Working Group for Atmospheric Observing Systems

1. Working Group for Atmospheric Observing Systems 13 Dec 2006, 1:00 – 3:00 EST Chair: USAF Maj. Chris Finta OFCM: USAF Lt. Col. Dave Andrus Telecon # 888-680-9581, pass code 535430# GoToMeeting https://www.gotomeeting.com/join/814303025, ID is 814303025

2. Agenda • Welcome and administrative remarks • Review terms of reference • Discuss need for federal standard for AOS algorithms • Open discussion • Plans for next meeting • Review new action items

3. Welcome and Administrative Remarks • Welcome! • Administrative remarks • Attendance roster • Facility information • GoToMeeting use

4. Review Terms of Reference • The WG/AOS shall be responsible for: • Reviewing, collecting and consolidating agencies’ requirements for atmospheric observing systems • Reviewing and approving additions, changes, deletions to the Federal Standard Algorithms for Automated Weather Observing Systems baseline managed by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research • Reviewing practices and procedures as documented in the appropriate Federal Meteorological Handbooks (FMH’s) and coordinating any changes • making, recording, transmitting and preparing for archiving observational records and related documentation • advising and assisting the agencies in the preparation of text and for the coordination within their own agencies of such text for the appropriate FMH

5. Federal Standard Algorithms for AOS • Background – Preliminary report in 1988 • “Federal Standard Algorithms for Automated Weather Observing Systems used for Aviation Purposes – PRELIMINARY” November 1988 • Intended to be independent of sensor used • Contained specific sections for winds, pressure, temperature, sky condition, visibility, and precipitation

6. Need for AOS Algorithm Federal Standards • “In the era of automated observations, standard algorithms are necessary to assure interchangeable weather observations that have common meaning to all users. … to maintain consistency and permit future developments” -- FCM-S5-1988 (Preliminary) • Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) • Transformed military weather operations (automated obs, 4-D data cube) • Ex: Honolulu IAP ob generated with NWS ASOS used to support DoD aviation • “Standard algorithms permit manufacturers to produce appropriate software code.” -- FCM-S5-1988 (Preliminary) • May reduce research, contract requirements and thus speed acquisition and/or lower costs for future federal AOS acquisitions • Provide universities and research agencies a baseline methodology for conducting research supporting federal programs • May set “gold standard” and lead to acceptance by other WMO nations

7. Open Discussion

8. Next Meeting

9. New Action Items

10. Agenda • Welcome and administrative remarks • Review terms of reference • Discuss need for federal standard for AOS algorithms • Open discussion • Plans for next meeting • Review new action items

11. Backup slides

12. JAG-Established Goals

13. Action Item Update

14. Timeline