The Recommended GHRSST Data Specification (GDS) Version 2.1r0#
A new generation of integrated Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data products are being provided by the Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST). L2 products are provided by a variety of data providers in a common format. L3 and L4 products combine, in near-real time, various SST data products from several different satellite sensors and in situ observations and maintain fine spatial and temporal resolution needed by SST inputs to a variety of ocean and atmosphere applications in the operational and scientific communities. Other GHRSST products provide diagnostic data sets and global multi-product ensemble analysis products. Retrospective reanalysis products are provided in a non-real time critical offline manner. All GHRSST products have a standard format, include uncertainty estimates for each measurement, and are served to the international user community free of charge through a variety of data transport mechanisms and access points that are collectively referred to as the GHRSST Regional/Global Task Sharing (R/GTS) framework.
The GHRSST Data Specification (GDS) Version 2.1r0 is a technical specification of GHRSST products and services. It consists of a technical specification document (this volume) and a separate Architecture Document (GSA). The GDS technical documents are supported by a User Manual. GDS 2.1r0 represents a consensus opinion of the GHRSST international community on how to optimally combine satellite and in situ SST data streams within the R/GTS. The GDS also provides guidance on how data providers might implement SST processing chains that contribute to the R/GTS.
This document first provides an overview of GHRSST followed by detailed technical specifications of the adopted file naming specification and supporting definitions and conventions used throughout GHRSST and the technical specifications for all GHRSST Level 2P, Level 3, Level 4, and GHRSST Multi-Product Ensemble data products. In addition, the GDS 2.1r0 Technical Specification provides controlled code tables and best practices for identifying sources of SST and ancillary data that are used within GHRSST data files.
The GDS document has been developed for data providers who wish to produce any level of GHRSST data product and for all users wishing to fully understand GHRSST product conventions, GHRSST data file contents, GHRSST and Climate Forecast definitions for SST, and other useful information. For a complete discussion and access to data products and services see https://www.ghrsst.org, which is a central portal for all GHRSST activities.