ANNEX III TO THE GENERAL REGULATIONS

(1)     The Commission  shall be responsible for matters relating to international standardization and compatibility of instruments and methods of observation of meteorological, related geophysical, and environmental variables, which shall include in particular:  (a) The provision of advice concerning types, characteristics, accuracies, performance, effective and economical use of instruments and methods of observation;  (b) Global and regional field comparisons and evaluations of instruments and methods of observation to achieve data quality consistent with users' requirements and global data compatibility;  (c) Studies and recommendations on methods of observation, including test and calibration methods and the correction to be applied;  (d) Promoting the development of reference instruments.

(2)     In addition, the Commission shall:  (a) Support other 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;  (b) Encourage research and development of new approaches in the field of instruments and methods of observation of meteorological, related geophysical, and environmental variables;  (c) Promote the appropriate and economical production and use of instruments and methods of observation with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.