DIGITAL BROADCASTING SERVICE
OF
INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT
[Submitted by N.K.Pangasa]
[India]


   
     
         Fig.1
             Fig.2
        Fig.4

 


1. Introduction


As part of Global Data Communication under the World Weather Watch programme of WMO, India Meteorological Department is committed to provide Meteorological data, analysed weather charts, weather warnings and satellite imageries to ships and neighbouring countries within a radius of 6000 km around New Delhi.
This document reflects towards improvement in broadcast of GTS data, Weather charts, Output models and Satellite imageries using internet and commercial satellite system as a cost effective means benefiting end users in Central South Asia, Middle East and Far East countries. India Meteorological Department has started a a new meteorological data and processed products broadcasting service from 1st July 2003 using World Space “Asia Star” satellite.

2.Broadcasting

Traditional broadcast through HF are being replaced worldwide by commercial digital radio and data casting. In the same directions India Meteorological Department has replaced HF broadcast services by utilizing commercial data casting services from a company named “World Space”.
At RTH level (Analog and binary) files are automatically uploaded in a server scheduled on hourly basis through FTP and graphics (analysed weather charts, output models and satellite imageries) are loaded at scheduled intervals through digital scanner or through IMD’s web site. The products are uploaded to up linking facility at Singapore through Internet. The up linking site broadcasts these products on hourly basis through World Space satellite “Asia Star”.


3. Receiving system


The receiving system needs a very small L-band antenna, a commercially available small and portable inexpensive digital satellite receiver and a digital data adopter (DDA) at approximate cost of US$150 and a Windows PC. The output of the receiver is fed to the DDA connected to a Data acquisition and Visualization Work Station . The customized Software can be used to visualize the data, satellite images, Weather charts, Automatic plotting of data, analysis and manipulation of data for the benefit of weather forecasters and other users. Printing of selective satellite images and meteorological data and products is also possible.

The reception is in downlink frequency 1467 to 1492 MHz and down link speed of data is 128 kbps. For receiving the products no human intervention is required. The data can also be received at mobile platforms such as ships. The cost of uplinking is very nominal appox. US 10$ per MB.With data compression, the broadcast is much more cost effective. Most important aspect is that receiving system is not affected by natural disasters and terrestrial disturbances, ensuring that the signal reaches its destination in even the most adverse conditions. The use of proprietary encryption ensures that only authorised recipients have access to such information. The beneficiaries are recipients covered under the footprints of the World Space satellite Asia Star as given in Fig. 1.


4. Setup at RTH New Delhi


The equipment setup at RTH New Delhi is as given in Fig. 2.Half hourly GTS files are generated at RTH computer and two consecutive files are kept in a folder in a server (for digital broadcasting) automatically through ftp process ten minutes before the full hour UTC .Within ten minutes slot these files are uploaded through scheduler on the up linking server at Singapore through Internet link. The graphics ( processed weather charts, output models and satellite imageries) are either scanned through digital scanner or directly from IMD’s web site are kept on the server at RTH and through scheduler are uploaded to up linking server through Internet link. The products are broadcast at full hour UTC. Broadcast arrangement is shown in Fig.3 System Operational Architecture is shown in Fig.4.


5. Meteorological products


(i) GTS data (SYNOP, PILOT, TEMP, METAR, TAF , Weather warnings etc.) of India and neighbouring countries.
(ii) Satellite images of INSAT and KALPNA are now being broadcast for wider coverage which, earlier was not possible due to limitation of the footprint of these satellites.
Indian Satellite Images such as three hourly Visible, Infrared, Colour and Water Vapour images.
(iii) Analysed Weather charts and model outputs.


6. Service plan


In the initial phase data receiving sets have been installed at national centers and the reception is satisfactory.
In the second phase the service will be extended by increasing facilities at more national centers as well as to neighbouring countries.

Note: Digital data casting through internet and satellite broadcast is cost effective and reliable, noise free communication solution as a replacement to obsolete HF broadcast service. Implementation of the satellites “Amri Star”
And “Afri Star” will give world wide coverage.