The NWS training facilities are also expected to create case studies in conjunction with their work in resident, computer-based, and teletraining instruction. And, given the needed functionality, many WFOs will archive their own data sets to generate case studies of local interest. The preferred format for archived data is the raw transmission format for a number of reasons. These include the smaller size of the raw data set, the freedom to use alternate display tools requiring differing data formats, and to eliminate any errors introduced in the data set by the translation software. Change is inevitable over the course of time.
Stations move, map boundaries change, data formats evolve.
Without the appropriate metadata to describe the context of a data set, historical data is worthless. It is crucial that generic metadata are archived along with the data itself. For example, these may include tables of information needed to translate and use the data, or lists of adjustable parameters used during data collection. It is assumed that mechanisms will be in place for the storage of these metadata with the archived data sets. The ability to easily review archived data sets, regardless of the source of the archived data.