Spatial Analysis of National Weather Service Surface Observing Networks

Since the inception of the Cooperative Observing Network in 1890, various observing systems have been procured and installed by the National Weather Service to provide accurate and reliable weather and climate parameters for national and international consumption. There has always been a question if any of these systems overlap or conflict. In order to answer this question, the National Weather Service conducted a first-ever spatial analysis of all surface observing networks including federally owned assets and data buys. These networks included the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS), the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP), the State/University operated Mesonets and other surface observations purchased through the National Mesonet Program. The analysis included meteorological elements observed, spacing of observation sites, and considered locations that were potentially over or under observed. The area covered in the analysis included all fifty States, and all U.S. Territories.