Describe the contents of data files

A description of the contents of the data file should contain the following:

• Define the parameters and the units on the parameter
• Explain the formats for dates, time, geographic coordinates, and other parameters
• Define any coded values
• Describe quality flags or qualifying values
• Define missing values

Description Rationale

The contents of the data files should be described in the data file and in the documentation

Cite this best practice:

DataONE Best Practices Working Group, DataONE  (July 01, 2010) "Best Practice: Describe the contents of data files". Accessed through the Data Management Skillbuilding Hub at https://dataoneorg.github.io/Education/bestpractices/describe-the-contents on Mar 01, 2024