|
A. GENERAL TERMS OF REFERENCE
OF THE SURFACE AND UPPER-AIR TECHNOLOGY OPAGs
1.
Carry out the activities of
the OPAG and ensure contributions are relevant and timely.
2.
Review and publish
performance results and recommendations relating to the
state-of-the-art of operational instruments, their calibration
and methods of observation as well as their use in different
application areas.
3.
Work closely with other
technical commissions and regional associations through
representatives and regional rapporteurs, in order to coordinate
the ongoing standardization of observation technologies.
4.
Respond to user requirements and recommend appropriate action of
the Commission, including provision of guidance material.
5.
Support WMO Programmes and bodies through the provision of
specifications for instruments and observing systems in order to
meet requirements for the measurement of meteorological, related
geophysical and environmental variables, taking into account
both experience and new developments.
6.
Prepare technical
specification for selection of instruments and observing systems
for use in WMO and national procurements.
7.
In coordination with
relevant ETs, strengthen further the Regional Radiation Centres
(RRCs), regularly evaluate their functions and capabilities and
suggest corrective measures.
8.
Facilitate collaboration on
crosscutting issues, such as WMO Integrated Global Observing
System (WIGOS), WMO Quality Management Framework (QMF), Natural
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Programme (DPM) and the
Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS). Cooperate with
CIMO Coordinators for WMO QMF, DPM and GEOSS.
9.
Propose, coordinate
implementation, review and evaluate global and regional
intercomparisons of instruments and methods of observation in
collaboration with relevant manufacturers and the
Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry Association (HMEI).
10.
Review, develop and update
guidance material related to instruments and methods of
observation.
11.
Provide guidance concerning
instrument types, characteristics, accuracies, performance, as
well as, effective and economical use of instruments and methods
of observation.
12.
Promote studies on methods of
observation, including test and calibration methods.
13.
Encourage
research and development of new approaches in the field of
instruments and methods of meteorological observation and
related geophysical, and environmental variables.
14.
Promote
the economical production and use of instruments and methods of
observation with particular attention to the needs of developing
countries.
15.
Facilitate actions towards
worldwide traceability of measurements to the International
System of Units (SI).
16.
Develop further basic
procedures for quality management of observations, instrument
maintenance, calibration and operation (based on the seventh
edition of the
WMO Guide to Meteorological
Instruments and Methods of Observation
(WMO-No. 8) (CIMO Guide).
17.
Monitor and cooperate with
the relevant work of international and regional bodies, such as
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the
International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM/BIPM),
European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical
Research (COST), the Network of European Meteorological Services
(EUMETNET), and appropriate other international organizations,
report on such work and advise on action as necessary. Advise
the CIMO Coordinator on WMO QMF on these matters.
|