At least one search option (e.g. Spatial, Keyword, or Temporal) is needed to create search results. A combination of two or more search options (e.g. Spatial Search and Temporal Search) will return more precise results.

Spatial Search

The spatial search can be used to find related data set descriptions within a specific geographic location.

Using the map

To move the map
• A) To zoom in and out, use the + and - button to view the geographic
  area of interest.
  



Coordinates

• B) The coordinates for each map view are displayed beside the map. The longitude and latitude coordinates are automatically populated based on changes to the spatial map. Please note: You can not directly place coordinates in any of the boxes.

To retrieve search results: Click on the search button.
To clear search: Click on the reset button.

Keyword Search

The keyword search can be used to find data set descriptions related to a specific full text term.  Use the A) full text box to enter your search term.  To narrow the search results, use the B) drop down menu options to search only specific fields within the data set description (e.g. Title, Summary, etc).  The search term entered will return results within the "Full Text" of the descriptions (by default).

The free-text search engine allows users to search the GCMD database with search functions that closely resemble the behavior of commercial Internet search engines.  The free text search engine supports several term modifiers for enhanced searching options. These include: Wildcard searches, Fuzzy searches, Proximity searches, Range searches, andTerm boosting.  The search engines also allows you to restrict your search to specific DIF fields, through a fielded search. Example will return all descriptions with the phrase "carbon dioxide" as a Variable keyword.  For additional detailed instructions on how to use the free text search box, see the "Basics of Full -text searching online guide".

C) Boolean Search
You can also improve your searches by adding "operators" (e.g. and, or) to your search terms in the search box, or selecting the Boolean search options.  The Boolean search option buttons provide a way to combine two free text search terms at once.

• “And” gives you the ability to search for two search terms at once.
• “Or” gives you the ability to search for either one of the two search terms in your keyword search.

Directions:

• Type in your full text search term within the search box.  Please note if only one search term is entered, it must be entered within the top search.
• To retrieve search results, click on the search button.
• To start a new search, click on the reset button.

Temporal Search

The temporal search can be used to find data set descriptions related to a specific date/time period.

Directions:

• A) To include the temporal search click yes in the option field.
• B) Search, either between dates (default), before a date, or after a date.
• C) Enter date information in the fields thereafter.  Please note: When entering information “between dates”, the order is important.  Example: the earliest month and year (e.g. Jan. 1 1950) must be entered first followed by the latest month and year (e.g. Jan 1 2006).
• To retrieve search results, click on the search button
• To start a new search, click on the reset button.