Create NetCDF Files with Python

A powerful data format once you break the learning curve

Gridded, spatial data are commonly stored in NetCDF files. This is especially true for climate data. NetCDF files offer more flexibility and transparency than some traditional raster formats by supporting multiple variables and detailed metadata. Because of the metadata and file structure NetCDF files can be more difficult to access than traditional raster formats. This article addresses the basics of creating a NetCDF file and writing data values in Python. I previously wrote about…