Just started to search for placeholders and I can see what you are suggesting - thanks.
As I understand it (remember I've only read a small amount in the last few minutes) you substitute the ? for the corresponding variable in the statement.
In the case above, first ? relates to the $file_obs_datetime_utc and the second ? relates to $file_obs_datetime_local.
Does the undef statement above cover all the fields that follow? Just looking to understand fully the code you posted.