• Meteorological and Related Data and Products
• Highlights
• Resource Use
• Performance
• Observational Data
• Processed Data and Products

Meteorological and Related Data and Products is the major output of the Bureau’s basic observation, communications and data processing systems and is delivered through two component outputs:

• observational data;
• and processed data and products.

The basic systems that deliver this major output also provide the common foundation on which virtually all the research, services and international outputs of the Bureau depend. The observation system includes a Bureau-staffed surface and upper-air network of 50 stations, a surface network of over 800 synoptic observation stations, some 6000 volunteer rainfall observing stations and a range of other specialised networks and facilities such as weather watch radar, flood warning, lightning detection, drifting buoys, solar and terrestrial radiation, ozone and satellite data reception. The communications system consists of an integrated network of satellite, radio, facsimile and computer facilities for data collection and forecast and warning dissemination. The major analysis and prediction centres are the National Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Centre (NMOC) in Melbourne and the seven Regional Forecasting Centres, one in each State and the Northern Territory. Engineering, workshop and computing facilities that constitute an integral part of the observation, data collection and processing systems in the Bureau Head Office and the Regions are also key contributors to the output. These facilities include the joint Bureau-CSIRO High Performance Computing and Communications Centre (HPCCC).

National planning, management and coordination of the individual systems and activities, together with a number of central operations functions, reside with the Observations and Engineering Branch and the Central Operations and Systems Branch in the Bureau Head Office. The remaining operational activities are the responsibility of the Regional Offices and Field Meteorological Offices in each State and the Northern Territory.

To ensure the effective output of meteorological and related data and products, particular attention is given to regular monitoring and review of the Bureau’s basic technical systems, the replacement of obsolescent systems and the introduction of new technologies via an ongoing re-equipment program, and regular liaison with users of the data and products of the basic systems to ensure their continued appropriateness and effectiveness.