalume3@99:     scan_angles
ulalume3@99:     time_bck
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The dimension ``time`` is unlimited so we don’t have to fix it.
ulalume3@99: We have 4 lidar channels so:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     channels=4
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Regarding the dimension ``points`` we have only one channel with a
ulalume3@99: number of vertical bins equal to 3000 (the 1064nm) and all other
ulalume3@99: channels with 5000 vertical bins. In cases like this the dimension
ulalume3@99: ``points`` has to be fixed to the maximum number of vertical bins so:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     points=5000
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Moreover only one channel (1064nm) is acquired with a time resolution of
ulalume3@99: 30 seconds, all the other channels have a time resolution of 60 seconds.
ulalume3@99: This means that we have to define two different time scales. We have to
ulalume3@99: set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     nb_of_time_scales=2
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The measurement is performed only at one scan angle (5 degrees with
ulalume3@99: respect to the zenith) so:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     scan_angles=1
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: We have 3 minutes of dark measurements and two different time scales one
ulalume3@99: with 60 seconds time resolution and the other one with 30 seconds time
ulalume3@99: resolution. So we will have 3 different dark profiles for the channels
ulalume3@99: acquired with the first time scale and 6 for the lidar channels acquired
ulalume3@99: with the second time scale. We have to fix the dimension ``time_bck`` as
ulalume3@99: the maximum between these values:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     time_bck=6
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Variables
ulalume3@99: ~~~~~~~~~
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: In this section it will be explained how to fill all the possible
ulalume3@99: variables either mandatory or optional of *Raw Lidar Data* input file.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Data_Start_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales)``
ulalume3@99:    | This 2 dimensional mandatory array has to contain the acquisition
ulalume3@99:      start time (in seconds from the time given by the global attribute
ulalume3@99:      ``RawData_Start_Time_UT``) of each lidar profile. In this example
ulalume3@99:      we have two different time scales: one is characterized by steps of
ulalume3@99:      30 seconds (the 1064nm is acquired with this time scale) the other
ulalume3@99:      by steps of 60 seconds (532cross, 532parallel and 607nm). Moreover
ulalume3@99:      the measurement start time is 00:00:01 UT and the measurement stop
ulalume3@99:      time is 00:05:01 UT. In this case we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Raw_Data_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          60, 30,
ulalume3@99:          120, 60,
ulalume3@99:          180, 90,
ulalume3@99:          240, 120,
ulalume3@99:          _, 150,
ulalume3@99:          _, 180,
ulalume3@99:          _, 210,
ulalume3@99:          _, 240,
ulalume3@99:          _, 270 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    The order used to fill this array defines the correspondence between
ulalume3@99:    the different time scales and the time scale index. In this example
ulalume3@99:    we have a time scale index of 0 for the time scale with steps of 60
ulalume3@99:    seconds and a time scale index of 1 for the other one.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Data_Stop_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales)``
ulalume3@99:    | The same as previous item but for the data acquisition stop time.
ulalume3@99:      Following a similar procedure we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Raw_Data_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:          60, 30,
ulalume3@99:          120, 60,
ulalume3@99:          180, 90,
ulalume3@99:          240, 120,
ulalume3@99:          300, 150,
ulalume3@99:          _, 180,
ulalume3@99:          _, 210,
ulalume3@99:          _, 240,
ulalume3@99:          _, 270,
ulalume3@99:          _, 300 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Lidar_Data(time, channels, points)``
ulalume3@99:    | This 3 dimensional mandatory array has to be filled with the
ulalume3@99:      time-series of raw lidar data. The photoncounting profiles have to
ulalume3@99:      submitted in counts (so as integers) while the analog ones in mV.
ulalume3@99:      The order the user chooses to fill this array defines the
ulalume3@99:      correspondence between channel index and lidar data.
ulalume3@99:    | For example if we fill this array in such way that:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +-------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Raw_Lidar_Data(time,0,points)``   |  is the time-series of 1064 nm        |
ulalume3@99:    +-------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Raw_Lidar_Data(time,1,points)``   |  is the time-series of 532 cross      |
ulalume3@99:    +-------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Raw_Lidar_Data(time,2,points)``   |  is the time-series of 532 parallel   |
ulalume3@99:    +-------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Raw_Lidar_Data(time,3,points)``   |  is the time-series of 607 nm         |
ulalume3@99:    +-------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    | 
ulalume3@99:    | from now on the channel index 0 is associated to the 1064 channel,
ulalume3@99:      1 to the 532 cross, 2 to the 532 parallel and 3 to the 607nm.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Bck_Start_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales)``
ulalume3@99:    | This 2 dimensional optional array has to contain the acquisition
ulalume3@99:      start time (in seconds from the time given by the global attribute
ulalume3@99:      ``RawBck_Start_Time_UT``) of each dark measurements profile.
ulalume3@99:      Following the same procedure used for the variable
ulalume3@99:      ``Raw_Data_Start_Time`` we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Raw_Bck_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          60, 30,
ulalume3@99:          120, 60,
ulalume3@99:          _, 90,
ulalume3@99:          _, 120,
ulalume3@99:          _, 150;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Bck_Stop_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales)``
ulalume3@99:    | The same as previous item but for the dark acquisition stop time.
ulalume3@99:      Following a similar procedure we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Raw_Bck_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:          60, 30,
ulalume3@99:          120, 60,
ulalume3@99:          180, 90,
ulalume3@99:          _, 120,
ulalume3@99:          _, 150,
ulalume3@99:          _, 180 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Background_Profile(time_bck, channels, points)``
ulalume3@99:    | This 3 dimensional optional array has to be filled with the
ulalume3@99:      time-series of the dark measurements data. The photoncounting
ulalume3@99:      profiles have to submitted in counts (so as integers) while the
ulalume3@99:      analog ones in mV. The user has to fill this array following the
ulalume3@99:      same order used in filling the array ``Raw_Lidar_Data``:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +---------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Background_Profile(time_bck,0,points)``   |  dark time-series at 1064 nm        |
ulalume3@99:    +---------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Background_Profile(time_bck,1,points)``   |  dark time-series at 532 cross      |
ulalume3@99:    +---------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Background_Profile(time_bck,2,points)``   |  dark time-series at 532 parallel   |
ulalume3@99:    +---------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | ``Background_Profile(time_bck,3,points)``   |  dark time-series at 607 nm         |
ulalume3@99:    +---------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    | 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``channel_ID(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array provides the link between the channel index
ulalume3@99:      within the *Raw Lidar Data* input file and the channel ID in
ulalume3@99:      SCC\_DB. To fill this variable the user has to know which channel
ulalume3@99:      IDs in SCC\_DB correspond to his lidar channels. For this purpose
ulalume3@99:      the SCC, in its final version will provide to the user a special
ulalume3@99:      tool to get these channel IDs through a Web interface. At the
ulalume3@99:      moment this interface is not yet available and these channel IDs
ulalume3@99:      will be communicated directly to the user by the NA5 people.
ulalume3@99:    | Anyway to continue the example let’s suppose that the four lidar
ulalume3@99:      channels taken into account are mapped into SCC\_DB with the
ulalume3@99:      following channel IDs:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +----------------+-----------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 1064 nm        |  channel ID=7   |
ulalume3@99:    +----------------+-----------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 532 cross      |  channel ID=5   |
ulalume3@99:    +----------------+-----------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 532 parallel   |  channel ID=6   |
ulalume3@99:    +----------------+-----------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 607 nm         |  channel ID=8   |
ulalume3@99:    +----------------+-----------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    | 
ulalume3@99:    | In this case we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        channel_ID = 7, 5, 6, 8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``id_timescale(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array is introduced to determine which time scale is
ulalume3@99:      used for the acquisition of each lidar channel. In particular this
ulalume3@99:      array defines the link between the channel index and the time scale
ulalume3@99:      index. In our example we have two different time scales. Filling
ulalume3@99:      the arrays ``Raw_Data_Start_Time`` and ``Raw_Data_Stop_Time`` we
ulalume3@99:      have defined a time scale index of 0 for the time scale with steps
ulalume3@99:      of 60 seconds and a time scale index of 1 for the other one with
ulalume3@99:      steps of 30 seconds. In this way this array has to be set as:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        id_timescale = 1, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Laser_Pointing_Angle(scan_angles)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array contains all the scan angles used in the
ulalume3@99:      measurement. In our example we have only one scan angle of 5
ulalume3@99:      degrees with respect to the zenith, so we have to define:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Laser_Pointing_Angle = 5 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles(time, nb_of_time_scales)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array is introduced to determine which scan angle is
ulalume3@99:      used for the acquisition of each lidar profile. In particular this
ulalume3@99:      array defines the link between the time and time scales indexes and
ulalume3@99:      the scan angle index. In our example we have a single scan angle
ulalume3@99:      that has to correspond to the scan angle index 0. So this array has
ulalume3@99:      to be defined as:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles =
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          0, 0,
ulalume3@99:          _, 0,
ulalume3@99:          _, 0,
ulalume3@99:          _, 0,
ulalume3@99:          _, 0,
ulalume3@99:          _, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Laser_Shots(time, channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array stores the laser shots accumulated at each
ulalume3@99:      time for each channel. In our example the number of laser shots
ulalume3@99:      accumulated is 1500 for the 1064nm channels and 3000 for all the
ulalume3@99:      other channels. Moreover the laser shots do not change with the
ulalume3@99:      time. So we have to define this array as:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Laser_Shots =
ulalume3@99:          1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:          1500, _, _, _ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Emitted_Wavelength(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the link between the channel index and
ulalume3@99:      the emission wavelength for each lidar channel. The wavelength has
ulalume3@99:      to be expressed in nm. This information can be also taken from
ulalume3@99:      SCC\_DB. In our example we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Emitted_Wavelength = 1064, 532, 532, 532 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Detected_Wavelength(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the link between the channel index and
ulalume3@99:      the detected wavelength for each lidar channel. Here detected
ulalume3@99:      wavelength means the value of center of interferential filter
ulalume3@99:      expressed in nm. This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB.
ulalume3@99:      In our example we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Detected_Wavelength = 1064, 532, 532, 607 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Raw_Data_Range_Resolution(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the link between the channel index and
ulalume3@99:      the raw range resolution for each channel. If the scan angle is
ulalume3@99:      different from zero this quantity is different from the vertical
ulalume3@99:      resolution. More precisely if :math:`\alpha` is the scan angle used
ulalume3@99:      and :math:`\Delta z` is the range resolution the vertical
ulalume3@99:      resolution is calculated as :math:`\Delta
ulalume3@99:       z'=\Delta z \cos\alpha`. This array has to be filled with
ulalume3@99:      :math:`\Delta z` and not with :math:`\Delta z'`. The unit is
ulalume3@99:      meters. This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. In our
ulalume3@99:      example we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Raw_Data_Range_Resolution = 7.5, 15.0, 15.0, 15.0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Scattering_Mechanism(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the scattering mechanism involved in
ulalume3@99:      each lidar channel. In particular the following values are adopted:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 0   |  Total elastic backscatter                        |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 1   |  N\ :math:`_2` vibrational Raman backscatter      |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 2   |  Cross polarization elastic backscatter           |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 3   |  Parallel polarization elastic backscatter        |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 4   |  H\ :math:`_2`\ O vibrational Raman backscatter   |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 5   |  Rotational Raman low quantum number              |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 6   |  Rotational Raman high quantum number             |
ulalume3@99:    +-----+---------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    | 
ulalume3@99:    | This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. In our example we
ulalume3@99:      have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Scattering_Mechanism = 0, 2, 3, 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Signal_Type(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the type of signal involved in each
ulalume3@99:      lidar channel. In particular the following values are adopted:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 0    |  Total elastic                                               |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 1    |  Total elastic near range                                    |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 2    |  Total elastic far range                                     |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 3    |  N\ :math:`_2` vibrational Raman                             |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 4    |  N\ :math:`_2` vibrational Raman near range                  |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 5    |  N\ :math:`_2` vibrational Raman far range                   |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 6    |  Elastic polarization reflected                              |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 7    |  Elastic polarization transmitted                            |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 8    |  Rotational Raman line close to elastic line                 |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 9    |  Rotational Raman line far from elastic line                 |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 10   |  Elastic polarization reflected near range                   |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 11   |  Elastic polarization reflected far range                    |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 12   |  Elastic polarization transmitted near range                 |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 13   |  Elastic polarization transmitted far range                  |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 14   |  H\ :math:`_2`\ O vibrational Raman backscatter              |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 15   |  Rotational Raman line far from elastic line near range      |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 16   |  Rotational Raman line far from elastic line far range       |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 17   |  Rotational Raman line close to elastic line near range      |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 18   |  Rotational Raman line close to elastic line far range       |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 19   |  H\ :math:`_2`\ O vibrational Raman backscatter near range   |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 20   |  H\ :math:`_2`\ O vibrational Raman backscatter far range    |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 21   |  Total elastic ultra near range                              |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 22   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted                |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 23   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization reflected                  |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 24   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted                |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 25   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization reflected                  |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 26   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted near range     |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 27   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted far range      |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 28   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization reflected near range       |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 29   |  +45 rotated elastic polarization reflected far range        |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 30   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted near range     |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 31   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization transmitted far range      |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 32   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization reflected near range       |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99:    | 33   |  -45 rotated elastic polarization reflected far range        |
ulalume3@99:    +------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    | 
ulalume3@99:    | This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. In our example we
ulalume3@99:      have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Signal_Type = 0, 7, 6, 3 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Acquisition_Mode(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the acquisition mode (analog or
ulalume3@99:      photoncounting) involved in each lidar channel. In particular a
ulalume3@99:      value of 0 means analog mode and 1 photoncounting mode. This
ulalume3@99:      information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. In our example we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Acquisition_Mode = 0, 1, 1, 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Laser_Repetition_Rate(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the repetition rate in Hz used to
ulalume3@99:      acquire each lidar channel. This information can be also taken from
ulalume3@99:      SCC\_DB. In our example we are supposing we have only one laser
ulalume3@99:      with a repetition rate of 50 Hz so we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Laser_Repetition_Rate = 50, 50, 50, 50 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Dead_Time(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the dead time in ns associated to each
ulalume3@99:      lidar channel. The SCC will use the values given by this array to
ulalume3@99:      correct the photoncounting signals for dead time. Of course for
ulalume3@99:      analog signals no dead time correction will be applied (for analog
ulalume3@99:      channels the corresponding dead time values have to be set to
ulalume3@99:      undefined value). This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB.
ulalume3@99:      In our example the 1064 nm channel is acquired in analog mode so
ulalume3@99:      the corresponding dead time value has to be undefined. If we
ulalume3@99:      suppose a dead time of 10 ns for all other channels we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Dead_Time = _, 10, 10, 10 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Dead_Time_Corr_Type(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines which kind of dead time correction has
ulalume3@99:      to be applied on each photoncounting channel. The SCC will correct
ulalume3@99:      the data supposing a not-paralyzable channel if a value of 0 is
ulalume3@99:      found while a paralyzable channel is supposed if a value of 1 is
ulalume3@99:      found. Of course for analog signals no dead time correction will be
ulalume3@99:      applied and so the corresponding values have to be set to undefined
ulalume3@99:      value. This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. In our
ulalume3@99:      example the 1064 nm channel is acquired in analog mode so the
ulalume3@99:      corresponding has to be undefined. If we want to consider all the
ulalume3@99:      photoncounting signals as not-paralyzable ones: we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Dead_Time_Corr_Type = _, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Trigger_Delay(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines the delay (in ns) of the middle of the
ulalume3@99:      first rangebin with respect to the output laser pulse for each
ulalume3@99:      lidar channel. The SCC will use the values given by this array to
ulalume3@99:      correct for trigger delay. This information can be also taken from
ulalume3@99:      SCC\_DB. Let’s suppose that in our example all the photoncounting
ulalume3@99:      channels are not affected by this delay and only the analog channel
ulalume3@99:      at 1064nm is acquired with a delay of 50ns. In this case we have to
ulalume3@99:      set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Trigger_Delay = 50, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Background_Mode(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional array defines how the atmospheric background has to
ulalume3@99:      be subtracted from the lidar channel. Two options are available for
ulalume3@99:      the calculation of atmospheric background:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    #. Average in the far field of lidar channel. In this case the value
ulalume3@99:       of this variable has to be 1
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    #. Average within pre-trigger bins. In this case the value of this
ulalume3@99:       variable has to be 0
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    This information can be also taken from SCC\_DB. Let’s suppose in our
ulalume3@99:    example we use the pre-trigger for the 1064nm channel and the far
ulalume3@99:    field for all other channels. In this case we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Background_Mode = 0, 1, 1, 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Background_Low(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array defines the minimum altitude (in meters) to
ulalume3@99:      consider in calculating the atmospheric background for each
ulalume3@99:      channel. In case pre-trigger mode is used the corresponding value
ulalume3@99:      has to be set to the rangebin to be used as lower limit (within
ulalume3@99:      pre-trigger region) for background calculation. In our example, if
ulalume3@99:      we want to calculate the background between 30000 and 50000 meters
ulalume3@99:      for all photoncounting channels and we want to use the first 500
ulalume3@99:      pre-trigger bins for the background calculation for the 1064nm
ulalume3@99:      channel we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Background_Low= 0, 30000, 30000, 30000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Background_High(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory array defines the maximum altitude (in meters) to
ulalume3@99:      consider in calculating the atmospheric background for each
ulalume3@99:      channel. In case pre-trigger mode is used the corresponding value
ulalume3@99:      has to be set to the rangebin to be used as upper limit (within
ulalume3@99:      pre-trigger region) for background calculation. In our example, if
ulalume3@99:      we want to calculate the background between 30000 and 50000 meters
ulalume3@99:      for all photoncounting channels and we want to use the first 500
ulalume3@99:      pre-trigger bins for the background calculation for the 1064nm
ulalume3@99:      channel we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Background_High = 500, 50000, 50000, 50000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Molecular_Calc``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory variable defines the way used by SCC to calculate
giuseppe@128:      the molecular density profile. The following options are
ulalume3@99:      available:
ulalume3@99: 
giuseppe@128:    #. Automatic. In this case the value of this variable has to be 0.
giuseppe@128:       First the availablity of model forecast/re-analysis on Cloudnet data portal (https://cloudnet.fmi.fi/) is checked.
giuseppe@128:       In case no model data are found US Standard Atmosphere 1976 is used. 
giuseppe@128: 
giuseppe@128:    #. Radiosounding. In this case the value of this variable has to be 1 
giuseppe@128: 
giuseppe@128:    #. Model forecast/re-analysis. In this case the value of this variable has to be 2.
giuseppe@128:       Model data are made available by Cloudnet data portal (https://cloudnet.fmi.fi/). 
giuseppe@128: 
ulalume3@99:    #. US Standard Atmosphere 1976. In this case the value of this
giuseppe@128:       variable has to be 4
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
giuseppe@131:    If we decide to use the option 1. or 4. we have to provide also the
giuseppe@128:    measured pressure and temperature at lidar station level. 
giuseppe@131:    Options 1. and 3. are available only for the stations registered on Cloudnet data portal for 
giuseppe@128:    the delivery of the required model data. 
giuseppe@128:    The Cloudnet station registration status can be checked by looking at the field 'Cloudnet Station ID' 
giuseppe@128:    in the station settings. If this field is filled the corresponding station is registered otherwise it is not. 
giuseppe@128:    In case the station is not registered you can ask to be registered by contacting SCC responsible.
giuseppe@128:    Usually model data are made available with a delay of 24h.
giuseppe@128: 
giuseppe@128:    For the option 2. a radiosounding file has to be
ulalume3@99:    submitted separately in NetCDF format (the structure of this file is
ulalume3@99:    summarized in table 2 of the pdf file). Let’s suppose we want to use the
ulalume3@99:    option 1. so:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Molecular_Calc = 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Pressure_at_Lidar_Station``
giuseppe@128:    | Because we have chosen the automatic calculation mode to compute the molecular density profile we need to provide
giuseppe@128:      the pressure in hPa at lidar station level (in case model data are not available). 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Pressure_at_Lidar_Station = 1010 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Temperature_at_Lidar_Station``
giuseppe@128:    | Because we have chosen the automatic calculation mode to compute the molecular density profile we need to provide
giuseppe@128:      the temperature in C at lidar station level (in case model data are not available).
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Temperature_at_Lidar_Station = 19.8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``LR_Input(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This array is required only for lidar channels for which elastic
ulalume3@99:      backscatter retrieval has to be performed. It defines the lidar
ulalume3@99:      ratio to be used within this retrieval. Two options are available:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    #. The user can submit a lidar ratio profile. In this case the value
ulalume3@99:       of this variable has to be 0.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    #. A fixed value of lidar ratio can be used. In this case the value
ulalume3@99:       of this variable has to be 1.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    If we decide to use the option 1. a lidar ratio file has to be
ulalume3@99:    submitted separately in NetCDF format (the structure of this file is
ulalume3@99:    summarized in table ). If we decide to use the option 2. the
ulalume3@99:    fixed value of lidar ratio will be taken from SCC\_DB. In our example
ulalume3@99:    we have to give a value of this array only for the 1064nm lidar
ulalume3@99:    channel because for the 532nm we will be able to retrieve a Raman
ulalume3@99:    backscatter coefficient. In case we want to use the fixed value
ulalume3@99:    stored in SCC\_DB we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        LR_Input = 1,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``DAQ_Range(channels)``
ulalume3@99:    | This array is required only if one or more lidar signals are
ulalume3@99:      acquired in analog mode. It gives the analog scale in mV used to
ulalume3@99:      acquire the analog signals. In our example we have only the 1064nm
ulalume3@99:      channel acquired in analog mode. If we have used a 100mV analog
ulalume3@99:      scale to acquire this channel we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        DAQ_Range = 100,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Global attributes
ulalume3@99: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``Measurement_ID``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory global attribute defines the measurement ID
ulalume3@99:      corresponding to the actual lidar measurement. It is a string
ulalume3@99:      composed by 12 characters. The first 8 characters give the start
ulalume3@99:      date of measurement in the format YYYYMMDD. The next 2 characters
ulalume3@99:      give the Earlinet call-sign of the station. The last 2 characters
ulalume3@99:      are used to distinguish between different time-series within the
ulalume3@99:      same date. In our example we have to set:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         Measurement_ID= "20090130cc00" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawData_Start_Date``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory global attribute defines the start date of lidar
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format YYYYMMDD. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawData_Start_Date = "20090130" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawData_Start_Time_UT``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory global attribute defines the UT start time of lidar
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format HHMMSS. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawData_Start_Time_UT = "000001" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawData_Stop_Time_UT``
ulalume3@99:    | This mandatory global attribute defines the UT stop time of lidar
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format HHMMSS. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawData_Stop_Time_UT = "000501" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawBck_Start_Date``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional global attribute defines the start date of dark
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format YYYYMMDD. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawBck_Start_Date = "20090129" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawBck_Start_Time_UT``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional global attribute defines the UT start time of dark
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format HHMMSS. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawBck_Start_Time_UT = "235001" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``RawBck_Stop_Time_UT``
ulalume3@99:    | This optional global attribute defines the UT stop time of dark
ulalume3@99:      measurements in the format HHMMSS. In our case we have:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:         RawBck_Stop_Time_UT = "235301" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Example of file (CDL format)
ulalume3@99: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: To summarize we have the following NetCDF *Raw Lidar Data* file (in CDL
ulalume3@99: format):
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     dimensions:
ulalume3@99:             points = 5000 ;
ulalume3@99:             channels = 4 ;
ulalume3@99:             time = UNLIMITED ; // (10 currently)
ulalume3@99:             nb_of_time_scales = 2 ;
ulalume3@99:             scan_angles = 1 ;
ulalume3@99:             time_bck = 6 ;
ulalume3@99:     variables:
ulalume3@99:             int channel_ID(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Laser_Repetition_Rate(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Laser_Pointing_Angle(scan_angles) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Signal_Type(channels);
ulalume3@99:             double Emitted_Wavelength(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Detected_Wavelength(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Raw_Data_Range_Resolution(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Background_Mode(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_Low(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_High(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Molecular_Calc ;
ulalume3@99:             double Pressure_at_Lidar_Station ;
ulalume3@99:             double Temperature_at_Lidar_Station ;
ulalume3@99:             int id_timescale(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Dead_Time(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Dead_Time_Corr_Type(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Acquisition_Mode(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Trigger_Delay(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int LR_Input(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Data_Start_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Data_Stop_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Bck_Start_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Bck_Stop_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Laser_Shots(time, channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Raw_Lidar_Data(time, channels, points) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_Profile(time_bck, channels, points) ;
ulalume3@99:             double DAQ_Range(channels) ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     // global attributes:
ulalume3@99:                     :Measurement_ID = "20090130cc00" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Start_Date = "20090130" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Start_Time_UT = "000001" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Stop_Time_UT = "000501" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Start_Date = "20090129" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Start_Time_UT = "235001" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Stop_Time_UT = "235301" ;
ulalume3@99:            
ulalume3@99:     data:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      channel_ID = 7, 5, 6, 8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Repetition_Rate = 50, 50, 50, 50 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Pointing_Angle = 5 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Signal_Type = 0, 7, 6, 3 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Emitted_Wavelength = 1064, 532, 532, 532 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Detected_Wavelength = 1064, 532, 532, 607 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Data_Range_Resolution = 7.5, 15, 15, 15 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_Mode = 0, 1, 1, 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_Low = 0, 30000, 30000, 30000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_High = 500, 50000, 50000, 50000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Molecular_Calc = 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Pressure_at_Lidar_Station = 1010 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Temperature_at_Lidar_Station = 19.8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      id_timescale = 1, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Dead_Time = _, 10, 10, 10 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Dead_Time_Corr_Type = _, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Acquisition_Mode = 0, 1, 1, 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Trigger_Delay = 50, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      LR_Input = 1,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      DAQ_Range = 100,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Data_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       240, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180,
ulalume3@99:       _, 210,
ulalume3@99:       _, 240,
ulalume3@99:       _, 270 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Data_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       240, 120,
ulalume3@99:       300, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180,
ulalume3@99:       _, 210,
ulalume3@99:       _, 240,
ulalume3@99:       _, 270,
ulalume3@99:       _, 300 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Bck_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       _, 90,
ulalume3@99:       _, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     Raw_Bck_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       _, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Shots =
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Lidar_Data = ... 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_Profile = ...
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: The name of the input file should have the following format:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     Measurement_ID.nc
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: | so in the example the filename should be 20090130cc00.nc.
ulalume3@99:   
ulalume3@99: Please keep in mind that in case you submit a file like the previous
ulalume3@99: one all the parameters present in it will be used by the SCC even if
ulalume3@99: you have different values for the same parameters within the SCC\_DB.
ulalume3@99: If you want to use the values already stored in SCC\_DB (this should
ulalume3@99: be the usual way to use SCC) the *Raw Lidar Data* input file has to be
ulalume3@99: modified as follows:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     dimensions:
ulalume3@99:             points = 5000 ;
ulalume3@99:             channels = 4 ;
ulalume3@99:             time = UNLIMITED ; // (10 currently)
ulalume3@99:             nb_of_time_scales = 2 ;
ulalume3@99:             scan_angles = 1 ;
ulalume3@99:             time_bck = 6 ;
ulalume3@99:     variables:
ulalume3@99:             int channel_ID(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Laser_Pointing_Angle(scan_angles) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_Low(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_High(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Molecular_Calc ;
ulalume3@99:             double Pressure_at_Lidar_Station ;
ulalume3@99:             double Temperature_at_Lidar_Station ;
ulalume3@99:             int id_timescale(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Data_Start_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Data_Stop_Time(time, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Bck_Start_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Raw_Bck_Stop_Time(time_bck, nb_of_time_scales) ;
ulalume3@99:             int LR_Input(channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             int Laser_Shots(time, channels) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Raw_Lidar_Data(time, channels, points) ;
ulalume3@99:             double Background_Profile(time_bck, channels, points) ;
ulalume3@99:             double DAQ_Range(channels) ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:     // global attributes:
ulalume3@99:                     :Measurement_ID = "20090130cc00" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Start_Date = "20090130" ;  
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Start_Time_UT = "000001" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawData_Stop_Time_UT = "000501" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Start_Date = "20090129" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Start_Time_UT = "235001" ;
ulalume3@99:                     :RawBck_Stop_Time_UT = "235301" ;
ulalume3@99:         
ulalume3@99:     data:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      channel_ID = 7, 5, 6, 8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Pointing_Angle = 5 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_Low = 0, 30000, 30000, 30000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_High = 500, 50000, 50000, 50000 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Molecular_Calc = 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Pressure_at_Lidar_Station = 1010 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Temperature_at_Lidar_Station = 19.8 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      id_timescale = 1, 0, 0, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      LR_Input = 1,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      DAQ_Range = 100,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Pointing_Angle_of_Profiles =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0,
ulalume3@99:       _, 0 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Data_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       240, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180,
ulalume3@99:       _, 210,
ulalume3@99:       _, 240,
ulalume3@99:       _, 270 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Data_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       240, 120,
ulalume3@99:       300, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180,
ulalume3@99:       _, 210,
ulalume3@99:       _, 240,
ulalume3@99:       _, 270,
ulalume3@99:       _, 300 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Bck_Start_Time =
ulalume3@99:       0, 0,
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       _, 90,
ulalume3@99:       _, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Bck_Stop_Time =
ulalume3@99:       60, 30,
ulalume3@99:       120, 60,
ulalume3@99:       180, 90,
ulalume3@99:       _, 120,
ulalume3@99:       _, 150,
ulalume3@99:       _, 180 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Laser_Shots =
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, 3000, 3000, 3000, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _, 
ulalume3@99:       1500, _, _, _ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Raw_Lidar_Data = ...
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:      Background_Profile = ... 
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: This example file contains the minimum collection of mandatory
ulalume3@99: information that has to be found within the *Raw Lidar Data* input file.
ulalume3@99: If it is really necessary, the user can decide to add to these mandatory
ulalume3@99: parameters any number of additional parameters considered in the
ulalume3@99: previous example.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Finally, suppose we want to make the following changes with respect to
ulalume3@99: the previous example:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. use a sounding file for molecular density calculation instead of “US
ulalume3@99:    Standar Atmosphere 1976”
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. supply a lidar ratio profile to use in elastic backscatter retrieval
ulalume3@99:    instead of a fixed value
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. provide a overlap function for overlap correction
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: In this case we have to generate the following NetCDF additional files:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``rs_20090130cc00.nc``
ulalume3@99:    | The name of *Sounding Data* file has to be computed as follows:
ulalume3@99:    | ``"rs_"``\ +\ ``Measurement_ID``
ulalume3@99:    | The structure of this file is summarized in table 2 of the pdf.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``ov_20090130cc00.nc``
ulalume3@99:    | The name of *Overlap* file has to be computed as follows:
ulalume3@99:    | ``"ov_"``\ +\ ``Measurement_ID``
ulalume3@99:    | The structure of this file is summarized in table 3 of the pdf.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: -  | ``lr_20090130cc00.nc``
ulalume3@99:    | The name of *Lidar Ratio* file has to be computed as follows:
ulalume3@99:    | ``"lr_"``\ +\ ``Measurement_ID``
ulalume3@99:    | The structure of this file is summarized in table 4 of the pdf.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: Moreover we need to apply the following changes to the *Raw Lidar Data*
ulalume3@99: input file:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. Change the value of the variable ``Molecular_Calc`` as follows:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Molecular_Calc = 1 ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    Of course the variables ``Pressure_at_Lidar_Station`` and
ulalume3@99:    ``Temperature_at_Lidar_Station`` are not necessary anymore.
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. Change the values of the array ``LR_Input`` as follows:
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        LR_Input = 0,_,_,_ ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. Add the global attribute ``Sounding_File_Name``
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Sounding_File_Name = "rs_20090130cc00.nc" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. Add the global attribute ``LR_File_Name``
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        LR_File_Name = "lr_20090130cc00.nc" ;
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99: #. Add the global attribute ``Overlap_File_Name``
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:    ::
ulalume3@99: 
ulalume3@99:        Overlap_File_Name = "ov_20090130cc00.nc" ;
ulalume3@99: