1. Coding issues
BUFR
Binary Universal code Form for the Representation of meteorological data
Binary
Table driven code form (BUFR, CREX)
Efficient compression
Will replace traditional character codes
E.g. FM13-XI ext. SHIP
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2. BUFR Advantages Flexible Small volumes
Adding new variables doesn’t require code changes
Table update easier than code changes (ET/DRC)
Higher resolution data
Metadata
e.g. Sensor height
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3. BUFR Drawbacks More complex to understand/handle Not human readable
Cheap commercial software not available
Shared software available but interfacing delicate
Character codes frozen by CBS during transition (=> 2012)
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4. BUFR migration plan CBS Migration to Table Driven Code Forms
2005: Start of experimental exchange
2007: Start of operational exchange
Some Members relying on BUFR
Parallel transmission BUFR & SHIP
2012: Migration completed
Parallel transmission terminated (global use)
Archiving in SHIP permitted
Exchange in SHIP for local purposes permitted
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5. BUFR transition issues
Discussions with E-SURFMAR and KNMI
BUFR template for ship data approved by ET/DRC
Template not entirely satisfactory
e.g. VOSClim requirements
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6. Challenges Many types of acquisition systems
Paper, semi-automated, automated, e.g.
TurboWin
SEAS
OBSJMA
BATOS
AVOS (Axys)
MILOS (Vaisala)
Many types of data transmission systems
Inmarsat-C (code 41)
Billing issue
DCP
Argos
Iridium
Internet ( )
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7. Challenges Ship servicing difficult (equip./software)
Changing ship routes
Variety of receiving stations
Variety of NMHS implementations
Code 41 compatibility
No binary
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8. Constraints Make it simple for observers
Continue the service at least at the same level
Equivalent cost
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9. Options Transmit SHIP reports from ship
Collect metadata separately
BUFR report assembled by NMHS
With or without the metadata
Transmit BUFR reports from ship
Metadata included from start
Transmit proprietary report from ship
Metadata transmitted from ship or collected separately
BUFR reports assembled by NMHS
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10. 16/02/2019

11. Solutions BUFR Template for VOS refined by SOT CREX is also an option
Conversions software (NMHS)
SHIP+metadata => BUFR
Dual SHIP & BUFR encoding preferable to BUFR to SHIP encoding
Many implementations possible, e.g.
TurboWin
BUFR encoded from ship
BATOS
Proprietary format from ship
Low transmission cost (€0.145/report)
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12. Possible VOS migration plan
Phase 1 (2007)
Start of operational exchange
Basic SHIP to BUFR conversion
Phase 2 (2006 – 2008?)
In depth analysis of requirements
Phase 3 (2008? – 2012)
Implementation of phase 2 recommendations
Phase 4 (2012)
Operational system in place
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13. International Maritime Meteorological Tape (IMMT)
International, delayed mode exchange of Marine Climatological data
Under Marine Climatological Summaries Scheme (MCSS)
Format described in WMO Manual (No. 558) and Guide (No. 471) on Marine Meteorological Services
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14. IMMT Delayed mode data collected & compiled by Participants
Quality Control and flags included
Submitted to GCCs
Quarterly, VOSClim data separated using ship list spreadsheet on DAC website, e.g.
callsigns
date recruited – 60 days
date withdrawn
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15. NMHS Contributing Members GCCs Responsible Members DAC
Real-time
(GTS)
Real-time
(GTS)
VOSClim
VOS
Delayed data & metadata
(PMOs)
NMHS
Contributing Members
(MQCS, metadata, IMMT)
GCCs
(MCSS, QC, re-encoding IMMT)
Responsible Members
(all VOS data)
DAC
(VOSClim data)
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16. IMMT IMMT-2 format implemented 1/1/2003
VOSClim data received by GCCs since then
IMMT-2 did not meet all VOSClim requirements
E.g. QC flags
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17. IMMT Requirements New format IMMT-3
VOSClim QC flags
Coding procedures for past & present weather for AWS
(checks extended to include code tables 4531 & 4680)
New format IMMT-3
Proposed by ETMC-I, Gdynia, Poland, July 2004
Endorsed by JCOMM-II
Minimum Quality Control Standards (MQCS)
MQCS-V proposed by ETMC-I
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18. IMMT Target for IMMT-3 implementation 1/2007
VOSClim & GCCs to implement it ASAP
MQC software
Being upgraded
Available free of charge from GCCs
Implementation dates of each IMMT and MQCS version added to MQCS documentation
Full layout in appendix IV & V of ETMC-I report
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19. Impact on PMOs (BUFR & IMMT)
New systems will come and training will be required
Electronic logbooks
Real-time data transmissions
New variables collected and used in real-time
New sensors
Metadata (ship characteristics)
Sensor heights
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