Talk:Parameter

One of the advantages in using a relational database is the consistency of the data sets if archived through a fully normalized data model. This implies a well defined table of parameters used for the description of the data variables. If a user searches for data of a specific parameter, the system must ensure, that only those data are found and not others are left hidden due to a different definition with a similar meaning. Thus most important for the curators is to avoid a duplication of parameter definitions.

The parameter table of Pangaea has ten thousands of parameters defined. Parameters can easily be found with the 4D client by typing in the first letters of an expression or by using a retrieval, e.g. parameter contains carbonate which will show a list of more than 50 parameters, having the word carbonate in its name.

To help users and projects in finding its own parameters of relevance, parameters are grouped into categories, defined in the Parameter group table or can individualy be grouped by keywords. The parameter dicitionary contains several dynamic queries on project related lists of parameters which were established using the DDI funtionality.