On-line databases and questionnaires

Several databases maintained by the WMO Space Programme are presented here for consultation. The database on observational requirements and observing capabilities is a component of the Rolling Requirements Review process .

Databases of observational requirements, instruments and reception systems

Introduction to the Database of Observational Requirements

This database records observational user requirements formulated by WMO and other international organizations or co-sponsored programmes: GCOS, GOOS, ICSU, IGBP, IOCCG, UNEP, UNOOSA, WCRP. The requirements are regularly reviewed by groups of experts nominated by these organizations and programmes.

For WMO, this process is conducted by the Expert Team on Evolution of the Global Observing System (ET-EGOS) and its designated focal points for each of the WMO application areas (e.g. Global NWP, Regional NWP, Synoptic meteorology, Nowcasting and Very Short Range Forecasting, Seasonal to Inter-annual Monitoring, Atmospheric chemistry, Aeronautical meteorology, Agricultural meteorology, Hydrology and water resources).

Requirements are expressed for geophysical variables in terms of 5 criteria: horizontal resolution, vertical resolution, observing cycle, timeliness and accuracy. For each of these criteria the table indicates 3 values determined by experts:

- the “threshold” is the minimum requirement to be met to ensure that data are useful
- the “goal” is an ideal requirement above which further improvements are not necessary
- the “breakthrough” is an intermediate level between “threshold” and “goal“ which, if achieved, would result in a significant improvement for the targeted application. The breakthrough level may be considered as an optimum, from a cost-benefit point of view, when planning or designing observing systems.

• Access to the database of observational requirements from WMO and other international organizations

Since the Breakthrough is expected to be closer to the Goal than to the Threshold, the Breakthrough column has been initially populated in the table by default values calculated as: Goal Power (2/3) X Threshold Power (1/3), pending determination by experts.

Observing capabilities (space or surface-based)

The so-called CEOS-WMO Database on Observing Capabilities has not been maintained since several years and is now outdated.

For up-to-date reference information on space-based capabilities, please consult:

• The WMO Dossier on the space-based component of the GOS, available for download
• The CEOS Earth Observation Handbook, maintained by ESA, with interactive access
• The ESA Earth Observation portal

The former "CEOS-WMO Database" is available only for traceability purpose. It includes the following information:

• Space agencies and missions
• Missions and instruments ( "WWW in situ" representing surface-based observations)
• Instruments (space or surface-based)
• Parameters measured by an instrument
• Instruments that measure a parameter

• (CEOS-WMO Database User Manual, Issue 1.6, February 2009).

Satellite data reception and processing systems

Note: The content of the following two databases is currently not completely up-to-date and should be used with appropriate caution.

• Manufacturers of satellite data reception and processing systems
• User satellite data reception system sites

Questionnaire on availability and use of satellite data and products

(Click here to access the questionnaire page)

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