IBTrACS Data formats
- IBTrACS data are available in various formats used by the tropical cyclone community.
- Users should select the format based on the parameters which they need, since not all parameters are available in each format.
- All data formats derive from the Official IBTrACS Dataset format (one file per storm)
Data access summary
| Type | Summary |
|---|---|
| By storm | 1 storm per file (>10 000 files) |
| All storms | All storms in 1 file |
| Storms by basin | All storms from 1 basin in 1 file |
| Storms by year | All storms from 1 year in 1 file |
Description of file types
Official IBTrACS Dataset: IBTrACS storm files
Summary
This is the only format which provides the original best track data from the source agencies along with the IBTrACS data.This is the official archived format of the IBTrACS data. All other formats are derived from this set of files. One storm is provided in each data file.
Parameters available
This is the only version of IBTrACS in which all parameters are available. See the list.Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
netCDF
Summary
This reformat is an attempt to facilitate reading IBTrACS files by combining storms into one file. This is done by buffering the number of observations per storm and making the storm index be the unlimited dimension.Parameters available
All variables stored in the Official IBTrACS Dataset except the original reports from the source agencies (e.g., orig_lat, orig_lon, orig_pres, orig_wind).Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
More information on this format is available as a README file
HURDAT / NOAA Tape Format / TD9697 format
Warning: This format specification limits the parameters available in this output format
Summary
Given the widespread usage of HURDAT data, IBTrACS data is also provided in a similar format. Often called the "HURDAT format" or the TD9697 format, it is a hold over from the obsolete punch card days where each line contains a maximum of 72 characters.Caveats
- This format does not allow the full set of IBTrACS data to be reported.
- The AllStorms.tape.VERSION.tape file does not completely follow the HURDAT format. The presence of storms in both hemispheres requires a previously blank space to be used as a norhtern or southern hemisphere flag. Other files (basin and hemispheres) are not affected since they do not span the Equator
- For details on differences from the HURDAT format, see the README file description.
Parameters available
- Time and Position
- Basin
- Maximum sustained wind and Minimum central pressure
- Storm nature
Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
ATCF
Warning: This format specification limits the parameters available in this output format
Summary
This format is widely used in the tropical cyclone community.Caveats
This format does not allow the full set of IBTrACS data to be reported.Parameters available
- Time and Position
- Basin
- Maximum sustained wind and Minimum central pressure
- Storm nature
Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
cXML
Warning: This format specification limits the parameters available in this output format
Summary
cXML was designed to facilitate the exchange of tropical cyclone information.Caveats
This format does not allow the full set of IBTrACS data to be reported.Parameters available
- Time and Position
- Maximum sustained wind and Minimum central pressure
- Storm nature
Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
WMO - WMO Standard format
Warning: This format specification limits the parameters available in this output format
Summary
This format is used in the tropical cyclone community.Caveats
This format does not allow the full set of IBTrACS data to be reported.Parameters available
- Time and Position
- Basin
- Maximum sustained wind and Minimum central pressure
- Storm nature
Sample data
Format description
Dataset access
CSV - Comma Separated Variables
Summary
This format contains most variables derived during the creation of IBTrACS.
The format can easily be imported to a spreadsheet or database.
Parameters available
See format description.
