projects
oceano2python and python-plots
Two complementary tools used to read, normalize, convert, and visualize data coming from oceanographic instruments.
Status: Mature tools, reviewed and stabilized
Repository: GitHub
Documentation: Lien
Release: Telechargement
Overview
oceano2python and python-plots form a coherent toolchain for processing and visualizing oceanographic data collected during field campaigns.
The first tool reads ASCII files produced by different instruments, extracts useful metadata, and converts the data into ASCII, ODV, or OceanSITES NetCDF outputs. The second then uses these files, especially the generated NetCDF files, to produce profiles, sections, and plots suited to quick analysis or repeated cruise production.
Role of oceano2python
oceano2python can read files produced by:
- Seabird or RBR CTD systems
- bottle files
- Sippican XBT
- RDI LADCP
- Seabird thermosalinographs
- realtime COLCOR
- ship logs such as CASINO+
The tool extracts header information, normalizes the data, and can write the results in several exchange formats. Recent versions also rely on an embedded SQLite3 database to normalize, store, and retrieve data from memory.
Role of python-plots
python-plots focuses on visualization. It can generate:
- profiles
- sections
- scatter plots
from OceanSITES NetCDF files, especially for data such as:
- CTD
- XBT
- ADCP
- TSG
The tool is suited both to interactive work and to automated batch generation of figures, for example during a cruise.
Complementarity
The main strength of these two repositories is their complementarity:
- read and convert raw instrument files with
oceano2python - standardize outputs into more reusable formats
- produce scientific visualizations with
python-plots
Together they cover both the data input stage and the first layer of graphical interpretation.
Useful technical points
- support for several families of oceanographic instruments
- generation of ASCII, ODV, and OceanSITES NetCDF outputs
- Python-based workflow for reproducible processing
- Conda-based installation workflow
- support for both interactive and automated usage
- plot generation suited to both cruises and post-mission analysis
Intended audience
These tools are intended for people working with hydrographic or trajectory data who need to:
- read heterogeneous instrument formats
- convert them into more homogeneous formats
- generate useful scientific visualizations quickly