File Structure

Check file integrity (e.g., checksum, file size, corruption)
File organization is consistent and appropriate
Files are in a stable, well-documented format and can be opened with multiple applications
Filenames are unique, descriptive, and consistent
File header information is complete and consistent with documentation
File properties (e.g., dimensions, grid size) are appropriate for the format

Documentation

Data descriptions match the submission
Data are clearly described
Dimensions, variables, and attributes are well defined and follow ISO standards
Application of the data is described
Methods are detailed, repeatable, and accompanied with complete and executable code
Description of quality assurance/quality control is provided
Known issues and data limitations are clearly described
Statements have in-text citations that match the list of references
Summary of the data and process of developing curated data set is provided

Value ranges and extremes are valid
Units are appropriate and defined
Data can be visualized using a plot or map
Data components such as coded fields, data flags, and missing values are defined
Accuracy and precision is reasonable

Spatial coverage and resolution are persistent and as described
Coordinate system is well-defined, including spatial extent, spatial resolution, boundary, and scale
Map projections are appropriate and well-defined
Values of longitude variable go from west (-180) to east (180) and latitude variable go from south (-90) to north (90)

Temporal coverage and resolution are persistent and as described
Uses the ISO standard date and time formats
Attributes related to date and time are complete and include a calendar, units, and bounds