1.    To promote developments related to in situ surface, upper-air and radiation instruments and methods of observations suitable for all Members, including the least developed countries, in liaison with the Association of Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and other relevant scientific institutions.

2.    To establish standards for instruments and methods of observation, including metadata, as required by the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) and WMO Programmes, and in cooperation with other international standardization organizations.

3.    To provide leadership in the development and maintenance of the WIGOS Standards of Observations Reference Tool (SORT).

4.    To develop guidance material for Members on the use and operations of in situ instruments.

5.    To organize instrument testing and intercomparisons.

6.    To provide advice to the WMO Programmes and Members, as required.

7.    To effectively liaise with the OPAG on Capacity Development and Operational Metrology for the publication of standards (CIMO Guide, Guide to WIGOS, Manual on WIGOS, etc.) and for supporting relevant training activities.

8.    To regularly inform Members on the achievements of the OPAG.

1.    To promote developments associated with the operation, development, testing and documentation of surface-based remote-sensing systems and their observational product generation, including coordination with other technical commissions to meet the requirements of WMO programmes and other priorities, such as WIGOS and GFCS.

2.    To maintain an overview of all activities related to the operation, development, testing and documentation of ground-based remote-sensing systems and new observing technologies, including the progress of testbed operations.

3.    To develop guidance material, standards and best practices on remote-sensing technologies that can be used operationally.

4.    To provide advice to the WMO Programmes and Members, as required.

5.    To effectively liaise with the OPAG on Capacity Development and Operational Metrology for the publication of standards (CIMO Guide, Guide to WIGOS, Manual on WIGOS, etc.) and for supporting relevant training activities.

6.    To ensure that the work of this OPAG’s theme leaders is coordinated with the expert teams of the other OPAGs.

7.    To regularly inform Members on the achievements of the OPAG.

1.    To strengthen capacity development activities related to instruments and methods of observations, including the development of guidance material on instrument calibration and maintenance, and measurement traceability in support of WMO Programmes and other priorities, such as WIGOS and GFCS.

2.    To collaborate in organizing capacity development activities with regional associations and other relevant WMO capacity development activities.

3.    To undertake all needed coordination activities and ensure the review and publication of standards (CIMO Guide, Guide to WIGOS, Manual on WIGOS, common ISO/WMO standards, etc.).

4.    To effectively liaise with the other OPAGs for the publication of standards and best practices and for supporting relevant training activities and to ensure that the work of this OPAG’s theme leaders is coordinated with the expert teams of the other OPAGs.

5.    Promote and assist in the achievement of improved worldwide traceability of all measurements to SI, by encouraging partnerships between RICs, strengthening their quality processes, and developing relevant guidance material.

6.    Provide advice to WMO Programmes and Members, as required.

7.    To regularly inform Members on the achievements of the OPAG.