---

FINDING DATA AT THE GODDARD DAAC

It's really quite easy. You connect to the Goddard DAAC's computer and search
our holdings for data that interest you. Your search may be based on Earth
science disciplines, geophysical parameters, information on instruments,
date and time, and format of the data. Once you decide on a particular
data set, you may order the pieces you want.

The minimum documentation included with all data ordered from the Goddard
DAAC is a READ-ME file that appears as the first file in your data order.
It's a text file with enough information for you to use the data and write
your own "read" software if required. README files for most data sets contain
read software or point to programs prepared by the Goddard DAAC.

To connect to the Goddard DAAC on-line data ordering service,

select one of the following icons below :


  Login: daacims,  Password: gsfcdaac


   Modem


Some information on the sequence of operation of the on-line data

ordering system is provided below:


The start-up sequence of the data ordering service.

Main Menu usage tips.

Sample scenario for locating data.

Help! I am stuck.

GDAAC Homepage

USING MODEM ACCESS VIA DIRECT DIAL

Dial the appropriate phone number for the Goddard modem pool.

9600 Baud: (301)286-9400

2400 Baud, no parity (8 bits, 1 stop bit): (301)286-9000

A connect message will appear. Hit RETURN twice. At ENTER NUMBER:
type daac and hit RETURN. You will see the messages Dialing and
Call Complete. Press RETURN twice. Now at the login prompt, enter

User Name:  daacims

Password:   gsfcdaac

STARTUP SEQUENCE FOR THE ORDERING PROCESS

A welcome message will appear followed by a prompt asking whether your
terminal is character or X based. If you're not sure yours is an X terminal,
use the character type instructions and simply RETURN. If you're using an X
terminal, press N. If this is your first session, you'll be asked to enter
your name, address, and other "user profile" information, and you'll be
presented with a tutorial to help you learn to navigate the menu system.
The first time you connect, it's a good idea to do the tutorial before you
continue on. Any time you need a refresher, you can access the tutorial by
selecting it from the menubar options.

The main menu provides access to all functions of the system through the menu
bar at the top of the screen. To move to the menu bar from any other place
on the screen, press the ESCAPE key (ESC) twice. If your keyboard doesn't
have an ESC key, use CTRL [ instead, continuing to hold down the control key
while pressing the left bracket key. If these sequences don't work as
described, checkyour terminal emulator settings.

MAIN MENU USAGE TIPS

The screens are controlled using escape sequences, ESC followed by
another command character. Each screen displays the escape sequences that
will work withit in a command line at the bottom. To use an escape sequence,
press ESC, release it, then press the next key. You may enter more than one
command character following ESC, releasing each key in turn. Use lower case
only for escape key sequences.

   The system is operated by using the Search and Order options from

   the Menubar.

   Depending on where you are in the system, ESC ESC (two in a row)

   will either back you up one screen or take you to the Menu Bar where

   you can choose another function.

   To move forward, use ESC g (for "go").

   Within a screen, TAB to go to the next field and CTRLb to step backward

   through fields.

   When in doubt, available options for the current field are displayed

   at the bottom of the screen and from the Help option for Function Keys.

   If the > character appears to the right of a field, it means that there

   is more information toward the right. Use the key to view the data.

   If vvvvvv characters appear on the bottom of the field, it means there

   is more data below. Use the key or ESC d (for "down") to scroll through.

   To leave the system at any time, press ESC q (for "quit").

SAMPLE SCENARIO FOR LOCATING DATA

Select the Search option from the menu bar. The fields shown are queriable
fields that help you locate data by specifying your values of interest. An
asterisk (*) appears next to the active field.
You can enter values for as many or as few fields as you wish, then run a
search for data products fitting your criteria. It's generally better to use
broad search criteria to locate your data. Most fields have their own lists
of valid entries you can look at by pressing ESC v. Use them. Only type in
values for numeric fields (like dates) or for those fields that have no list.

Once you have set your fields, search our holdings by pressing ESC g (for "go").
If you forget the command sequence, check the command line at the bottom of
the screen.

The system will process your query. This may take some time, and there is no
apparent indicator that the system is "crunching." Be patientQa list of files
that match your search criteria will appear. Use the and keys to move through
the list, and RETURN to select the items that you want. Once highlighted, you
may either view more information about the data item by pressing ESC m (for
"more info") or choose to order the data item by pressing ESC a (for "add to
order"). Once you have added all the data items you want to your order, press
ESC g (for "go").

On the next screen, specify the media and format you want. These options are
presented separately with a list of valid entries for each. You may choose to
receive your data either over the network using File Transfer Protocol (FTP),
or on 8mm, 4mm, or 9-track magnetic tape. When you're through, press ESC g.

A summary screen will appear with your request number. Make a note of it.
You'll need it if you call our Help Desk with questions about your order.
You can review the status of your order at any time by selecting the "Check
Request Status" function in the Order option of the menubar.

To quit the menu system from any screen, press ESC q.

IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE

Call our Help Desk at (301) 286-3209. Our Help Desk staff offers personalized assistance in all aspects of using
the online ordering service and the data you obtain, and we can also help you
acquire information on data and services available from other Earth science
data archives.

The Help Desk staff also trains educators and students in finding and using
data, provides demonstrations at scientific conferences, and offers expert
advice on the uses and limitations associated with specific data sets.