## Downloading data for import to Matlab

The Matlab download feature causes the "Download and Other Operations" server to use its version of Matlab to generate a Matlab file.
After the transfer of this file to your machine, it can be directly used by Matlab.
To help avoid problems where the Matlab on your machine may not be able to read a (possibly newer) Matlab file produced by the server, the server can produce a Matlab file using Matlab version 5. (This feature presently available from the "download utility" link of the "Download and Other Operations" menu)

Each field name in the data is considered either a numeric field or an alphanumeric field.
Each numeric field becomes a Matlab data vector, with the field name as the vector name.
Each alphanumeric field becomes a Matlab character array, with the field name as the array name.

The algorithm used to make the numeric/alphanumeric decision is weak.
Accordingly, its results may be presented to you for correction before the Matlab file is made.

Invalid entries in a numeric vector (including the JGOFS system missing data code 'nd') are given a Matlab NaN value.
Character array values are unchanged, which means that missing character values retain the JGOFS system missing data code 'nd'.

The names of files produced have a .mat extension

Last modified: Aug 10, 2011