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eugene-barsky authored Jan 3, 2025
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A data dictionary is a variable-level documentation that tells us important information about the variables in the dataset. This is especially important if you are working with multiple tables or with a database. A data dictionary is typically formated as a table with a row corresponding to a variable in your dataset and columns representing a field of information about that variable. The data dictionary should include variable name, data type, description, and sample values.
A data dictionary is a variable-level documentation that tells us important information about the variables in the dataset. This is especially important if you are working with multiple tables or with a database. A data dictionary is typically formatted as a table with a row corresponding to a variable in your dataset and columns representing a field of information about that variable. The data dictionary should include variable names, data types, descriptions, and sample values.

The main goal of the data dictionary is to help people understand datasets. It will help your peers answer questions such as "what does this variable mean?"
The main goal of the data dictionary is to help people understand datasets. It will help your peers answer questions such as: "What does this variable mean?"

Most long standing research projects will have a data dictionary, below are some open-source examples:
Most long-standing research projects will have a data dictionary, below are some open-source examples:

* [National Database of Deep-Sea Corals](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/waf/dsc-data/metadata/20221213-0_NOAA_NDB_corals_sponges_data_dictionary.html)
* [Climate and Forecast Conventions](http://cfconventions.org/Data/cf-standard-names/46/build/cf-standard-name-table.html)
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* [EarthExploer USGS Landsat](https://www.usgs.gov/centers/eros/science/landsat-data-dictionary#data_category)
* [Planetary Science Dictionary (NASA)](https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/dd-search/)

As you can see, a data dictionary can be a simple table (spreadsheet or PDF) or a full-fledged web application. Some projects only need a one data dictionary that can be created and maintained by a single person while others will require a whole team to create and maintain it.
As you can see, a data dictionary can be a simple table (spreadsheet or PDF) or a full-fledged web application. Some projects only need one data dictionary that can be created and maintained by a single person while others will require a whole team to create and maintain it.


## Exercise 1
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Need help?
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Please reach out to `[email protected]` for assistance with any of your research data questions.
Please reach out to `[email protected]` for assistance with any of your research data questions.

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