# Correctly using the Data Store to obtain Seasonal Forecast rasters

**URL:** <https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/correctly-using-the-data-store-to-obtain-seasonal-forecast-rasters/15068>\
**Category:** C3S - Datasets and Usage\
**Tags:** seasonal\_forecast, c3s\
**Created:** [10 June 2026 15:07 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/correctly-using-the-data-store-to-obtain-seasonal-forecast-rasters/15068 "2026-06-10T15:07:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Alex\_McDonald](https://forum.ecmwf.int/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/5fc32e/32.png) [@Alex\_McDonald](https://forum.ecmwf.int/u/Alex_McDonald)\
**Post date:** [10 June 2026 15:07 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/correctly-using-the-data-store-to-obtain-seasonal-forecast-rasters/15068/1 "2026-06-10T15:07:41Z")

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Hello,

I would like to download the raster or mesh data that this map is created from: [Charts | Copernicus](https://climate.copernicus.eu/charts/packages/c3s_seasonal/products/c3s_seasonal_spatial_mm_2mtm_3m?area=area01&base_time=202606010000&type=ensm&valid_time=202607010000)

I mean, as a file I can work with in GIS software, not as a PNG with all of the formattting provided by Copernicus.

However, I don’t understand what options I should select in this Data Store wizard: [Seasonal forecast anomalies on single levels](https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/datasets/seasonal-postprocessed-single-levels?tab=download)

In general, is there a method or manner for interpreting the source information on the ready-made graphic?

I understand “Variable”, and suppose I should choose “Ensemble: Ensemble mean” for Product type.

But the other options are confusing to me. For example, does it matter which “originating centre” I pick? What is “System”, and how should I know which to choose? And what does “leadtime month” mean?

I made choices that I thought would make sense, but I get a result which is different to the ready-made map, so suspect I’m doing something wrong.

Thanks in advance!

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**Author:** ![Christopher\_Goddard](https://forum.ecmwf.int/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Christopher\_Goddard](https://forum.ecmwf.int/u/Christopher_Goddard)\
**Post date:** [29 June 2026 09:47 UTC](https://forum.ecmwf.int/t/correctly-using-the-data-store-to-obtain-seasonal-forecast-rasters/15068/2 "2026-06-29T09:47:13Z")

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Hi Alex, sorry for the slow response!

There are two resources linked below which might help, otherwise, feel free to follow-up again. In general, the graphical products always use the latest version from each system, you can find these define here: [Summary of available data - Copernicus Knowledge Base - ECMWF Confluence Wiki](https://confluence.ecmwf.int/spaces/CKB/pages/104239050/Summary+of+available+data). There are some notes on how to use the forms here: [How to use the CDS interactive forms and CDS API for seasonal forecast datasets - Copernicus Knowledge Base - ECMWF Confluence Wiki](https://confluence.ecmwf.int/spaces/CKB/pages/127318715/How+to+use+the+CDS+interactive+forms+and+CDS+API+for+seasonal+forecast+datasets).

1] C3S seasonal forecast product descriptions: [C3S seasonal forecast product descriptions - Copernicus Knowledge Base - ECMWF Confluence Wiki](https://confluence.ecmwf.int/x/59JPF)  
2] C3S seasonal forecast Jupyter Notebook on reproducing some of the products (single- rather than multi-system): [Reproducing the single-system graphical products for additional variables — c3sSeasonal](https://ecmwf-projects.github.io/c3s-seasonal-forecasts/workflows/graphical_product_example_tmin.html)