A Statistical Analysis Of Data Users Of The Oklahoma Mesonet

The Oklahoma Mesonet is a world class high-density weather monitoring network. Due to the frequent observations, numerous variables, and high quality, the data collected are a much sought-after tool for many different users across a variety of different fields. This analysis presents the wide range of requests and data users over the past two years (2016-2017). Data requests were documented by the climate and data request team at the Oklahoma Mesonet. The Mesonet client database entries include name and contact information, company, affiliation, and class. The specified data entries are comprised of date ranges, variables, stations, and resolution. The data from the Oklahoma Mesonet database were analyzed using the most statistically relevant methods. In addition, the information was mapped to analyze the spatial variability of the variables examined. Statistically significant patterns and relationships within the data have been identified through appropriate geospatial and statistical tests.

The data users of the Oklahoma Mesonet span a wide range of disciplines within the government, academia, and private sectors. The sites and variables requested also vary significantly. However, a vast number of data requests come after meteorological spring, due to higher numbers of severe event across the region, and also after other significant rainfall and wind events throughout the year. Results from this analysis can increase the efficiency of data processing and distribution of the Oklahoma Mesonet products.