Getting continuous waveform data from the IRIS DMC

The 100 sps data are sent in real-time directly to the IRIS DMC and are kept on an online data buffer (“BUD”) for 14 days. They are then sent from the cache to the formal, long-term archive where they are permanently saved. See our miniSEED filenaming convention for the Factor network. The data are in miniSEED format. The waveform portion of the data are referred to as the dataless SEED files, and the network-station information is referred to as the metadata. You will need to use the rdseed software to read and reformat the miniSEED data. Rdseed will allow you to reformat the data into SAC, AH, or CSS formats. Matlab provides a routine to convert SAC files to ASCII. Click here to download rdseed.

There are two ways to request Factor network data depending on whether you are requesting them from the BUD or from the permanent archive:

1. To request data from the BUD, use the BUD Query Interface to get dataless SEED files, view the waveforms, and obtain general network information. Note that the Factor network name is “FA.” The BUD Query Interface software tool will allow you to enter a start time and end time for which to view and download the recent data. You can pick and choose specific channels for downloading. The Query Interface will show you location, data latency, and feed latency of the network by map view or table view.
2. To request data from the permanent archive, use SeismiQuery to first obtain information about the data holdings and to get links to web-based and stand-alone request tools. Once you know what subset of data you wish to request, use one of the following methods to obtain the waveform data:
   1. BREQ_FAST to send a web-based file request for data selected for your specified stations, channels, start times, and end times. To submit your BREQ_FAST request, download the file, edit the header and mail it to breq_fast@iris.washington.edu. Click here for more information about BREQ_FAST.
   2. WEED to download the Unix- based data request tool that allows you to choose subsets of network data based on station information, event information. Station and event files are updated daily and the updated versions can be downloaded onto your computer. The event file contains event parameters for moderate to large global earthquakes. You may create your own file of local events by modifying output from a searchable catalog of Southern California earthquakes to use with WEED. Click here to download weed.

The information provided here is only a summary of how to use the DMC request tools. Please see their web pages for more detailed information.