Access to Environment Canada’s basic climate data and information on the Internet

The delivery of historical climate data sets and information to the public at Environment Canada (EC) has undergone a steady evolution over the past decade or so. This has resulted from a number of changing underlying aspects of conducting the business of a national meteorological service. The EC data access and cost-recovery policies have seen significant changes. The business model for funding observational networks has also seen changes and has lead to challenges in maintaining observing locations and programs. Advances in observational instruments and technology have further created changes in the observation of traditional elements and the development of new observations. Computer, data management and telecommunications technology continues to deliver greater performance at (mostly) decreasing cost. And finally, the prospect of international data exchange standard formats and protocols for the general public's discovery, access and use of observational data and its metadata holds the promise of far greater interoperability and more effective and timely access to large and varied data sets.

This paper will discuss the recent evolution of provision of data and information at EC, including a description of the current services provided by EC on its Internet site. The drivers for change and the plans for implementing improved services, data and information will then be presented, with the encouragement for the reader to contribute ideas or comments to assist EC in its future development.