Argo Trajectory Cookbook

This DAC Trajectory Cookbook is to include instructions for the DACs on how to calculate different variables for the Argo trajectory files. It is separate from other data manuals because users do not need to understand all these details, but that it is important that all DACs to be calculating the variables in the same manner. Concerning Argo trajectory data specifically, correct data processing requires a good knowledge of the float capabilities. Each float type has its own behavior and within a given type, each float version provides specific data useful to trajectory determination. A large part of the document is based on the work done since 2007 on Argo trajectory data in the framework of the ANDRO project by Jean-Philippe Rannou and Michel Ollitrault. Dana Swift has also had a chance to give input on APEX float timing. He has been responsible for writing much of the firmware on APEX floats and was able to provide detailed information on APEX floats. The algorithms proposed by Jean-Philippe Rannou and Michel Ollitrault are included in the cookbook, but are not mandatory. While they have been designed to be efficient and robust enough to be deployed in a real time data flow without a visual check, the timing information they provide is an estimate. There are a couple ways to approach this cookbook. If interested in PROVOR and ARVOR floats, the best entry point is proposed in ANNEX I: Cookbook entry point. In the presented tables, one can find, for a given float version, all useful information that can be decoded, computed or estimated from transmitted float data and a link to the concerned paragraph(s) in the document. For all other float types, it is suggested to look at the appropriate float type under section 3.2.2. Each float type has a section there with tables helping to explain which measurement codes should be used for which float type and version. To decode the Format ID in Annex I, refer to the float version list established by the Argo Technical Coordinator, Mathieu BELBEOCH (mbelbeoch@jcommops.org), to uniquely name each float type and version. The first version of this list, used in this document, can be accessed at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AitL8e3zpeffdENUQmszRlY3djYweGZhbnBZSU1fTFE&usp=sharing. If the link does not work when clicking on it, please copy and paste it into your browser. This list was created in 2012 and accurately describes the float types available at that time. Since then, some float types have been updated while others have not. If a float type is missing from the table, please contact M. Belbeoch to let him know. The useful information list has been established by Megan SCANDERBEG (mscanderbeg@ucsd.edu) in the framework of the project of providing delayed mode trajectory data to Argo users. Many of the concerned float versions are obsolete for real time processing. However, even if these floats are no longer active, it is important to collect and transmit how to decode the float data for historical purposes. The float types presented in this document include: - The PROVOR float including PROVOR, PROVOR-MT and ARVOR floats in their Argos and Iridium versions - APEX - NINJA, Deep NINJA - SOLO - SOLO-II - NEMO - NAVIS - NOVA