Recommendation:

Avoid use of the missing_value attribute in new Earth Science data products.

Recommendation Details: The missing_value attribute has been semi deprecated, and so this attribute should not be used in new Earth Science data products.

Historically, the missing_value attribute has been used both as a scalar (single-value) and as an array (multi-value) in Earth Science data products.

Use the CF _FillValue attribute instead of using missing_value as a scalar attribute.

Use a flag variable with the CF flag_meanings plus flag_values and/or flag_masks attributes attached (as explained in a separate recommendation) instead of using missing_value as an array attribute.

It is acceptable to continue to use the missing_value attribute in already published Earth Science data products, especially in cases where the downstream software specifically makes use of the missing_value attribute, though it would be a worthwhile improvement to include, in new releases of such products, the CF _FillValue attribute, and, where appropriate, flag variables with CF flag_meanings plus flag_values and/or flag_masks attributes attached.

Awaiting ESCO Approval

This recommendation has been finalized by DIWG but has not yet received final ESCO approval.