The weather map is one of the most familiar images in the community. The best known map is the mean sea level analysis, compiled from hundreds of weather observations (synoptic data) taken simultaneously around the Australian region. It is seen daily on television and in the newspapers.

Its dominant features are the smooth, curving patterns of sea level isobars -- lines of equal atmospheric pressure -- which show the central elements of our weather systems: highs, lows (including tropical cyclones) and cold fronts. It incorporates the effects of atmospheric processes at higher levels.

Television and newspapers also often carry forecast weather maps which indicate how the weather patterns are expected to develop.

Meteorologists use a wide range of information and techniques to formulate weather forecasts. The weather map does not and cannot show all of these factors. It is a fairly simple representation of past and probable future locations of surface weather systems (highs, lows, fronts, etc.). Nevertheless it provides a useful guide to the weather.

Everyone benefits from a better understanding of the weather map, especially people whose activities are particularly weather-sensitive -- pilots, farmers, mariners, builders, outdoor sports enthusiasts -- who often find the maps valuable, sometimes essential, to enhance their understanding of media forecasts and help form their own ideas based on local experience.

• Preparing the weather map
• What do weather maps show?
• Typical weather map patterns
• Hot or cold?
• Rain or fine
• How strong will the winds be?
• Using weather charts

For further information contact the Bureau of Meteorology Regional Office in your State or Territory

Commonwealth of Australia 1993 Published by the Bureau of Meteorology 1993