The MEDI data inventory is still under construction. However, some metadata records have been entered in the inventory. These datasets are located in the West Africa region, around the Gulf of Guinea, and have been collected as part of the IODE ODINAFRICA project.

The MEDI search tool uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) to display the spatial location of datasets. You can download the SVG viewer plugin from the Adobe website. Note: SVG viewer is currently not supported by Netscape. The recommended browser for MEDI is Internet Explorer.

The MEDI search options form is divided into four sub-categories with a different screen for each. Each sub-category can be accessed by a simple navigation system. You can search MEDI using a single search sub-category or by using a combination of sub-categories.

General Search Parameters. This option allows you to search for specific words in one or more of the fields in the database. Select the field to search from the drop-down list of fields. Type in the search word then select the Add button to add to the search task list. Repeat this procedure to add more search asks to the list.
Spatial Search. This option allows you to search for datasets for a specific geographic location. Select the spatial area either by clicking on the map and dragging out a rectangular area or by entering coordinates directly into the fields.
Temporal Search. This option allows you to select datasets within a specific time period or season. To select datasets within a specific time period, enter the start data and stop date in Specific Bounds. To select datasets within a time period regardless of the year, enter the start and end date within the Seasonal Bounds. For example, to find all records for March and April, the start and end dates would be 3-1 and 4-1, respectively.
General Text Criteria. This option allows you to enter any key words and search all fields for matching records.