Modernizing the Meteorological Service of Canada's Atmospheric Observing Instrument Testing Sites

The Meteorological Service of Canada’s Monitoring and Data Services Directorate (MSC – MDSD) operates four atmospheric observing instrument testing sites that are strategically located in unique climatic regions of Canada. The test sites serve as multi-purpose platforms with an overarching mandate to support operational networks in the production of data of known quality while concurrently maintaining a forward looking perspective on technology. The latter is achieved by cultivating innovation in instrument technologies, integration of measurement systems, and calibration and maintenance processes. The MSC’s test site modernization initiative focuses on improving these platforms to increase their testing capacity, establishing governance to enable broader access, and improving monitoring and efficiency when conducting experiment campaigns. The largest of the four test sites, located near Toronto, Ontario, is currently being upgraded to include a GCOS Reference Surface Network (GSRN) pilot site. Integration of internationally recognized reference grade temperature and precipitation measurements at this site not only accelerates Canada’s innovation in those measurement domains, but also bolsters co-located experiments and performance investigations. Complemented by parallel work occurring in Canada’s national calibration laboratory, the has positioned itself to significantly improve understanding of measurement uncertainty throughout an instrument’s life cycle. Working collaboratively with atmospheric monitoring networks via robust change management processes, the test site modernization initiative leverages the consolidation of technologies at these sites to broker the adoption of new observing technologies into operations by vetting life cycle management processes and informing training strategies. Canada will share its approach and vision for this initiative - which includes plans to engage academia, industry, and other meteorological services - with the objective of leveraging the test sites platform to make meaningful and collaborative contributions to the global atmospheric monitoring community.