DATADIR can be used to specify an alternative location for the raw data. This means that users do not need to make multiple copies of the demodulated data files (for example, at the JAC support scientists access the data archive directly and never take their own copies) and saves disk space.
As an example, at the JAC, to access demodulated data taken on the 30th October 1997 all that is needed is
$DATADIR is supported by all routines that access demodulated data (reduce_switch, sdip, skydip, sculog etc.) but is not recognised by routines that deal with partly processed data.% setenv DATADIR /scuba/observe/19971030/dem
Note that use of DATADIR is equivalent to setting a unix-style path of:
.:$DATADIR (i.e. the current working directory is always chosen in
preference to DATADIR).
SURF -- SCUBA User Reduction Facility