Unit 2 - Basics of the CoastWatch Data Analysis Tool

In this unit, we'll learn the basics of the CoastWatch Data Analysis Tool (CDAT):

  • How to start CDAT and open a data file
  • Changing the color palette and minimum/maximum scale values
  • Turning on overlays like coast lines, grid lines, and quality masks
  • Using the tool bar to explore and zoom in on the data
  • Exporting the data view to an image

Resources

For the exercises in this unit, you'll need to download the cw_utils_sample_data.zip Download cw_utils_sample_data.zipfile that contains all the sample data for the course.  Inside the ZIP file is a table of contents 00-Contents.txt that describes all the data files — we'll use a subset of the data files in this unit.

Supplementary reading material is available in the CoastWatch Utilities User's Guide Download CoastWatch Utilities User's Guide in the following sections:

  • Section 3.1 - Getting to know CDAT
  • Section 3.2 - Loading data files
  • Section 3.3 - Navigating in CDAT
  • Section 3.4 - Changing data color images
  • Section 3.5 - Displaying coastlines, grids, and more
  • Section 3.10 - Exporting images and data
  • Section 3.11 - User Preferences

If you prefer to learn by watching videos, there is a YouTube playlist Links to an external site. for many of the same CDAT features we show, and links to specific videos from the pages in this unit.