How can I import variables in string format from a netcdf file?

I am trying to import variables from a netcdf file, which have string format. Specifically a quality flag which has values 'BAD', 'GOOD", etc. I am fine importing all numeric variables.

This is the code and error message: X_flag_qual = ncread(filename,'REMOTEC-OUTPUT/FLAG_QUAL');

Error using netcdf.getVar (line 130) 12 is not a recognized netCDF datatype.

I am running Matlab version 2012a.

Thanks!

[Ashish Uthama]

Try using NCDISP on the file and note the datatype. Most likely, its a compound type which is currently unsupported.