diff --git a/catalog/conus404-daily/collection.json b/catalog/conus404-daily/collection.json
index 72f29e6c592c0ebc14de73b3e7ed817b4cabc5fd..f317d294bed23adc764eb0c06d325d44a969e717 100644
--- a/catalog/conus404-daily/collection.json
+++ b/catalog/conus404-daily/collection.json
@@ -75,13 +75,30 @@
     }
   },
   "cube:variables": {
+    "lat": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y",
+        "x"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_north"
+    },
+    "lon": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y",
+        "x"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_east"
+    },
     "ACDEWC": {
       "dimensions": [
         "time",
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACDRIPR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -89,7 +106,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACDRIPS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -97,7 +115,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACECAN": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -105,7 +124,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACEDIR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -113,7 +133,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACETLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -121,7 +142,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACETRAN": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -129,7 +151,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACEVAC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -137,7 +160,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACEVB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -145,7 +169,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACEVC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -153,7 +178,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACEVG": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -161,7 +187,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACFROC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -169,7 +196,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACFRZC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -177,7 +205,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACGHB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -185,7 +214,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACGHFLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -193,7 +223,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACGHV": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -201,7 +232,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACINTR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -209,7 +241,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACINTS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -217,7 +250,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACLHFLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -225,7 +259,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACLWDNB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -233,7 +268,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J m-2"
     },
     "ACLWUPB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -241,7 +277,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J m-2"
     },
     "ACMELTC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -249,7 +286,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACPONDING": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -257,7 +295,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACQLAT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -265,7 +304,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACQRF": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -273,7 +313,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACRAINLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -281,7 +322,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACRAINSNOW": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -289,7 +331,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACRUNSB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -297,7 +340,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACRUNSF": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -305,7 +349,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSHFLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -313,7 +358,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACSNBOT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -321,7 +367,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSNFRO": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -329,7 +376,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSNOM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -337,7 +385,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg m-2"
     },
     "ACSNOWLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -345,7 +394,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSNSUB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -353,7 +403,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSUBC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -361,7 +412,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACSWDNB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -369,7 +421,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J m-2"
     },
     "ACSWDNLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -377,7 +430,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACSWDNT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -385,7 +439,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J m-2"
     },
     "ACSWUPB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -393,7 +448,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J m-2"
     },
     "ACSWUPLSM": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -401,7 +457,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ACTHROR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -409,7 +466,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACTHROS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -417,7 +475,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "ACTR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -425,7 +484,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "ALBEDO": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -433,67 +493,78 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "1"
     },
     "BF": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "BH": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "C1F": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "C1H": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "C2F": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "C2H": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "C3F": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "C3H": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Dimensionless"
     },
     "C4F": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "C4H": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "CANWAT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -501,66 +572,78 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg m-2"
     },
     "CF1": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "CF2": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "CF3": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "CFN": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "CFN1": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "CLAT": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_north"
     },
     "COSALPHA": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "DN": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "DNW": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "DZS": {
       "dimensions": [
         "soil_layers_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "E": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "s-1"
     },
     "E2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -568,7 +651,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "ES2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -576,26 +660,30 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "F": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "s-1"
     },
     "FNM": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "FNP": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "GRAUPEL_ACC_NC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -603,127 +691,178 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "HGT": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "ISLTYP": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "IVGTYP": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "LAKEMASK": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "LANDMASK": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "LU_INDEX": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_M": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_MX": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_MY": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
+    },
+    "lat_u": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y",
+        "x_stag"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_north"
+    },
+    "lon_u": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y",
+        "x_stag"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_east"
     },
     "MAPFAC_U": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_UX": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_UY": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
+    },
+    "lat_v": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y_stag",
+        "x"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_north"
+    },
+    "lon_v": {
+      "dimensions": [
+        "y_stag",
+        "x"
+      ],
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "degree_east"
     },
     "MAPFAC_V": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y_stag",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_VX": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y_stag",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAPFAC_VY": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y_stag",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAX_MSTFX": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MAX_MSTFY": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MF_VX_INV": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y_stag",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "MLCAPE": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -731,18 +870,21 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "J kg-1"
     },
     "MUB": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "P00": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "PB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -750,7 +892,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "PBLH": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -758,7 +901,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "PHB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -766,7 +910,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m2 s-2"
     },
     "PREC_ACC_NC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -774,7 +919,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "PSFC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -782,7 +928,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "PWAT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -790,15 +937,18 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "meters"
     },
     "P_STRAT": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "P_TOP": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "Pa"
     },
     "Q2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -806,7 +956,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg kg-1"
     },
     "QRFS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -814,7 +965,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "QSLAT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -822,7 +974,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "QSPRINGS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -830,7 +983,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "QVAPOR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -838,27 +992,32 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg kg-1"
     },
     "RDN": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "RDNW": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "RDX": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m-1"
     },
     "RDY": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m-1"
     },
     "RECH": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -866,7 +1025,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "RH2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -874,7 +1034,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": null
     },
     "SH2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -882,7 +1043,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg kg-1"
     },
     "SH2O": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -891,28 +1053,32 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m3 m-3"
     },
     "SHDMAX": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "1"
     },
     "SHDMIN": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "1"
     },
     "SINALPHA": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "SMCWTD": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -920,7 +1086,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m3 m-3"
     },
     "SMOIS": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -929,7 +1096,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m3 m-3"
     },
     "SNICE": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -938,7 +1106,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "SNLIQ": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -947,14 +1116,16 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "SNOALB": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "1"
     },
     "SNOW": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -962,7 +1133,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kg m-2"
     },
     "SNOWC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -970,7 +1142,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "SNOWENERGY": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -978,7 +1151,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "SNOWH": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -986,7 +1160,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "SNOW_ACC_NC": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -994,7 +1169,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "mm"
     },
     "SOILENERGY": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1002,7 +1178,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "kJ m-2"
     },
     "SR": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1010,11 +1187,13 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "1"
     },
     "T00": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "T2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1022,7 +1201,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TD2": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1030,11 +1210,13 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TISO": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TK": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1042,15 +1224,18 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TLP": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "TLP_STRAT": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TRAD": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1058,7 +1243,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TSK": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1066,7 +1252,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TSLB": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1075,7 +1262,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TSNO": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1084,7 +1272,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "TV": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1092,7 +1281,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "K"
     },
     "U": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1100,7 +1290,8 @@
         "y",
         "x_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m s-1"
     },
     "U10": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1108,7 +1299,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m s-1"
     },
     "V": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1116,7 +1308,8 @@
         "y_stag",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m s-1"
     },
     "V10": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1124,28 +1317,32 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m s-1"
     },
     "VAR": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "VAR_SSO": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m2"
     },
     "XLAND": {
       "dimensions": [
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "Z": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1153,29 +1350,34 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "meters MSL"
     },
     "ZETATOP": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "ZNU": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "ZNW": {
       "dimensions": [
         "bottom_top_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": ""
     },
     "ZS": {
       "dimensions": [
         "soil_layers_stag"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "ZSNSO": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1184,7 +1386,8 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "ZWT": {
       "dimensions": [
@@ -1192,53 +1395,13 @@
         "y",
         "x"
       ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": "m"
     },
     "crs": {
       "dimensions": [],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lat": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y",
-        "x"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lat_u": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y",
-        "x_stag"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lat_v": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y_stag",
-        "x"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lon": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y",
-        "x"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lon_u": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y",
-        "x_stag"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
-    },
-    "lon_v": {
-      "dimensions": [
-        "y_stag",
-        "x"
-      ],
-      "type": "data"
+      "type": "data",
+      "unit": null
     }
   },
   "assets": {
diff --git a/workflows/create_collection_zarr_exploratory_workflow_conus404-daily.ipynb b/workflows/create_collection_zarr_exploratory_workflow_conus404-daily.ipynb
index a5cb53831315fa6ec7826ffa386967c252065a00..39815ffe8782a46026578e5da427007a69e6f670 100644
--- a/workflows/create_collection_zarr_exploratory_workflow_conus404-daily.ipynb
+++ b/workflows/create_collection_zarr_exploratory_workflow_conus404-daily.ipynb
@@ -32,7 +32,10 @@
     "import hvplot.xarray\n",
     "import pandas as pd\n",
     "import json\n",
-    "import numpy as np"
+    "import numpy as np\n",
+    "import metpy\n",
+    "import cartopy.crs as ccrs\n",
+    "import cfunits"
    ]
   },
   {
@@ -145,10 +148,10 @@
     "    print(f\"name of {d} dimension: {dim}\\n\")\n",
     "    return dim\n",
     "\n",
-    "dims_dict = {}\n",
+    "dim_names_dict = {}\n",
     "for d in dims_auto_extract:\n",
-    "    dims_dict[d] = extract_dim(ds, d)\n",
-    "print(f\"Dimension dictionary: {dims_dict}\")"
+    "    dim_names_dict[d] = extract_dim(ds, d)\n",
+    "print(f\"Dimension dictionary: {dim_names_dict}\")"
    ]
   },
   {
@@ -173,6 +176,33 @@
     "                             geo=True, tiles='OSM', alpha=0.7, cmap='turbo')"
    ]
   },
+  {
+   "cell_type": "markdown",
+   "id": "5e057a6c-06fb-4406-823b-e81c58e520e4",
+   "metadata": {},
+   "source": [
+    "## Plot a time series at a specific point\n",
+    "This can help you verify a variable's values"
+   ]
+  },
+  {
+   "cell_type": "code",
+   "execution_count": null,
+   "id": "c7de2681-88c2-4597-857c-8f169c596f8b",
+   "metadata": {},
+   "outputs": [],
+   "source": [
+    "# enter lat, lon of point you want to plot time series for\n",
+    "lat,lon = 39.978322,-105.2772194\n",
+    "time_start = '2013-01-01 00:00'\n",
+    "time_end = '2013-12-31 00:00'\n",
+    "ds  = ds.metpy.parse_cf()\n",
+    "crs = ds[var_to_plot].metpy.cartopy_crs\n",
+    "x, y = crs.transform_point(lon, lat, src_crs=ccrs.PlateCarree())   # PlateCaree = Lat,Lon\n",
+    "da = ds[var_to_plot].sel(x=x, y=y, method='nearest').sel(time=slice(time_start,time_end)).load()\n",
+    "da.hvplot(x=dim_names_dict['T'], grid=True)"
+   ]
+  },
   {
    "cell_type": "markdown",
    "id": "a8c3ed37-8564-400b-a7fb-25bd5e43d21c",
@@ -224,8 +254,8 @@
    "outputs": [],
    "source": [
     "# pull out first and last timestamps\n",
-    "temporal_extent_lower = pd.Timestamp(ds[dims_dict['T']].data.min())\n",
-    "temporal_extent_upper = pd.Timestamp(ds[dims_dict['T']].data.max())\n",
+    "temporal_extent_lower = pd.Timestamp(ds[dim_names_dict['T']].data.min())\n",
+    "temporal_extent_upper = pd.Timestamp(ds[dim_names_dict['T']].data.max())\n",
     "print(f'min: {temporal_extent_lower} \\nmax: {temporal_extent_upper}')\n",
     "# create a temporal extent object\n",
     "temporal_extent = pystac.TemporalExtent(intervals=[[temporal_extent_lower, temporal_extent_upper]])"
@@ -343,7 +373,7 @@
    "outputs": [],
    "source": [
     "# get x, y bounds for extent of those dimensions (required)\n",
-    "xy_bounds = [ds[dims_dict['X']].data.min().astype(float), ds[dims_dict['Y']].data.min().astype(float), ds[dims_dict['X']].data.max().astype(float), ds[dims_dict['Y']].data.max().astype(float)]\n",
+    "xy_bounds = [ds[dim_names_dict['X']].data.min().astype(float), ds[dim_names_dict['Y']].data.min().astype(float), ds[dim_names_dict['X']].data.max().astype(float), ds[dim_names_dict['Y']].data.max().astype(float)]\n",
     "print(xy_bounds)"
    ]
   },
@@ -407,6 +437,29 @@
     "### Add cube variables (optional field for extension)"
    ]
   },
+  {
+   "cell_type": "code",
+   "execution_count": null,
+   "id": "92510876-7853-4d24-8563-c69f9012aeb6",
+   "metadata": {},
+   "outputs": [],
+   "source": [
+    "def get_unit(ds, v):\n",
+    "    # check if unit is defined for variable\n",
+    "    try:\n",
+    "        unit = ds[v].attrs['units']\n",
+    "    except:\n",
+    "        unit = None\n",
+    "    # check if unit comes from https://docs.unidata.ucar.edu/udunits/current/#Database\n",
+    "    try:\n",
+    "        cfunits.Units(unit).isvalid\n",
+    "    except:\n",
+    "        print(\"Unit is not valid as a UD unit.\")\n",
+    "        unit = str(input(\"Please enter a valid unit for {v} from here: https://docs.unidata.ucar.edu/udunits/current/#Database\"))\n",
+    "        assert cfunits.Units(unit).isvalid\n",
+    "    return unit"
+   ]
+  },
   {
    "cell_type": "code",
    "execution_count": null,
@@ -420,13 +473,18 @@
     "# we will drop all values in dims from vars\n",
     "vars = [v for v in vars if v not in dims]\n",
     "\n",
+    "# drop special vars we have added\n",
+    "added_vars = ['metpy_crs']\n",
+    "vars = [v for v in vars if v not in added_vars]\n",
+    "\n",
     "# Microsoft Planetary Computer includes coorindates and crs as variables here: https://planetarycomputer.microsoft.com/dataset/daymet-annual-na\n",
     "# we will keep those in the var list\n",
     "\n",
     "# create dictionary of dataset variables and associated dimensions\n",
     "vars_dict={}\n",
     "for v in vars:\n",
-    "    vars_dict[v] = pystac.extensions.datacube.Variable({'dimensions':list(ds[v].dims), 'type': 'data'})"
+    "    unit = get_unit(ds, v)\n",
+    "    vars_dict[v] = pystac.extensions.datacube.Variable({'dimensions':list(ds[v].dims), 'type': 'data', 'unit': unit})"
    ]
   },
   {