1. Value and Benefits of the WMO Information System (WIS)
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
Weather – Climate - Water
Value and Benefits of the WMO Information System (WIS)
Dieter C. Schiessl
Director, Crosscutting Coordination
WMO
Tel:
Mobile: Fax:

2. Commercial Service Providers
Current situation
Information exchange – multiplicity of procedures; real-time and non-real time; push & pull
Information management – multiplicity of data formats; few and uncoordinated metadata catalogues
World Radiation Centre
Regional Instrument Centres
International Organizations (IAEA, CTBTO, UNEP, FAO.. )
5 GAW World Data Centres
GCOS Data Centres
Global Run-off Data Centre
IRI and other climate research institutes
Universities
Regional Climate Centres
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World Meteorological Centres
Regional/Specialized Meteorological Centres
National Meteorological Centres
Meteorological and R&D
Satellite Operator Centres
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WWW GTS
WWW GTS
Commercial Service Providers
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WMO World Data Centres
Internet
The GTS ensures the timely exchange of operation-critical information among the NMCs of the National Meteorological Services around the world. Implemented over more than half a century, it has been constantly improved with respect to capacity, functions and protocols to meet the ever growing data exchange requirements. The GTS facilitates the data exchange across the “Digital Divide” and is remarkably reliable. This is achieved through rigorous standardization (codes, procedures and protocols) and firm coordination and control. Despite its global range, it operates largely as a closed network between the NMCs.
Data are packaged and transmitted within a message or bulletin. Each message has its specific type of content and routing information encoded in the abbreviated bulletin header. Centres connected on the GTS must interpret and use the bulletin header. This is a critical obstacle for many potential users, such as research institutions, international organizations (including certain NGOs), centres of international programmes, and even for many WMO programme centres. Many potential users cannot, for various reasons, invest in the rather complex and specialized data handling computer programmes and employ the specialists necessary for the GTS operation and maintenance. Many countries cannot afford the cost for the VPN and point-to-point connections. Overcoming that draw back is one of the main goals of WIS.

3. WIS brings new features and functions
Interoperable information exchange between GTS, IGDDS, GEO-NetCast and Internet
Inter-disciplinary discovery, retrieval and exchange of information in real and non-real time through a single entry point in each country
Open to all users for data discovery, to authorized users for data access (according to national data policies)
Data are described in standardized on-line catalogues using metadata based on ISO 191xx series
Industry standards and off-the-shelf hardware and software systems ensure cost-effectiveness and inter- operability

4. WIS Functions
Real-time collection and dissemination of operation-critical data (e.g., meteorological, climatological, environmental and hydrological in-situ and satellite observations, forecasts, and warnings), (“GTS function”);
Timely delivery of high-volume data and processed products including satellite data and products (“push”);
Ad-hoc discovery/retrieval services for operation-critical data and value-added information (“pull”)
Discovery, access and retrieval services for information stored by all WMO programmes regardless of the location of the archive or the querying user;
Standard procedures for real and non-real time data exchange and standardized data formats and metadata.

5. Satellite Two-Way Systems Satellite Dissemination
WIS
Information exchange –
Commonly used standard procedures
Information management –
standard data formats; coordinated metadata & catalogues
World Radiation Centre
Regional Instrument Centres
International Organizations (IAEA, CTBTO, UNEP, FAO.. )
GAW World Data Centres
GCOS Data Centres
Global Run-off Data Centre
Global Precip. Climatology Centre
IRI, Hadley Centre, and other climate research centres; Universities;
Regional Climate Centres
(CIIFEN, etc.)
DCPC
NC/ DCPC NC
NC/
GISC
Managed, Regional and Internet
Communication Networks
Satellite Two-Way Systems
Satellite Dissemination
(IGDDS, GEO-Netcast)
On-demand “pull”
Commercial Service Providers
WMO World Data Centres
International Projects (e.g. GMES HALO)
With its use of an improved GTS, WIS removes the barriers between the traditional GTS (and its users, such as the NMCs of the NMHSs), and other WMO Programmes (and their users, such as programme centres) and will facilitate the inter-disciplinary exchange of and access to data and products. Common procedures for both real and non-real time data and standardization of data formats and metadata will enhance information discovery and exchange .
NMCs act as national network coordinator for connection and access rights to WIS for the “other” NC and DCPCs within their country (although the physical connection may be direct to a service provider).
WIS will provide the solution for the information exchange needs of NMHSs, relevant non-NMHS agencies/User, commercial providers, research facilities, and international programme centres. It will offer (“push” and “pull”) automated collection and dissemination of information (e.g., observations and forecast products); timely delivery of data and products (appropriate to requirements); and ad-hoc information discovery/access/retrieval services.
WIS will enhance the visibility and importance of the NMHS in the country. The NMHS will gain timely and cost-effective access to information, in particular new data and products, which will enhance its own operations. The NMC will also be able NMC to provide to other national agencies/users dealing in disaster mitigation, agriculture, energy and water management, and so forth, critical data that were, so far, not available to them. The NMC would “push” to them routine information, e.g., warnings, advisories, selected measurements, etc., and help discover, select and channel relevant information to the users, either ad hoc, in the “pulling” mode, or in reply to a non-real-time request.
The WIS will be based on an improved GTS and integrate
satellite two-way systems, alternative dissemination services provided by environmental satellites
and the coordinated and free use of the Internet.
The WIS architecture, functions and services will provide the solution for the information exchange needs of NMHSs, and other national centres (NCs), such as relevant non-NMHS agencies/users, national disaster management platforms, research facilities, and international programme centres. WIS will offer:
Routine collection and automated dissemination of operation-critical data (e.g., meteorological, climatological, environmental and hydrological observations, forecasts, and warnings), (“GTS function”);
Timely delivery of high-volume data and processed products (“push”);
Ad-hoc discovery/access/retrieval services for operation-critical data and value-added information (“pull”)
Discovery, access, and retrieval services for all data stored by every WMO programme regardless of location;
Common procedures for real and non-real time data exchange and standardized data formats and metadata.
internet
Real-time “push”

6. WIS WMO Integrated Observing System (WIGOS) Information exchange –
Interoperability facilitated through standardized interfaces and procedures; real-time and non-real time
Information management –
standard data formats; coordinated metadata and catalogues
Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS)
World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS)
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
WWW Global Observing System (WWW GOS)
DCPC
NMC/ DCPC
NMC
NMC/
DPCP
GISC
Managed, Regional and Internet
Communication Networks
Satellite Two-Way System
Satellite Dissemination
Global Climate
Observing System (GCOS)
Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)
GISC
WIS
WIS is the major integrating element in the WIGOS, the system interoperability of the observing systems is largely rooted in interoperable and standardized data management functions provided through the WIS.
GISC
GISC
internet
Real-time “push”
On-demand “pull”

7. W I S W M O GTS IGDDS Internet GEO-NetCast G E O Weather Domain
Climate
Domain
Water
Domain
GTS
IGDDS
W I S
Internet
GEO-NetCast
GEO represents here the wide range of users and user communities that belong to the 9 societal benenfit areas, from Health to Biodiversity.
The system interoperability between GTS, IGDDS, Geo-NetCast and the Internet is achieved through the interoperable data management functions and standard procedures across these systems. This is one major goal of the WIS.
G E O
Health
Energy
Disasters
Weather
Climate
Water
Agriculture
Ecosystems
Biodiversity

8. “GEO Information System of Systems”
Interoperability: common set of interface standards
System X
WIS
System Y
System Z
Energy
Health
Region Z
GEOSS includes an Information System of Systems (GEO-ISS), which comprises severeal thematic and regional Systems, each providing data collection, data management, archives, real-time distribution and on-request information retrieval. WIS is a core contributing component to the GEO-ISS. The major goal is that the GEO-ISS are interoperable.
Climate Weather Water
Agriculture Ecosystems Biodiversity
Disaster
Information systems addressing thematic or regional needs

9. GEO-ISS within GEOSS (1)
Common set of interoperability standards
System Z
Requirements
Collection
Data management
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
System Y
Requirements
Collection
Data management
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
WIS (incl IGDDS)
Requirements
Collection
Data management
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
System X
Requirements
Collection
Data management
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
This slide shows a schematic depiction of the GEO-ISS architecture.

10. GEO-ISS within GEOSS (2)
Common set of interoperability standards
System Z
System Y
Requirements
Collection
Data management
DIssemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
WIS (incl IGDDS)
Requirements
Collection
Data management
DIssemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
System X
Requirements
Collection
Data management
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval
Archive
Requirements
Collection
Geo-Netcast
Data management
Archive
GEO-NetCast is expected to provide the high-performance, cost-effective, satellite-based dissemination services for all GEO-ISS component systems, including the WIS.
Dissemination
Discovery & retrieval

11. Potential WIS contributions to GEOSS
WIS will provide data and products related to WMO programmes contributing to GEO, i.e., weather, climate, water, natural disasters);
WIS will offer access to these data for GEO users outside WMO;
WIS can potentially assist in other GEO data exchanges, if technically compatible and cost-efficient;
WIS’ multidisciplinary, global, multifunction architecture could serve as an example for other relevant networks needed for the GEO information exchange.

12. What will a NMHS gain from the WIS?
1. The NMC will improve the weather forecasting/warning services through faster and more cost-effective exchange of operation-critical information;
The NMC will improve and expand its range of services through discovery and access to new data and products (examples are satellite data and products, ensemble prediction products, climate predictions, oceanographic data and products, operational, and research data and products, reports, publications);
The NMC will strengthen its national service provider role as it will be enabled to “push” to national users critical information, such as warnings, advisories, selected measurements, etc.; (examples: national agencies dealing in disaster mitigation, agriculture, energy and water management, and so forth);
The NMC will be better appreciated as it will help partner agencies and other users to participate in WIS and do a better job.

13. Data Policies
WIS complies with the WMO data policy (Res. 40 (Cg-XII) and Res. 25 (Cg-XIII));
WIS can follow the evolution of the WMO data policy;
Procedures for managing of access rights, control of data retrieval, registration and identification of users, etc. can be defined as and when required;
Anonymous downloading is technically possible, but depends on whether a NC permits that feature;
WIS has no system-inherent features that would violate international legal frameworks.

14. Cost ??
WIS is cost-effective and affordable, in particularly to developing countries.
WIS is based on industry standards, off-the-shelf hardware and open source software. The initial investment is determined by the cost for PCs, Internet and/or VPN connections as well as VSAT and/or environmental satellite receiving stations, according to the user’s requirement.

16. WMO Information System
Thank you
WIS
WMO Information System

17. Additional slides for information and reference

18. IGDDS Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service
A WMO-CGMS initiative to enhance satellite data access and use;
A component of WIS;
Satellite-based two-way systems;
Cost-effective and reliable data dissemination of large-volume data sets (i.e., in-situ and satellite data, images, operational and research data and products).
Dissemination of operational-critical information to countries where GTS links and the Internet have low bandwidths.
Technology is based on Advanced Dissemination Methods (ADM), including Digital Video Broadcast by telecommunication satellites (DVB-S) and Direct Broadcast from the meteorological satellites.
EARS = Eumetsat ATOVS Retransmission Service
RARS = Regional ATOVS Retransmission Service

19. WIS and GEOSS
GEOSS comprises a GEO Information System of Systems (GEO-ISS)
GEO-ISS to serve the societal benefit areas and provide in each of these areas:
data collection, management, archives, routine distribution, discovery and on-request retrieval
WIS is a core contributor to GEO-ISS under the responsibility of WMO
It is expected that other networks provided by other communities will serve the needs of other themes, all being interoperable

20. GEO-NetCast within GEO-ISS (1)
GEO-NetCast (a component of GEO-ISS) provides a high-capacity (satellite dissemination) service available for all GEO themes
GEO-NetCast will have certain components in common with WIS, e.g.,
IGDDS/EUMETCAST
data management standards
GEO-NetCast governance will take into account the overall GEO-ISS architecture and requirements of data providers, users and infrastructure providers
GEO-Netcast is an initiative led within the GEO framework by EUMETSAT, NOAA and WMO to address the global dissemination needs of GEOSS environmental data in a coordinated way.
The GEO-Netcast concept is to use the multicast capability of a global network of communications satellites to transmit environmental satellite and in situ data and products from providers to users within GEO. Commercially available technology provides cost-efficient solutions with easy to implement terminals, which are widely used for Direct to Home digital television. The multicast capability allows different data sets to be handled in parallel regardless of the source. The use of a key access capability enables to respect the data policy of each data provider and to target the distribution at individuals or groups of users as appropriate, within the footprint of each satellite.
GEO-Netcast builds on the experience gained by EUMETSAT with the EUMETCast operational dissemination system and on the WMO IGDDS concept. It proposes to expand this approach in order to establish a true global dissemination system responding the needs of all the nine GEO societal benefit areas.

21. GEO-NetCast within GEO-ISS (2)
Interoperability standards: “the few things that shall be the same to allow all the other things to be different…”
User Interface: users would benefit of single access to data from all providers through unique interface
one single dissemination system
one multi-system user interface
Data provider interface: interoperability with multiple data providing centres in charge of:
Consolidation of collected data
Quality control and data management
Catalogue / metadata
Archiving and on-request retrieval

22. SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFIT SECTOR
APPLICATION
Transport
Tourism
Disaster
Reduction
Health
Public
(Media)
Energy
Environment
Agriculture
Natural
Resource
Manage-
ment
INTEGRATED WEATHER CLIMATE AND WATER SERVICES
SERVICES
WMO Services Programmes
Wmo Natural Disaster Preparedness and
Mitigation Programme (DMP)
WMO Information System (WIS)
DATA PROCESSING ETC…
GCOS GCOS
WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS)
WMO Space Programme (WMOSP
OBSERVATION
Schematic depiction of a horizontally integrated program structure providing “integrated weather,
climate and water services” to a range of socio-economic benefit sector.
OCEAN
ATMOSPHERE
LAND
Schematic depiction of a horizontally integrated program structure providing “integrated weather,
climate and water services” to a range of socio-economic benefit sector.