Following our previous articles on the https://malagis.com/gis-data-share-2010-2020-global-forest-age-distribution-gami-data.html and https://malagis.com/qgis-open-netcdf-file-methods-summary-solutions.html, we introduce Ncview - a specialized tool for quick visualization of netCDF format data without launching full GIS applications.
Tool Overview
Ncview, developed by atmospheric scientist Dr. David W. Pierce, provides rapid visualization and cross-section analysis for netCDF datasets. Key features:
- Instant visualization of multidimensional variables
- Cross-section extraction capabilities
- Minimal system resource requirements
Official website:
https://cirrus.ucsd.edu/ncview/
Installation Methods
1. macOS
brew install ncview # Requires XQuartz (brew cask install xquartz)MacPorts alternative:
sudo port install ncview2. Windows
Advanced setup required:
- Install HDF-5 v1.8.4+
- Install netCDF C library v4.1-beta2+ (compiled with
--enable-netcdf-4) - Optional: udunits2 for unit conversion
3. Linux
sudo apt-get install ncview # Debian/UbuntuOther distributions: Use respective package managers
Basic Usage
Execute via command line:
ncview <netcdf-file>
Advanced functionality: Data editing, cross-section visualization (refer to official documentation)
Licensing
Ncview operates under GNU General Public License v1:
"Ncview is freely redistributable but copyrighted (C) 1993-1999 David W. Pierce. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 1 as published by the Free Software Foundation."