World Meteorological Organization

Resolution 5 (EC-69) GUIDE TO AIRCRAFT-BASED OBSERVATIONS

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,

Noting Recommendation 4 (CBS-16) – Revised Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544) and Guide to the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 488),

Having considered Recommendation 6 (CBS-16) – New Guide to Aircraft-based Observations,

Decides to adopt the Guide to Aircraft-based Observations as formal guidance on regulations for Members in replacement of the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Reference Manual (WMO-No. 958), as detailed in the annex to Recommendation 6 (CBS-16);

Requests the Secretary-General:

(1) To arrange for the publication of the new Guide to Aircraft-based Observations as a WMO Guide;

(2) To bring this resolution to the attention of Members;

(3) To mobilize resources for translation of the Guide into the official languages of WMO;

Invites Members to contribute to the translation of the Guide, noting that this Guide was not included in the list of publications to be published from the regular budget during the seventeenth financial period (Resolution 58 (Cg-17) – Publications for the seventeenth financial period).

Resolution 6 (EC-69) ESTABLISHMENT AND DESIGNATION OF THE WMO GLOBAL DATA CENTRE FOR AIRCRAFT-BASED OBSERVATIONS

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,

Having considered Recommendation 33 (CBS-16) - Establishment and designation of the WMO Global Data Centre for Aircraft-based Observations,

Noting:

(1) The growth over the past several decades and the expected continued growth in the future of the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay observing system and in the volume of aircraft-based observations on the Global Telecommunication System,

(2) That these observations contribute to significant positive impact on meteorological, forecasting and other applications as a critical component of the Global Observing System, the WMO Integrated Global Observing System and World Weather Watch,

(3) The high quality of the data and its value to the climate record as a reliable and growing source of global upper-air temperature, wind and, increasingly, humidity meteorological information,

(4) The current lack of a formally recognized international repository for aircraft-based observations and the expected benefits to WMO Members, data users and contributing airline partners of having access to such a resource,

Recognizing:

(1) That the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) has defined and endorsed the functional requirements and formal terms of reference of a WMO Global Data Centre for Aircraftbased Observations (GDC-ABO),

(2) That CBS has sought expressions of interest from, and made assessment of, potential candidates to undertake the role of the WMO GDC-ABO,

Considering:

(1) That the United States of America has formally offered in principle to the WMO SecretaryGeneral to undertake the role of operation of the WMO GDC-ABO under its terms of reference, as a contribution to WMO activities, through its establishment within the Meteorological Assimilation Data Ingest System (MADIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Prediction,

(2) That CBS has determined that MADIS will meet the functional requirements of GDC-ABO and has recommended to the Executive Council to accept the offer of the United States to host GDC-ABO under the management of the National Weather Service Aircraft-based Observations Program,

Decides to designate MADIS as the WMO GDC-ABO;

Requests the Secretary-General, in collaboration with CBS, to establish an agreement with the United States, designating and authorizing NOAA to operate the WMO GDC-ABO under the terms of reference defined by CBS, and to make every effort to ensure that such agreement comes into effect as soon as possible.

Decision 60 (EC-69) POTENTIAL FUTURE COLLABORATION OF WMO AND THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION ON THE OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE WMO AIRCRAFT METEOROLOGICAL DATA RELAY PROGRAMME

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Noting:

(1) The WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP) action G21, which is seeking to establish agreements with airlines and the aviation industry to ensure that the system, infrastructure, data and communications protocols are supported and standardized within relevant aviation industry frameworks so as to ensure continuity and reliability of the system, with Performance Indicator: Agreements made with aviation industry partners and organizations,

(2) That the International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing its Member airlines and other aviation entities, has approached WMO to consider a proposal for the two organizations to work together towards the possible future establishment of a collaborative arrangement for the continued operation, expansion and enhancement of the WMO Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) programme,

Recalling WMO Resolution 40 (Cg-XII), which adopts the practice that, in addition to Members providing free and unrestricted basic essential data and products which are necessary for the provision of services in support of the protection of life and property and the well-being of all nations, also urges that Members should also provide the additional data and products which are required to sustain WMO Programmes at the global, regional, and national levels and, further, as agreed, to assist other Members in the provision of meteorological services in their countries,

Noting further:

(1) The growth over the past several decades of the AMDAR observing system and the volume of aircraft-based observations on the GTS that contribute to the significant positive impact on meteorological forecasting (including support to aviation) and other applications as a critical component of the GOS, WIGOS and the World Weather Watch Programme,

(2) The contribution of the aviation industry and AMDAR partner airlines to the operation of the AMDAR Programme as a mutually beneficial Public Private Partnership,

(3) HMEI have capability through their Members to support WMO and IATA in this engagement,

Recognizing that IATA member airlines that participate in the AMDAR Programme provide AMDAR data to be used by WMO Members for meteorological and climate purposes and applications while retaining ownership of the AMDAR data,

Having been informed that, under the collaboration, IATA wishes to actively assist WMO in the expansion and enhancement of the AMDAR Programme, particularly through greater airline participation (especially in data sparse regions) and the developments of wider turbulence reporting and water vapour measurement,

Being satisfied that IATA fulfils the United Nations Global Compact Ten Principles,

Endorses the establishment of a Working Arrangement between WMO and IATA under which the two organizations would work together to develop the terms of reference and concept of operations for future collaboration on AMDAR;

Requests the Secretary-General, in coordination with the president of the Commission for Basic Systems, to work with IATA to further finalize and establish the Working Arrangement between WMO and IATA and to subsequently develop the concept of operations for the future possible collaboration of WMO and IATA on the operation and development of the AMDAR Programme.

Annex to Decision 60

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29. The WMO AMDAR Panel and the CBS Expert Team on Aircraft-based observations, held the Workshop on Aircraft Observing System Data Management from 5 to 8 June 2012 in Geneva. The workshop was very successful in achieving the aims of undertaking an assessment of the data and quality management systems and practices currently in place for the AMDAR and aircraft-based observations systems and making a large number of recommendations for future improvements and enhancements, leading to improved data quality. 

30. In cooperation with the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), USA, the WMO AMDAR Panel held the Technical Workshop on Turbulence and Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) on 5 November 2012 at Boulder, USA. 

31. Following the guidance of Cg and EC, the Secretariat in coordination with CBS and CIMO, have worked towards completion of the transfer of responsibility for the programmatic management of the AMDAR observing system to WMO under the World Weather Watch Programme. This activity has been successfully concluded with the AMDAR Panel having its 15th and final session in November 2012 at Boulder, USA.

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4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN, WITH EMPHASIS ON PRIORITY AREAS (AGENDA ITEM 4) 

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4.4 Enhanced capabilities of Members to access, develop, implement and use integrated and interoperable Earth- and space-based observation systems for weather, climate and hydrological observations, as well as related environmental and space weather observations, based on world standards set by WMO (agenda item 4.4) 

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Aircraft observations

4.4.7 The Council requested that CBS and CIMO provide support for the completion of integration of AMDAR into the WWW Programme as a contributing element to WIGOS through the development of an appropriate working structure and work programme under CBS and CIMO that will ensure the further development of AMDAR based on continued use and maintenance of the AMDAR Trust Fund. 

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EC-LXIV 2012

SIXTY-FORTH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 

APPENDIX C:  PROGRESS REPORT FOR INFORMATION – NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL SUMMARY

WMO INTERGRATED GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM (WIGOS)

Aircraft observations

6. At the third session of the AMDAR Panel Management Group (AP-MG), March 2011, the AP-MG was recommended by the CBS President and CBS OPAG-IOS Chair to consider and make a recommendation to CBS-XV (September 2012) for an appropriate structure within the World Weather Watch Programme that will complete the transition of the AMDAR programme to WMO programmatic structures, whilst at the same time ensuring that the important and successful work and role of the AMDAR Panel and the maintenance of the AMDAR Trust Fund is continued under the management of the WWW Technical Commissions and the Secretariat. It is expected that with the completion of the integration process and the creation of the new governance structure for aircraft observations under the WWW Programme, the AMDAR Panel would be dissolved at the next AMDAR Panel session in 2012.

3.1.1.1 Congress noted with appreciation that through the further integration of the surface and space-based components of the Global Observing System (GOS), the  WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) initial integration activities, as well as through coordinated efforts of Members, GOS continued to provide unique and sustainable observational data and information on the state of the Earth and its atmosphere to meet evolving requirements of various users. It agreed that along with the increasing amount of satellite data and services, further improvements were achieved globally in the quality and availability of data produced by other components, notably marine and aircraft-based observations.

3.1.1.8 Congress noted the increased importance of aircraft-based observations for a cost-effective GOS, especially after implementation of reliable water vapour sensor into AMDAR sensor suite. Together with GPS Radio-occultation techniques, this would allow contribution to the optimization of the upper-air observing network. In this regard, Congress appreciated that the WMO Secretariat took over the responsibility for technical coordination of AMDAR activities, through a staff position currently supported predominantly from the  AMDAR Trust Fund. It requested Members to continue providing support to the AMDAR Trust Fund and the Secretary General to consider, in future, funding this activity from the WMO Regular Budget.

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8.3 BUDGET FOR THE SIXTEENTH FINANCIAL PERIOD (2012–2015) (agenda item 8.3) 

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8.3.4 Congress decided to fund additional activities from the regular budget at an estimated cost of 1,200,000 Swiss francs. This includes the cost of the staff support for AMDAR coordination at an additional cost of 370,000 Swiss francs, increase support to radio frequency activities by 150,000 Swiss francs, and Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) by 350,000 Swiss francs under Expected Result 4.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 3 (Cg-XVI) GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM

(2) To ensure the sustainable operation of GOS and encourage  activities  with  respect to the optimization of observing elements and development and deployment of the advanced composite system, with priority given to projects in the following order:

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(d) Projects related to the introduction and/or use of new observing equipment and systems including, where cost-effective, surface-based remote-sensing systems (weather radars and wind profiles), automatic weather stations, AMDAR, the Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (ASAP) and drifting buoys;

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(4) To continue providing contributions to the AMDAR Trust Fund for the support of technical developments and capacity-building related to AMDAR; 

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Requests the Secretary-General: 

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(3) To consider in future the funding of AMDAR activity from the WMO Regular Budget. 

Resolution 58 (Cg-XVI) WMO POLAR ACTIVITIES

(7) To provide additional observations in polar regions by using automatic weather and hydrometric stations, atmospheric soundings, and other geophysical observatories on land; by recruiting additional voluntary observing ships; by equipping aircraft with appropriate means of recording and distributing observations; and by deploying automated observing platforms on and under the sea and ice, in order to meet the needs of numerical weather prediction (NWP), hydrological services, climate studies and research programmes;

Abridged final report with resolutions, WMO-No. 1059

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION  (agenda item 3)

3.4 INTEGRATION OF WMO OBSERVING SYSTEMS (agenda item 3.4)

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Aircraft observations

3.4.7  The Council noted with interest the progress to date on the development of suitable aircraft based water vapour sensor. It requested CBS and CIMO to further promote the inclusion of a suitable humidity sensor with a generic software and hardware solution for all major aircraft types and models.

3.4.8  Taking into account the cost-effectiveness of AMDAR observations and the potential to provide a better distribution of profile data, the Council requested Members to collect AMDAR data also from outside their national territories, in compliance with national laws and regulations, and to exchange these on the GTS. The Council further requested Members to enhance the costeffectiveness of AMDAR observations by implementing a data optimization system.

3.4.9  The Council noted that some AMDAR Trust Fund donors will not be able to support aircraft observations’ activities as of 2011 and requested the Secretary-General to explore the possibility of including AMDAR activities into the WMO regular budget proposal for the sixteenth financial period.

WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS)

Status of development of the WIGOS concept

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3.4.69 The Council noted the progress in the WIGOS Projects. It appreciated the role and input of the relevant technical commissions and the AMDAR Panel in initiating and implementing WIGOS Pilot Projects (WPP). The Council also expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Kenya, Morocco and Namibia (RA I), the Republic of Korea (RA II), Brazil (RA III), the United States (RA IV), Australia (RA V) and the Russian Federation (RA VI) in the implementation of their WIGOS Demonstration Projects (WDP).

PROGRESS/ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD SINCE EC-LXI INTEGRATION OF WMO OBSERVING SYSTEMS 

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Aircraft Observations

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6. The global AMDAR programme continues to expand into new areas and there are more NMHSs considering developing their own AMDAR programmes. After a significant correction at the end of 2008, in early 2009 the volume of AMDAR reports disseminated on the GTS had stabilized to approximately 220,000 to 230,000 observations per day, with over 3,000 aircraft world wide contributing to the Global AMDAR programme. The number of AMDAR profiles available in many of the identified data sparse regions of Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, South and East Asia and South America has continued to increase over the past 12 months. Minimizing the communication costs associated with the collection of AMDAR reports is one of the major critical factors in implementing and maintaining an AMDAR programme. It has been demonstrated that the use of an AMDAR data optimization system to better manage costs and operational requirements is an essential component to an operational AMDAR programme. 

7. The AMDAR Water Vapour sensor, WVSS-IIv3, is currently being trialled on a number of USA based aircraft. The European AMDAR Programme (E-AMDAR) has completed initial testing of the WVSS-IIv3 sensor in its Climate Chamber with promising results. Therefore, the E-AMDAR Programme intends on undertaking trials of the latest version of the water vapour sensor on three aircraft in the E-AMDAR fleet in the first half 2010. It is expected the results from these two trials will be made available in the second quarter of 2010.

Resolutions of Congress

and the

Executive Council

WMO-No. 508, 2010 Edition

Resolution 2 (Cg-XV) 

Expresses:

(1) Its satisfaction that progress has been made in the further improvement of the operation of the World Weather Watch (WWW) during the period 2004.2007, through:

(a) A generally stable and increasing global output of the surface and upper-air observation networks, a significant increase of observational data from platforms such as aircraft, ships and buoys, an overall strengthening of the Global Observing System through the inclusion of the research and development satellites in the space-based subsystem of the Global Observing System and an increase in the number of operational geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites and ground receiving stations;

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Resolution 3 (Cg-XV)

GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM

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Encourages Members:

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(3) Based on the guidance given in the Implementation Plan for Evolution of Space and Surface-based Sub-systems of the GOS, to pursue, especially in developing countries, a wider use of observing systems (satellite, aircraft meteorological data relay and automatic weather stations) that are less dependent on infrastructure, expertise and funding;

Resolution 7 (Cg-XV)

WMO ANTARCTIC ACTIVITIES

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Invites Members, particularly those that are Parties to the Antarctic Treaty:

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(3) To provide additional observations in the Antarctic by using automatic weather stations and geophysical observatories on land, by recruiting additional voluntary observing ships, by equipping aircraft with appropriate instrumentation and by deploying drifting buoys at sea and on the ice;

Resolution 16 (EC-LIX)

OBSERVATIONS FROM SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS IN THE ANTARCTIC

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Noting:

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(3)  That aircraft are extensively used for the supplying of bases in the Antarctic,

Considering:

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(4) That aircraft reports are of particular importance in the area south of 60°S to supplement data from radiosonde/radiowind stations,

Urges Members to ensure that:

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(4) Aircraft  operating south of 60°S make observations as a matter of routine and transmit them to the appropriate radio stations or satellites for further distribution on the Global Telecommunication System in an agreed format;

Requests the Secretary-General to invite Members, in particular Parties to the Antarctic Treaty,to obtain the maximum collaboration from operators of ships and aircraft in implementing this resolution.

Resolution 17 (EC-LIX)

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM IN THE ANTARCTIC

Noting:

(1) Resolution  12 (EC-XLVI) – Further development of the Global Observing System in the Antarctic,

(2) The progress being made in the implementation of the AMDAR, ASAP and drifting buoy programmes,

(3) The requirements of the WMO Strategic Plan,

(4) The  report of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) on “The Role of Antarctica in Global Change, Part II – An International Plan for a Regional Research Programme”,

Considering:

(1) That  the density of observing stations in the Antarctic is generally much less than that desirable,

(2) The  importance of an effective basic synoptic network in the Antarctic and the need to integrate the network with the overall Global Observing System for World Weather Watch purposes,

(3) The importance of Antarctic observational data in climate research,

(4) The need to have comprehensive and realistic information on the operational value of new observing systems in Antarctica, their cost and their interfaces with other parts of the regional programme,

Invites Members, particularly those which are Parties to the Antarctic Treaty:

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(3) To provide additional surface observations in the Antarctic by using automatic weather stations and automatic geophysical observatories on land, by recruiting additional voluntary observing ships, by equipping aircraft with suitable instrumentation and by deploying drifting buoys at sea;

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(6) To consider the possibility of deploying automated meteorological data reporting systems on aircraft flying suitable routes over the Antarctic;

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Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 12 (EC-XLVI), which is no longer in force

Sixty-first session 

Geneva 

3–12 June 2009 

Abridged final report with resolutions 

WMO-No. 1042

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION (agenda item 3)

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3.4 INTEGRATION OF WMO OBSERVING SYSTEMS (agenda item 3.4)

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Aircraft observations 

3.4.8  The Council noted with interest that the WMO AMDAR Panel declared, at its eleventh session (19–21 November 2008), the AMDAR Programme fully operational. This declaration referred to wind, temperature and pressure observations collected through AMDAR systems and in use by the meteorological community. It requested CBS and CIMO to promote the inclusion of a suitable humidity sensor with a generic software and hardware solution for all major aircraft types and models. 

3.4.9  Taking into account the cost-effectiveness of AMDAR observations and the potential to provide a better distribution of profile data, the Council requested Members to collect AMDAR data from outside their national territories, in compliance with national laws and regulations, and to exchange these on the GTS. The Council further requested Members to enhance the costeff ectiveness of AMDAR observations by implementing a data optimization system.  

Sixtieth session 

Geneva

18–27 June 2008 

Abridged final report with resolutions 

WMO-No. 1032 

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION (Strategic thrust) (agenda item 3)

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3.4 INTEGRATION OF WMO OBSERVING SYSTEMS (Expected result 4) (agenda item 3.4)

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3.4.4  Taking into account the cost-effectiveness of aircraft meteorological data relay (AMDAR) observations, the Council requested Members to optimize AMDAR data collection procedures to provide the best distribution of profile data, in order to contribute to fulfilling user requirements in the most cost-effective manner.  

3.4.5  The council urged those Members that had or were intending to implement the AMDAR programme to develop AMDAR data agreements with their national and/or regional airlines. The Council requested the Secretariat to collect and distribute among Members information on existing basic documents and practices that established cooperation between manufacturers of AMDAR equipment, aviation authorities, other national entities and NMHSs. The Council agreed that the information and appropriate recommendations would greatly facilitate the efforts of NMHSs to establish and implement the AMDAR programme at the national and international levels. 

3.4.6  The Council requested the Commission for Basic Systems, in collaboration with the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences, to promote inclusion of humidity sensors (after successful completion of tests) with generic software and hardware for all major aircraft types, with a special emphasis on short-haul and commuter planes. In that regard, the Council was informed that, following operational tests with the second version of the water vapour sensor and based on comments from the AMDAR community, the currently available water vapour sensor had been redesigned. Recent laboratory tests had shown major improvements in the sensor performance; however, further tests were needed in an operational context. New-version humidity sensors would be available for installation from the beginning of 2009 on United States and European commercial aircraft following extensive laboratory and operational testing on research aircraft where the data could be compared with reference systems. It was expected that the first results on the quality of operational data would become available in the first half of 2009. Provided that the performance of a new water vapour sensor would conform to requirements, further directions for global implementation of the humidity sensor would need to be agreed by the AMDAR Panel during its 12th meeting in November 2009.

3.4.7  The Council was informed that, following the WMO new Secretariat structure and organizational changes as of 1 January 2008, the AMDAR Technical Coordinator function  had been transferred into a WMO full staff position funded through the AMDAR Trust Fund. The Council also noted that funding for that post would be provided from the AMDAR Trust Fund only in the fifteenth financial period (2008–2011) and that necessary provision for that purpose should be considered in the regular budget for the sixteenth financial period. 

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Implementation of the WIGOS concept

3.4.41 The Council agreed with recommendations from the first session of the Executive Council Working Group on WIGOS and WIS including an overarching WIGOS Development and Implementation Plan comprising the following: 

(a) Planning and implementation phases – that provided a strategic roadmap for integration through annual phases timed according to sessions of the Executive Council; 

(b) Pilot projects – that referred to the status of five pilot projects identified by Fifteenth Congress related to the integration into WIGOS of GAW, hydrological network, AMDAR, marine observations and the CIMO underpinning/cross-cutting role in the WIGOS. Primarily the role of pilot projects was to emphasize the role and contributions of 

technical commissions into WIGOS;

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AMDAR pilot project 

3.4.50 The Council noted that the Executive Council Working Group on the WMO Integrated Global Observing Systems and the WMO Information System had approved a draft pilot project on Integration of AMDAR into WIGOS and established an ad hoc Steering Group to finalize that project. An initiation meeting of the pilot project was planned to be held in July 2008. 

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5. PARTNERSHIP (Strategic thrust) (agenda item 5)

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5.2 COOPERATION WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (Expected result 8) (agenda item 5.2)

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5.2.6 The Council stressed that IPY legacy should build upon the surge observational programmes converted into sustainable long-term research and monitoring capabilities. It urged Members to continue support of IPY observing systems beyond the IPY experimental phase and requested relevant technical commissions to guide that process within their areas of responsibility, particularly through expert teams and panels dealing with the evolution of the GOS, development of WIS and implementation of AMDAR, WHYCOS and GAW. 

Fifty-ninth session 

Geneva 

28–30 May 2007 

Abridged final report with resolutions 

WMO-No. 1027

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4. REPORTS OF SESSIONS OF CONSTITUENT BODIES (agenda item 4)

Report of the thirteenth session of the Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology

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4.9 On the subject of AMDAR, the Council noted with interest the development and testing of a new humidity sensor for AMDAR. The sensor could significantly augment the value of ADMAR data, in particular the vertical profiles generated during ascent and descent. The Council noted, however, that for higher levels of the atmosphere, conventional upper-air data would remain highly important. It agreed that the significant cost of an operational implementation of that sensor in the existing and new AMDAR–equipped aircraft required a concerted effort by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services that would most benefit from an improved data coverage and potential savings in conventional upper-air observations. The timing of the migration of the programme towards the Commission for Basic Systems and the World Weather Watch Department of WMO was seen by the Council as dependent on the operational readiness of the programme. 

Fifteenth World

Meteorological Congress

Geneva

7–25 May 2007

Abridged final report with resolutions

WMO-No. 1026

3.1 WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME (agenda item 3.1)

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3.1.1 Global Observing System (agenda item 3.1.1)

3.1.1.1 Congress noted with appreciation that the Global Observing System (GOS), through coordinated efforts of Members, continued to provide unique and sustainable observational data and information on the state of the Earth and its atmosphere to meet evolving requirements of various users. It underlined that along with the broadening satellite data and services, especially through research and development satellites, further improvements were achieved in the availability of data produced by other components of the GOS, notably marine and AMDAR data. Congress specifically noted NOAA activities to move GOES-10 to 60 degrees West in order to enhance coverage of the Americas, the EUMETSAT decision to continue dissemination of Meteosat-8 imagery through EUMETCast for that region and the contribution of Spain to a WMO trust fund for the acquisition of receivers for the Ibero-American NMHSs. By significantly improving satellite detection of such natural hazards as severe storms, floods, drought, landslides and wildfires, those moves would help to protect lives and property in North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Congress also welcomed the decision of EUMETSAT to relocate Meteosat-7 tocontinue the Indian Ocean Data Coverage mission until 2008, as well as the DCP service provided for buoys operated in support of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System, as agreed by the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites at its thirty-fourth session, held in Shanghai, China, from 2 to 7 November 2006.

3.1.1.2 Congress noted with satisfaction that the major activities of CBS in the domain of observations were concentrated on the evolution of the Global Observing System, coordination and advice on satellite system matters, satellite utilization and products, requirements and representation of data from automatic weather stations, scientific evaluation of Observing System Evaluations and Observing System Simulation Experiments, cooperation with the Global Climate Observing System, integration of AMDAR in WWW operations, and revision and updating of GOS regulatory material. As a result of individual and collective activities of Members and the Secretariat during 2004–2007, the availability of reports on the Main Telecommunication Network had shown an increasing stability, globally, constituting the following:

•    Surface data: 79 per cent of expected reports (with 2 per cent oscillation during theperiod);

•     Upper-air data: 71 per cent of expected (positive trend from 63 per cent in 2003);

•     BUOY reports increased from 11 000 to 34 000;

•    AIREP varied between 3 400 and 5 200;

•    AMDAR reports increased from 15 000 to 42 000.

Congress noted with concern that the number of ships contributing to the Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) scheme was decreasing. It reiterated the importance of the VOS as a component of the GOS, and of the Port Meteorological Officers as the bridge between NMHSs and the shipping industry. It therefore urged CBS to continue to work closely with JCOMM and the shipping industry to reverse that trend and enhance global coverage of marine meteorological data on the Global Telecommunication System. In that context, Congress noted the report of the WMO-IMO Consultative Meeting (Geneva, 12–13 February 2007) and the concern raised by ship owners regarding ships’ security arising from the real-time availability of ships’ weather reports on external websites. It also noted that the matter would be discussed by the Executive Council at its fifty-ninth session. Congress recognized the need to continue to work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization and the aviation industry to ensure the continued expansion of the essential AMDAR Programme. Recognizing the limitations of the current monitoring statistics, Congress asked CBS to consider new ways of measuring the effectiveness of the Global Observing System.

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3.4.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme; the report of the president of CAeM (agenda Item 3.4.3)

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3.4.3.10 Concerning aircraft observations, Congress noted that AMDAR data currently formed an important contribution to the WMO Integrated Observing System. The addition of humidity data would turn those data into a valuable source of information particularly for regional numerical weather prediction, nowcasting and very short-range-weather forecasting including aeronautical forecasting. They had the potential to complement conventional upper-air observations, providing comparable quality, precision and vertical resolution to those for the troposphere. Congress noted the view of the AMDAR Panel that the necessary investment for the widespread introduction of those sensors, once tests of their accuracy and reliability had been successfully completed, could lead to overall savings in the context of an Integrated Global Observing System. In that respect, the migration of the AMDAR programme, once operational, from the Aeronautical Meteorology Programme to the World Weather Watch of WMO, was seen as a logical and necessary development towards a cost-effective integrated observing system.

Fifty-eighth session 

Geneva 

20–30 June 2006 

Abridged final report with resolutions 

WMO-No. 1007

3. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMMES (agenda item 3)

3.1 WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME (agenda item 3.1)

3.1.1 WWW BASIC SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS; THE REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF CBS (agenda item 3.1.1)

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3.1.1.2 As regards the Global Observing System Programme, the Council:

(a) Noted that surface- and space-based subsystems of the GOS, through the coordinated efforts of Members, continued to provide essential and unique observational data and information on the state of the Earth and its atmosphere to meet evolving requirements of various users. It noted also that along with the broadening satellite data and services, especially through R&D satellites, further improvements had been achieved in the availability of data produced by other components of the GOS, notably marine and AMDAR data;

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3.4.3 AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME; INCLUDING THE IN-DEPTH REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF CAeM (agenda item 3.4.3)

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Concerning AMDAR, the Council:

(o) Urged the AMDAR Panel to continue to encourage and assist Members who wished to develop national and regional AMDAR programmes and to progress high priority

AMDAR activities;

(p) Requested CBS and CAeM to continue working to migrate AMDAR activities to the WWW GOS and encouraged Members to contribute to the AMDAR Trust Fund;

PROGRESS/ACTIVITY REPORTS PRESENTED AT FIFTY-EIGHTH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

AGENDA ITEM 2.2 - REPORT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL EC-LVII/Rep. 2.2

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3. In accordance with guidance given by Congress and the Executive Council, efforts on the redesign and establishment of a future composite GOS continued and focused on implementation aspects, satellite system utilization and products, requirements and representation of data from Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs), cooperation with GCOS, further integration of AMDAR in WWW operations, and revision of the GOS regulatory material.   

Cg-XIV

FOURTEENTH

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS

GENEVA, 5–24 MAY 2003

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3.1.1 GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM (agenda item 3.1.1)

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3.1.1.5 Congress noted that the number of AMDAR observations exchanged daily on the GTS was at about 140 000 in 2002 and was expected to increase to 200 000 over the next few years. Although, a large proportion of those AMDAR data were obtained over Europe and North America, and to a lesser extent over Australasia, Asia, South America and southern Africa, it was noted with particular appreciation that work was proceeding to develop new operational programmes and programmes of targeted observations in data-sparse regions, as recommended by Thirteenth Congress.

3.1.1.6 Congress reaffirmed the importance of the AMDAR Programme including the work carried out by the AMDAR Panel, and the significant contribution AMDAR continued to provide to the GOS. It agreed with the recommendation of CBS that AMDAR should be more fully integrated into the WWW Programme, and requested the Executive Council to consider the appropriate measures including the desirability of funding AMDAR activities in developing and coordinating the AMDAR Programme. Congress also encouraged WMO Members to contribute to the AMDAR Trust Fund ona voluntary basis.

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3.4.3 AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME; THE REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF CAeM (agenda item 3.4.3)

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3.4.3.18 Congress expressed its appreciation to AMDAR Panel members for their dedicated efforts in carrying out AMDAR activities and to WMO Members for their voluntary financial contributions to support AMDAR activities. It noted with great satisfaction that about 150 000 AMDAR observations per day were being exchanged on the GTS,

representing nearly a three-fold increase in volume compared to 1998 when the AMDAR Panel was established. Congress stressed that AMDAR had proved to be a very cost-effective data source that responded to the needs of WMO Programmes and brought benefits to end users. Congress noted with appreciation the publication of the

AMDAR Reference Manual, which comprised a comprehensive technical description of AMDAR from sensor systems to the final AMDAR data output.

3.4.3.19 Congress recognized the low cost of AMDAR observations compared to radiosonde soundings, the potential of such systems to improve data coverage in data-sparse areas and the improvements to NWP attributed to the assimilation of such observations. It noted the achievements of the AMDAR Panel in helping to develop and coordinate AMDAR activities and to expand further the AMDAR programme, as well as the achievement of Members in implementing AMDAR. Congress urged Members to continue to contribute to the AMDAR Trust Fund on a voluntary basis and to make available to the Panel the services of experts to support AMDAR activities, in particular the implementation of the high priority AMDAR projects. In relation to ongoing support for AMDAR activities and their sustainability, Congress welcomed

Recommendation

2 (CBS-Ext.(02)) — AMDAR activities, which called on CBS and CAeM to develop an appropriate mechanism to integrate more fully AMDAR activities into the WWW Programme (see also general summary paragraph 3.1.1.6).

7. SPECIFIC CHALLENGES FACING WMO (agenda item 7)

7.1 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF DATA AND PRODUCTS (agenda item 7.1)

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7.1.40 Congress recognized that AMDAR wasa very cost-effective upper-air data source and welcomed the current exchange of AMDAR observations through the GTS. Congress was informed that the number of AMDAR data exchanged over the GTS had reached an average of about 150000 observations per day. To facilitate access to that large volume of AMDAR data by NMSs and as directed by the Council, the AMDAR Panel, in collaboration with the WMO Secretariat, had developed a new set of regional AMDAR bulletins to enable NMSs to download the most appropriate bulletins suitable to their use. That new set of regional AMDAR bulletins had been submitted for

consideration by the extraordinary session of CBS (December 2002) with implementation date in November 2003. In that regard, Congress noted with satisfaction that the conjoint CAeM session with the ICAO Meteorology Divisional Meeting, held in 2002, had recommended that ICAO, in collaboration with WMO, develop guidelines for accessing aeronautical meteorological information for air navigation support only (Recommendation 4/7).

7.1.41 Congress noted that for different reasons, the airlines and WMO expressed concern regarding the overall security of down linked sensitive aviation information that included AMDAR data. In collaboration with the AMDAR Panel, the aviation industry was considering several proposals to develop encryption systems for the down linked aviation information, for adoption as an industry standard to prevent “eavesdropping”. That aviation information encryption was expected to be in place in the near future.

7.1.42 Congress felt that it was important to continue the cooperation that existed between NMSs and airline companies in connection with AMDAR so that free and unrestricted exchange of AMDAR data was assured. In that connection, the collaboration of ICAO was recognized as important in regard to Automated Dependent Surveillance aircraft reports.

7.1.43 It was recalled that Thirteenth Congress drew the attention of ICAO upon the potential impact of ICAO aeronautical data distribution policy on all WMO activities and invited ICAO to participate in all efforts undertaken by WMO regarding that issue.