> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/accessing-the-data/chords.md).

# CHORDS

Guide to accessing, reviewing, and downloading 3D-PAWS observations stored in CHORDS.

### Overview

CHORDS (Cloud-Hosted Real-time Data Services for the Geosciences) is the primary data storage and access platform used by 3D-PAWS.

For 3D-PAWS stations, CHORDS provides:

* storage of time-series observations
* access to current and historical station data
* organization of stations and instruments
* data access through web services and APIs
* integration with visualization tools such as Grafana

A CHORDS portal can contain observations from multiple 3D-PAWS stations and monitoring networks.

***

#### **Accessing a CHORDS Portal**

3D-PAWS observation networks are typically hosted on dedicated CHORDS portals. Countries or projects may operate their own portal for accessing and managing station data.

Open the CHORDS portal associated with your station or observation network.

Within CHORDS, stations and their observations are organized by **sites** and **instruments**.

Use the portal to locate the appropriate station and review the observations being received from that instrument.

{% hint style="info" %}
CHORDS portal URLs vary by country or project. Use the portal URL provided for your observation network.
{% endhint %}

**Example CHORDS Portal:** [View an example 3D-PAWS CHORDS portal](https://3d.chordsrt.com/)

***

#### Using CHORDS

Use CHORDS to:

* confirm that station observations are being received
* review current and historical observations
* check observation timestamps
* identify gaps in transmitted data
* access observations for additional analysis
* download station data

For graphical dashboards and visualization of observations, see **Grafana**.

***

#### CHORDS Training

The training slides below provide a walkthrough of using CHORDS with a 3D-PAWS system.

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RpbUyV8Wjgr9eI1tToozGk37hvOjPIM5la5GQ1Wm29w/edit?usp=sharing>" %}
Click the dots icon to enlarge by entering full screen
{% endembed %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Use the presentation controls to open the slides in full screen for easier viewing.
{% endhint %}

***

#### Detailed CHORDS Guide

For a more detailed walkthrough of the CHORDS interface, portal setup, and available resources, use the **CHORDS Introduction** guide below.

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FbDuxSaUOrkOubAsJqw1zbSVJCGgxhQau08r9AlbykY/edit?usp=sharing>" %}
Follow this link to enlarge: <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FbDuxSaUOrkOubAsJqw1zbSVJCGgxhQau08r9AlbykY/edit?usp=sharing>
{% endembed %}

***

#### Downloading Data from CHORDS

3D-PAWS observations can also be downloaded programmatically from a CHORDS portal using its REST API.

The **3D-PAWS CHORDS Data Downloader** provides a tool for retrieving observations from a CHORDS portal.

{% embed url="<https://github.com/3d-paws/CHORDS_Data_Downloader>" %}

{% hint style="info" %}
For most routine station monitoring, use CHORDS or Grafana directly. The data downloader is useful when observations need to be exported for additional analysis or processing.
{% endhint %}

***

#### Creating Your Own CHORDS Portal

Organizations or projects can also operate their own CHORDS portal for storing and providing access to environmental observations.

A CHORDS portal provides the web server and database infrastructure needed to ingest, store, and serve real-time observations.

This may be useful for organizations that want to:

* manage their own observation network
* maintain a dedicated data portal
* configure instruments and data streams for their project
* provide access to observations through a web interface and API

For instructions on deploying and configuring a CHORDS portal, see the official **CHORDS Getting Started** documentation.

<https://earthcubeprojects-chords.github.io/chords-docs/gettingstarted/>

{% hint style="info" %}
Creating and maintaining a CHORDS portal requires additional system administration beyond the routine use of an existing 3D-PAWS data portal.
{% endhint %}


---

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