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Direct manual download of REFMAR tidal observations on http://data.shom.fr
Direct manual download allows you to easily and quickly obtain sea level measurements. With this method you select the data to download (sources, dates, export format) and download a file in ".zip" format containing the metadata file of the site and the data file. This download mode is possible only from the tide gauge page being viewed.
How it works
From each page of a station, you can download a file containing some or all of the sea level observations.
Step 1: Click on "Direct Download"
Click on the "Direct Download" button to the right, above the graph of the sea levels.
Screenshot from the non-final version of the tidal data download page on data.shom.fr
Step 2: Fill in the required fields in the new window
In the new window that opens, enter your name (1) and your email address (2) and click "Send".
If you want to receive information on tide gauge stations (information on new observatories, observatories undergoing maintenance and other sea level-related news), simply leave the box checked. You can subscribe at any time by downloading new data and making sure the box is checked.
Screenshot from the non-final version of the tidal data download page on data.shom.fr
Step 3: Make your selections in the new window
You will have to fill in the following fields:
- Start date of the water level measurements
- End date of the water level measurements
- Type of observation (high frequency raw data, raw or validated 10 minute time-delayed data, raw or validated hourly data and high and low water (only for Brest, coming soon)
- The desired data output format (XML, JSON, TXT)
Do not forget to click "Direct Download" to submit your request.
Screenshot from the non-final version of the tidal data download page on data.shom.fr
Step 4: Retrieving data in a zipped file
To retrieve the tide gauge data, just click on "Click to get file". The data are downloaded in a zipped file. Depending on the size of the file, the download may take a few moments.
Screenshot from the non-final version of the tidal data download page on data.shom.fr
Content of the zipped file
The zipped file contains:
- A file called Sensor.sml containing all the important information about the tidal observatory. The .sml file format is explained on a separate webpage.
- A data file in the selected format. The different formats are also explained on separate webpages. Note that the data are always provided in UTC.
To find out more
- List of tidal stations available on data.shom.fr
- explanation on the XML data exchange format
- explanation on the JSON data exchange format
- explanation on the TXT data exchange format
- What is a zipped file? Wikipedia page on ZIP (file format)
last updated: 2015 06 01