DPFS_Manual_Attachment-I.2
PROCEDURES FOR THE ELABORATION OF OBSERVATIONAL DATA REQUIREMENTS
The formulation of observational data requirements is a complicated process which consists of several stages. At various levels this process involves groups of end-users, regional associations, WMO technical commissions and other bodies. In order to rationalize the formulation of the observational data requirements, the following procedures (schematically shown in Figure 1) are proposed:
2. WMO technical commissions are responsible for the consolidation of data needs presented by Members and for the formulation, on their basis, of a statement on observational data requirements/goals (usually in the form of tables) in various WMO Programmes. This should include explanatory notes and a rationale for the requirements/goals and, if possible, a statement on the incremental value of partially meeting these goals (in terms of accuracy, density, frequency, etc.). Often this will include a feedback process with users to ensure that enough information and understanding about users’ needs are available. If a statement on requirements/goals is addressed to the World Weather Watch, and in particular to the WWW Global Observing System, it should be presented to the Commission for Basic Systems for consideration.
(b) Formulates system requirements to provide observational data to meet the requirements/goals defined by the technical commissions;
(c) Develop any amendments to the WMO mandatory and guidance publications on the basis of system requirements and submit them (in case of mandatory publications) to the Executive Council.
4. The Executive Council approves the amendments and requests the Secretary-General to incorporate them in appropriate WMO Manuals.
The formulation of observational data requirements is a complicated process which consists of several stages. At various levels this process involves groups of end-users, regional associations, WMO technical commissions and other bodies. In order to rationalize the formulation of the observational data requirements, the following procedures (schematically shown in Figure 1) are proposed:
1. Users present to WMO Members their needs for observational data for various applications (e.g. meteorological services for aviation, marine navigation, industry, agriculture, climate research, etc.). Meteorological data might be used in two ways: directly in the provision of meteorological services, and in the preparation of meteorological products (weather analysis and prognoses) by GDPFS centres. In the latter case, GDPFS centres are considered as users.
2. WMO technical commissions are responsible for the consolidation of data needs presented by Members and for the formulation, on their basis, of a statement on observational data requirements/goals (usually in the form of tables) in various WMO Programmes. This should include explanatory notes and a rationale for the requirements/goals and, if possible, a statement on the incremental value of partially meeting these goals (in terms of accuracy, density, frequency, etc.). Often this will include a feedback process with users to ensure that enough information and understanding about users’ needs are available. If a statement on requirements/goals is addressed to the World Weather Watch, and in particular to the WWW Global Observing System, it should be presented to the Commission for Basic Systems for consideration.
3. The Commission for Basic Systems:
(a) Evaluates the feasibility of stated requirements/goals through expertise by appropriate working groups, particularly the Working Groups on Observations and on Satellites. The evaluation of technical and instrumental feasibility should be conducted in collaboration with the Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation, the WMO body responsible for the Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme (IMOP). This would probably involve a feedback process between working groups and technical commissions. The evaluation process will result in the formulation (in the form of tables) of what portion of the statement of requirements/goals is feasible and can be achieved;
(b) Formulates system requirements to provide observational data to meet the requirements/goals defined by the technical commissions;
(c) Develop any amendments to the WMO mandatory and guidance publications on the basis of system requirements and submit them (in case of mandatory publications) to the Executive Council.
4. The Executive Council approves the amendments and requests the Secretary-General to incorporate them in appropriate WMO Manuals.
5. The Members will be advised on the performance of observing systems and programmes through updated WMO Manuals and Guides to meet users’ needs for observational data.