FCHECK

What is FCHECK?

To assist with the standardization of SeaBASS data files, the SIMBIOS Project developed feedback software, named FCHECK, to evaluate the format of submitted data files. FCHECK consists of a PERL (Practical Extraction and Report Language) script with connections to several look-up tables and UNIX mail handling utilities. Using FCHECK, contributors may evaluate the format of their SeaBASS-compatible files prior to submission.

Modification history

FCHECK Announcement: Version 3

Effective 15 March 2001, a new version of FCHECK is operational. This latest version extends the format checking to include some rudimentary tests on the data block. The additional tests include:

verifying that dates and times are legal (e.g. flags when seconds > 59 are detected)
warns if negative values are detected
warns if values are outside reasonable ranges
- currently checks radiances, irradiances, and AOT
- additional parameters may be added in the future

These additional tests are not intended to replace quality control efforts by the submitting investigator. They are simple, hopefully redundant, tests to minimize the possibility of erroneous data being archived. No changes have been made to the SeaBASS format, FCHECK simply verifies compliance with the established SeaBASS format. Please contact Sean Bailey with questions and comments.

How does one use FCHECK?

There are two methods for users to submit data to be checked by FCHECK.

Electronic mail:
Single files may be tested by electronically mailing the file to fcheck@seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov. Upon receipt of the file, FCHECK parses the data and metadata and compares them to the required SeaBASS format. FCHECK will report any errors it detects by reply email. If no errors are found, FCHECK replies with a message indicating that the format of the file is correct.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP):
Multiple files may be checked simultaneously by uploading the files to a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) site. First, create a new subdirectory at in ftp://samoa.gsfc.nasa.gov/seabass/fcheck. The name of this new directory is decided by the contributor. Next, upload the files to be evaluated to this new user-defined directory. Last, electronically mail a message to fcheck@seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov with the subject line: FTP: <user defined directory>. FCHECK will process every file and report via a single email the status of each file. Note: a username and password are required to access the FTP site.

FTP example:

(A) Create a subdirectory ftp://samoa.gsfc.nasa.gov/seabass/fcheck/ocean_blue
(B) Upload several files to ftp://samoa.gsfc.nasa.gov/seabass/fcheck/ocean_blue
(C) Send FCHECK a message at fcheck@seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov with the subject: FTP: ocean_blue
(D) Receive an email from FCHECK describing the status (pass, fail, comments) of each uploaded file

NOTE: Please use "PASSIVE" ftp when connecting to our ftp servers. You may need to enable this mode on your ftp client. Please check with your local systems administrator if you need assistance. Failure to enable "PASSIVE" ftp model in your client will result in a connection error.

Is the source code of FCHECK available?

To a degree. The linked source code has been made available for informational purposes only. The software requires a number of PERL modules and subroutines, which have not been included, to function properly. Support will NOT be provided to anyone attempting to use FCHECK locally. The source code was made available on 28 August 2001. Data submitted to SeaBASS must pass the most recent version of FCHECK, which is only available for use via email or FTP.

Is additional help available?

You may request FCHECK to send some help information by emailing fcheck@seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov with the word "HELP" in the subject (case insensitive). FCHECK will reply with a brief 'HOW TO' tutorial. You may also write to the SeaBASS Administrator with questions and comments.

Author/Site Curator: Jeremy Werdell
Responsible NASA Official: Charles McClain
Last revised 14 August 2001