MPLNET File Naming Convention

The MPLNET file naming convention is a standard for all V2 and V3 products:

MPLXYZ_VERSION_LEVEL_PRODUCT_DATE_INSTRUMENT_SITE.nc4

• XYZ: a code in the file prefix that indicates the readiness of the data.
  • X = 1 or 0: value of 1 indicates the data are preliminary (undergoing inspection), value of 0 are not preliminary
  • Y = 1 or 0: value of 1 indicates forecast meteorology used, value of 0 use assimilated meteorology
  • Z = 1 or 0: value of 1 indicates that some calibration(s) are missing, value of 0 indicates that data are fully calibrated
  • XYZ = NET: data are fully calibrated, use assimilated meteorology (if applicable), and are not marked as preliminary. These are operational files, and available to the public.

• VERSION: V2 or V3
  

• LEVEL: L1, L15, L2, or L3 (L15 = level 1.5)
  

• PRODUCT: NRB, ABS, CLD, CAER, AER, or PBL (see our Product Information page for more information)
  

• DATE: YYYYMMDD

• INSTRUMENT: MPLABBBB
  • A indicates whether the lidar is an MPL (A = 3 or 4) or a miniMPL (A = 5)
  • BBBB is the lidar serial number

• SITE: the MPLNET site name

Data files are available for downloading by the public if they meet the criteria below (all such file names begin with the "MPLNET" prefix):

• data are fully calibrated
  
• use assimilated meteorology (if applicable)
  
• are not preliminary