WIGOS Metadata Standards
WIGOS provides the overarching framework for metadata across all WMO observing systems, including ship-based platforms. The WIGOS metadata standard defines the minimum set of information that must be recorded for each observing station or platform — including ship identification, operator details, instrument type and calibration, sensor height and exposure, and communication method.
For SOT platforms, WIGOS metadata requirements are operationalised through the WMO Station Identifier (WIGOS Station Identifier, WSI) system, which provides a unique, persistent identifier for each observing platform. PMOs are required to collect the full WIGOS metadata set during recruitment visits and update records whenever equipment changes occur.
Resources:
WMO Publication 47 (Pub47)
WMO Publication 47 (International List of Selected, Supplementary and Auxiliary Ships) is the specific metadata standard for VOS ships. It is legacy format used before the WIGOS compliant metadata format. It defines the format and content requirements for ship metadata submitted to WMO by participating national meteorological services.
Metadata submitted via Pub47 includes: ship name and call sign; ship type and flag state; recruiting country and NMS; instrumentation details for each measured parameter; sensor heights; anemometer type and exposure; and barometer details including calibration dates.
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