The WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS)

WIGOS is an integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated system which is comprised of the present WMO global observing systems, in particular of the in situ and space-based components of the Global Observing System (GOS), the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), and the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS).

WIGOS is not in itself a new observing system, but a new framework to enable the existing observing systems to provide more efficiently and effectively the data required for delivery of services across WMO's 12 application areas, and for all regions of the world.

WIGOS will focus on the integration of governance and management functions, mechanisms, and activities to be accomplished by contributing observing systems in relation to the resources allocated on global, regional, and national levels.

Together with WIS, it will enable stakeholders to work better together to make, gather, store, access, exchange and interpret the observations they need for the effective delivery of improved services to their communities.

WIGOS is central to WMO's future, and will provide a mechanism to better plan and implement observing solutions to the problems raised by the GFCS, Disaster Risk Reduction, and WMO's Service Delivery Strategy for all WMO Members.

The success of WIGOS will depend critically on the active engagement of all WMO Members, and will require strong leadership from the six Regional Associations and the WMO Technical Commissions.