Australian Bureau of Meteorology Station Metadata Sites Db

Australian Bureau of Meteorology Station Metadata “Sites. Db” Karl Monnik Technical & Field Support Observations & Engineering Program

What is Sites. Db ? n The Bureau’s Corporate Database of Site Specific Information (Metadata). n n n Lat, Long, Name, Environment, Photos, Identifiers … etc Equip type/make, S/N, Replacements, Last check, Faults … etc What Sites. Db provides n Network Definitions and Structures – hierarchy eg Basic Observing System n Network Costing – eg Cooperative Observer funds management Network Performance – eg AWS, EFB, Upper Air performance Auditing Information – location and history of major equipment assets Fault Reporting & Notification – web and email integration Maintenance Management - Maintenance Scheduling, Configuration info n Quality Monitoring – n Asset Management – n n etc. frequency eg performance checks, inspection & maintenance eg Age Profiles etc.

Why was it developed? n n n Bureau’s corporate repository of station specific metadata and directly supports a variety of station and network management processes. Developed out of necessity - number of disparate sources of station information - paper files, databases, spreadsheets, diaries, knowledge held by individuals, etc Operational since 1997 – integrated into the Bureau’s daily operations and underpins management reporting and strategy. Integral part of the Bureau’s Data Management and end-to-end information flow. Not just historical station metadata - many station and network management functions.

Sites. Db Project Objectives n n n Provide an accurate and unified database of current and historical information (metadata) relating to Bureau Observation Sites. Directly support the Climate Archive and assist with Observations, Engineering and Hydrology program functions. Provide an accurate source of data from which other systems can update common information (AIFS dictionaries etc). Replace many of the functions of paper Station Files, (registration of new stations, station inspections etc. ) Integrate information across: n n Equipment n n Station details Observation program Satisfy both operational needs and historical record keeping

What are the Sites. Db System Components ? Front End Tools Maintain Sites. Db Web Browser Browse WEB Server Client Server Query Store Report Oracle Application Server Discuss / Resolve Facts Table • • • Oracle Database Forums • Approx 200 users maintaining data Approx 200 K entries last 12 months Storing 60 K documents (objects) 30 K to 60 K hits per month Access to over 150 dynamic reports Many forums - help /discuss /resolve

How is Sites. Db Used ? Front End Tools Regional AIFS International Stations NMOC Dictionary Australian Stations Maintain Data (200) Observations Engineering Hydrology Specialist HO users Sites. Db OTHER Databases ROCS etc Station Details CMSS Monitoring AWS Reporting Metadata ADAM Climate Archive Climate data Obs / Eng Marine & Hydro Programs Network Management Fault Reporting Annual Reports International Reports Audits Performance Indicators Planning Quality Control Spares Management Annual Stationery CMSS Station History Sensor Types/Replacements Performance Checks Faults Research Activities Data Records Financial & Asset Reference Info to assist FMS Manage Climate Products Radar Metadata Hydro Met & BMRC Rainfall Ground truth Financial and Asset Reports

Initial interface

Sites. DB Basic Structure Comments Contacts Actions Stationery Station Details Inspections Objects Programs Perf Check Systems Equipment Equip_type Sub-Equip Comms Actions

Sites. Db Table Relationships

Station details

Station objects/image

Station siting

Sites. Db components

Parent & child relationship Hierarchical relationship where the child equipment requires any parent equipment to operate.

Equipment and sub-equipment Equipment subequipment describes components of equipment based on four requirements; 1. Fault reporting 2. Configuration management 3. Equipment tracking 4. Spares management Sub-equipment moves with equipment.

Sites. Db components Field Performance checks

System & Equipment n 16/02/1955 - INSTALL - (bbeggs) Barometer (Type Kew pattern mercury S/N - 1769) Surface Observations n 16/02/1955 - INSTALL - (bbeggs) Barometer (Type Kew pattern mercury S/N - 1846) Surface Observations n 07/05/1992 - INSTALL - (akn) Barometer (Type Vaisala PA 11 A S/N - 458180) Surface Observations n 01/07/1992 - REMOVE - (bbeggs) Barometer (Type Kew pattern mercury S/N - 1846) Surface Observations n 01/12/1996 - REMOVE - (bbeggs) Barometer (Type Kew pattern mercury S/N - 1769) Surface Observations n 16/12/2002 - REMOVE - (akn) Barometer (Type Vaisala PA 11 A S/N - 458180) Surface Observations n 17/12/2002 - INSTALL - (akn) Barometer (Type Vaisala PTB 220 B S/N - W 4920008) Surface Observations

Inspections record

What is an Action? n An ‘Action’ is anything that is either done or requires doing at the station. (including investigation of questionable data) n n n It is attributed to either the Station or to a specific piece of equipment. It is cleared once completed. A significant amount of information (metadata) is entered on clearing. This detail is historically stored & able to be queried. Actions are ended when an ‘end-date’ is entered

Actions Entered/Registered by officers with Data Entry Privileges only.

Actions

Comments

Keeping Sites. Db updated: Typical Technician Workflow

How does Sites. Db assist Climate? n Sources of inhomogeneity: n n n 1. Changes in location 2. Changes in instrumentation 3. Changes in exposure or environment 4. Changes in observation practice 5. Changes in data processing All are recorded in Sites. Db

Conclusion n n Station metadata – broad range of operational information Historical record of all aspects of station environment & equipment Combines disparate sources of information Provides tools for managers and staff to manage daily program, prioritise, record, report