QZ is an object oriented transfer format for time series data.
Time series data is characterised by few dimensions, i.e. primarily 4:
•Geographical information (co-ordinates station name/region name, spatial resolution, height etc)
•Time stamps. (Data order, measured time/period, time resolution, issuing date/projection for forecasted parameters etc)
•Parameter information (measured/forecasted variable, measured height and principle etc.)
•The measured/estimated/forecasted value including unit.
Although few dimensions, the amount of data can be extensive; several years of hourly/minute/second data of measured parameters. Today, no widely used/accepted format exists for the exchange of time series data, that can be used in a general way, i.e. where all necessary information how to read and interpret the data are supplied.