The Scientific Data Format (SDF) is an open file format to store multi-dimensional data such as parameters, simulation results and measurements. It's based on HDF5 which is available on a large number of platforms. It supports...
- very large files
- up to 32 dimensions
- hierarchical structure
- units, comments and custom meta-information
For detailed information see the SDF Specification.
SDF stores information in Datasets that can be structured using Groups. Both can have Attributes which are name-value pairs of strings that hold information about the respective group or dataset.
A hierarchical structure is a good choice for files that contain a large number of datasets (50+) e.g. simulation results. A flat structure is usually best for parameter files and intermediate data storage.
A special type of dataset is the Scale (independent variable): it must be one-dimensional and its values must be monotonically increasing. One scale can be attached to every dimension of a dataset.
A dataset can store the unit of its value(s). This allows the application to check if the provided data matches the expected format. Together with the display unit and the relative quantity datasets can be plotted and edited in a more intuitive format while preserving the actual value for computations. Both groups and datasets can also have a comment.
Physical quantities should always be stored in the corresponding SI base or derived unit e.g. F (farad) for an electrical capacitance or N.m (newton meter) for a torque.
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