WMO ICG-WIGOS-4, February 2015, Geneva, Switzerland: 5. ICG-WIGOS Task Team Reports: 5.1 TT - WIGOS Technical Regulations Russell Stringer Chair, ICG-WIGOS Task Team on WIGOS Regulatory Material (TT-WRM) ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Content 1.TT-WRM activities, deliverables 2.Collaboration with CBS and CIMO 3.Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations 4.Future development and maintenance of WRM 5.Recommendations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

TT-WRM activities, deliverables Activities and deliverables since ICG-WIGOS-3:  TT-WRM has operated by:  correspondence,  Webex connections,  Meeting in Jul/Aug 2014 was not required. ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

TT-WRM activities, deliverables Activities and deliverables since ICG-WIGOS-3:  Two documents: Technical Regulations (Vol 1, Part 1) and WIGOS Manual were reviewed and updated by:  Members of ICG-WIGOS immediately following ICG-WIGOS-3,  Technical commissions over three months Apr-Jul 2014,  CBS-Ext.(14) in September 2014, and  All WMO Members over three months Sep-Dec  Additionally, updated input from other teams/experts,  Full translation achieved through submission to CBS session. ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

TT-WRM activities, deliverables Activities and deliverables since ICG-WIGOS-3:  Final drafts ready for submission to Congress (see agenda item 10). ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

TT-WRM activities, deliverables While the purpose of the technical regulations is to specify actions Member countries must take so we can together implement WIGOS, these draft documents:  have helped to support communication and awareness, by providing a level of specific detail building on the ten Key Activity Areas of the WIGOS framework Implementation Plan,  They further help stakeholders to take the step from "what is WIGOS" to "what actions must I take to contribute to WIGOS implementation". ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

TRs (Vol 1 – 4) Manuals (Annex 1 – 8) Guides Other reference docs (e.g., TR Manuals Vol II, WMO-No.9, Guidelines, etc.) Regulations Non- Regulations Prescriptive Descriptive Basic SARPs (definitive) Mostly requirement-driven Approval by Congress (in principle) Relatively Conservative More detailed SARPs (procedures and specifications) Mostly technology-driven Approval delegated to EC Relatively Dynamic Procedures and practices Implementation guidance Explanations Examples, good practice Flexible updates “Shall” and “Should” have specific meaning “Shall” and “Should” have ordinary meaning WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) Collaboration with CBS and CIMO ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

WIGOS ManualWIGOS Guide Tech. Regs WIGOS Manual on GOSGuide &TM on GAW Guide &TM on GCWGuide &TM on GOSGuide &TM on Hydro Manual on the GOS is being incorporated into the new Manual on WIGOS, in steps. For now GOS is regulated by both Manuals also, new CIMO regulations are in Manual on WIGOS - hence don't need a CIMO Manual Collaboration with CBS and CIMO 2015 ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations  Members must use WIR / OSCAR  Members must collect and make available WIGOS metadata  Members will be bound by a new system of authority for allocation of identifiers, with new details of their construction  Use of observations from other sources who collaborate as partners  Members will be expected to implement nationally a QMS for observing systems  Members will be expected to follow new guidelines (including principles and plans) for how to design observing networks  Members will be bound by a number of provisions for instruments and methods of observation ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations Members must use WIR / OSCAR: The new provisions: 2.5.3Global compilation of observational metadata Members shall make available to WMO for global compilation those components of the WIGOS metadata that are specified as mandatory or conditional (whenever the condition is met). Note: global compilations of WIGOS metadata are held in several databases. The Observing Systems Capabilities Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR) database of the WIGOS Operational Information Resource (WIR) is the key source of information for WIGOS metadata. Other global compilations of specific components of WIGOS metadata include elements of the GAWSIS, the JCOMM OPS database and others. Purposes and management of WIGOS Operational Information Resource (WIR) and OSCAR are described in Attachment 2.2. ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members must use WIR / OSCAR (cont.): For all WIGOS component observing systems they operate, Members shall keep the relevant WMO observational metadata databases updated with the required WIGOS metadata Members shall routinely monitor the content of WIGOS metadata databases, and provide feedback to WMO Secretariat on identified discrepancies, possible errors, and required changes with respect to the WIGOS component observing systems they operate. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members: No - under development Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members must collect and make available WIGOS metadata: The new provisions: 2.5. Observational Metadata For all WIGOS observations they make available internationally, Members shall record and retain the observational metadata specified as mandatory in the WIGOS Metadata Standard defined in Appendix 2.4. Note 1: The WIGOS Metadata Standard defines a common set of requirements for elements to be provided in observational metadata. It includes a detailed list of mandatory, conditional and optional metadata. Note 2: A record of “not available”, "unknown" or "not applicable" are valid values for many elements of the WIGOS Metadata Standard. This assists Members to achieve compliance with the standard, particularly in a transitional step towards capability to report actual values. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members: Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members must collect and make available WIGOS metadata (cont.): APPENDIX 2.4 The WIGOS Metadata Standard The definition of each metadata element, together with notes and examples, as well as the explanation of the condition to apply to the conditional elements, are specified in the WIGOS Metadata Standard, Attachment to this Appendix. …. reporting obligations will be enforced in phases, in order to allow Members sufficient time to develop the capacity to comply. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : No – the Standard may be finalised but guidance material and implementation planning needed. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be bound by a new system of authority for allocation of identifiers, with new details of their construction: The new provisions: WMO observing stations and platforms shall be uniquely identified by a WIGOS station identifier. Note: The structure of WIGOS station identifiers is specified in Attachment 2.1 ATTACHMENT 2.1 Structure of WIGOS Station Identifiers WIGOS Identifier series Issuer of Identifier Issue NumberLocal Identifier Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be bound by a new system of authority for allocation of identifiers, with new details of their construction (cont.): Before issuing a station identifier, Members should ensure that the operator of a station or platform has committed to providing and maintaining WIGOS metadata for that station or platform. Note 1: In circumstances when a WIGOS identifier is required for a station or platform to support a WMO or co-sponsored programme and no Member is in a position to issue one (e.g. Antarctica), the Secretary-General may issue a WIGOS station identifier for that station or platform provided that its operator has committed to: (a)Providing WIGOS metadata; and (b)Conforming to relevant Technical Regulations. Note 2: In circumstances where a WIGOS identifier is required for a station or platform to support a WMO or co-sponsored programme and a Member is not able to issue a WIGOS identifier, the Secretary-General will work with the Member concerned to issue a WIGOS station identifier for that station or platform provided that its operator has committed to: (a)Providing WIGOS metadata; and (b)Conforming to relevant Technical Regulations. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members: Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be bound by a new system of authority for allocation of identifiers, with new details of their construction (cont.): Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : No – guidance material and implementation planning needed. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Use of observations from other sources who collaborate as partners (not limited to co-sponsors of global programs): The new provisions: 1.1.2The WIGOS shall facilitate the use by WMO Members of observations from systems that are owned, managed and operated by a diverse array of organizations and programmes. Definitions: (no use of the term "third-party data") WMO Observation. An observation made at a WMO observing station/platform. WMO Observing station/platform. Any observing station/platform currently issued with a valid WMO identifier. WMO Observing system/observations network. An observing system/observations network consisting of WMO stations and platforms. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Use of observations from other sources who collaborate as partners (not limited to co-sponsors of global programs): Members shall coordinate the activities by agencies within their country including the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and other relevant agencies, in addressing relevant actions of the WMO plans for evolution of WIGOS observing systems Before issuing a station identifier, Members should ensure that the operator of a station or platform has committed to providing and maintaining WIGOS metadata for that station or platform. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : No – more guidance material and implementation planning needed. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be expected to implement nationally a QMS for observing systems: The new provisions: Members should adopt a process-based approach to the management of WIGOS observing systems as described in Attachment 1. ATTACHMENT 1: WIGOS high level processes Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be expected to implement nationally a QMS for observing systems (cont.): 2.6.1Members shall comply with the standards and recommended practices and procedures with regard to the quality of WIGOS observations and observational metadata, as detailed in these Technical Regulations and in the Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. XXXX). Note: Provisions relating to the WMO Quality Management Framework are provided in the Technical Regulations, (WMO-No. 49), 2011 edition, Volume IV – Quality Management (WMO- No. 49), 2011 edition Members shall ensure observations provided through their WIGOS component observing systems are quality controlled. APPENDIX 2.4: The WIGOS Metadata Standard Phase II adds elements recognized to be more challenging for Members, but the knowledge of which is still of rather immediate need for the adequate use of observations, in particular for assessing quality of observations. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : Partly – need further specific guidance and implementation steps Guidance: how to implement new regulations CategoryPhase IPhase IIPhase III Data Quality 8-01 Uncertainty of measurement (C) 8-02 Procedure used to estimate uncertainty (C) 8-03 Quality flag (M) 8-04 Quality flagging system (M) 8-05 Traceability (C) ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be expected to follow new guidelines (including principles and plans) for how to design observing networks: The new provisions: Members, both directly and through the participation of their experts in the activities of regional associations and technical commissions, shall contribute to the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) process Members should implement the plans published by WMO for evolution of WIGOS component observing systems when planning and managing their observing systems. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be expected to follow new guidelines (including principles and plans) for how to design observing networks (cont.): Observing System Network Design Principles Members should follow the principles specified in Appendix 2.1 when designing and evolving their observing system networks GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles Members designing and operating observing systems for monitoring climate should adhere to the principles specified in Appendix 2.2. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : Possibly – further guidance on how to interpret and apply the provisions would help Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Members will be bound by a number of provisions for instruments and methods of observation: The new provisions: Members should ensure that observations and observational metadata are traceable to International Standards (SI), where these exist. Note: Traceability to International Standards (SI) is an area where concerted effort is required to increase-improve compliance Members should employ properly calibrated instruments and sensors that provide observations satisfying at least measurement uncertainties that meet the specified requirements. Note 1: Achievable measurement uncertainty is specified in the Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8), Part I, Chapter 1, ( ), Annex 1.D. ………… and more ……….. Readiness for implementation and compliance by Members : Yes Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Guidelines: "….. Congress agreed on certain principles, as follows: (a) Technical commissions should not recommend that a regulation be a standard practice unless it is supported by a strong majority of Members; (b) The Technical Regulations should contain appropriate instructions to Members regarding implementation of the provision in question; ….. There is no strict definition of “strong majority”: the meaning is that there should be no strong objection from Members to the proposed standard and it is regarded as “implementable” by a majority of Members." Some of the new WIGOS provisions are not yet adequately supported by implementation details, plans and capabilities. This needs to be tackled quickly. Guidance for Members: how to implement new regulations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

WIGOS ManualWIGOS Guide Tech. Regs WIGOS Manual on GOSGuide &TM on GAW Guide &TM on GCWGuide &TM on GOSGuide &TM on Hydro Manual on the GOS is being incorporated into the new Manual on WIGOS, in steps. For now GOS is regulated by both Manuals also, new CIMO regulations are in Manual on WIGOS - hence don't need a CIMO Manual Future development and maintenance of WRM 2015 Vol. II 2019 ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Also, many specific technical provisions can be expected to arise, being proposed for revision, deletion or addition by expert teams and will need to be incorporated in the WIGOS regulatory material, for example:  A new way to describe the surface-based subsystem of the GOS, in a more integrated approach than the current different types of stations contributing to independent types of networks, taking into account:  Development of the RBON Regional Basic Observations Network as the integrated evolution from RBSN and RBCN, and  Further advances in Observing Network Design (OND) principles,  Provisions for surface-based observing systems (AWS, radars, wind profilers, …) and aircraft-based observations (AMDAR),  Etc…… Future development and maintenance of WRM ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

For the next phase of WIGOS implementation:  The current composition of TT-WRM includes experts from across the relevant technical commissions and has been an effective way to obtain energetic and cooperative collaboration.  The same approach could be taken to tackle future developments. An expert in space-based observing systems could be a valuable addition to the membership.  WIGOS Project Office has been a lot more effective since increasing its number of staff – that needs to continue.  Beyond the next phase of WIGOS implementation, a permanent forum of some form will be desirable to sustain the cross-cutting collaboration on WIGOS regulatory material Future development and maintenance of WRM ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

It is recommended that ICG-WIGOS:  Notes the progressive refinement of the WIGOS Technical Regulations and WIGOS Manual through reviews completed in 2014, culminating in a final draft ready for submission to Cg-17,  Notes the effective collaboration with CBS, and that revisions to the Manual on the GOS are being synchronised with WIGOS Regulatory Material,  Carefully reviews whether sufficient guidance and implementation plans are provided to Members to enable their confident adoption of the many new WIGOS regulations,  Continue TT-WRM or something like it in order to tackle the relevant future development and maintenance of WIGOS regulatory material. Recommendations ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report

Thank you for your attention Contact: Russell Stringer, ICG-WIGOS-4 TT-WRM report