FAQs - Observations

The future Global Observing System will play a central role within the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). This evolved integrated observing system will be a comprehensive “system of systems” interfaced with WMO co-sponsored and other non-WMO observing systems, making major contributions to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). It will be delivered through enhanced involvement of WMO Members, Regions and Technical Commissions.

The space-based component will rely on enhanced collaboration through partnerships such as the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). Portions of the surface and space-based sub-systems will rely on WMO partner organizations: the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS), the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and others.

The evolution of the global observing systems is achieved through the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) – see Question/Answer “What is the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR)?” below

Through the Rolling Review of Requirements process experts study observational requirements in key WMO application areas (for example, global numerical weather prediction, seasonal to interannual climate forecasting, aeronautical meteorology,  etc.), look at the current observing systems capabilities (both space-based, and surface-based), conduct a critical review (including impact studies in some cases), identify the gaps, and produceStatements of Guidance for each of the application areas. The statements of guidance are then reviewed to produce the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of global observing systems (EGOS-IP). More information on the RRR can be found here.

After looking at the observational requirements, and the performances of space-based and surface-based observing systems, experts in each WMO application area conduct a critical review, and document the identified gaps in Statements of Guidance for those application areas. The Statements of Guidance can be found here.

The work of WMO Members increasingly relies on the data collected by space-based systems, such as satellites, space probes and orbital platforms, including the International Space Station. Recognizing the growing importance of such data, WMO established in 2003 the WMO Space Programme. Its work is coordinated by the Space Systems and Utilization Division (SSU) in the WMO Integrated Global Observing System Branch of the Infrastructure Department.

The WMO Space Programme is tasked to promote wide availability and utilization of satellite data and products for weather, climate, water and related applications of WMO Members. Its scope is to coordinate environmental satellite matters and activities throughout all WMO Programmes; to give guidance to these programmes on the potential of remote-sensing techniques in meteorology, hydrology and related disciplines and applications; and to ensure effective cooperation with and among international partners and organizations dealing with satellite systems. For further information see the WMO Space Programme Public Webpages (https://public.wmo.int/en/programmes/wmo-space-programme) and the WMO Space Programme Community webpages (www.wmo.int/sat).

A major task of the WMO Space Programme is to contribute to the development of the space-based component of WIGOS (https://public.wmo.int/en/programmes/wigos). This includes the monitoring of operational as well as the planning of future satellite missions for weather, water and climate observations serving all WMO Application Areas. The development of the space-based component of WIGOS is guided by the Vision for WIGOS in 2040 (https://community.wmo.int/vision2040).