ascii2nc: MET/11.1.0 and METplus/5.1.0 to support multiple variables (Python)

[pratiman-91]

Hi,
I am trying to create a netcdf similar to pb2nc with multiple variables using python. However, according to documentation (https://met.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Users_Guide/reformat_point.html#ascii2nc-output), "In this case, the global variable “use_var_id” does not exist or set to false (use_var_id = “false” ;). Three variables (obs_var, obs_units, and obs_desc) related with variable names are not added."
If I am understanding it correctly, ascii2nc does not support multiple variables.

Kindly let me know if something like this exists within MET/METplus. Thanks!

[DanielAdriaansen]

Hi @pratiman-91!

Thanks for your question. The netCDF file for point observations generated by PB2NC and other MET tools is specific to MET and very complex in its construction. I would strongly advise against attempting to generate this type of file from scratch.

Instead, you can use Python embedding with ASCII2NC to get the same result. ASCII2NC can support multiple variables via the var column in the 11-column data you provide from Python. Here is an example use case of using Python embedding with ASCII2NC:
https://metplus.readthedocs.io/en/latest/generated/met_tool_wrapper/ASCII2NC/ASCII2NC_python_embedding.html#sphx-glr-generated-met-tool-wrapper-ascii2nc-ascii2nc-python-embedding-py

Let me know if you have further questions!