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WIGOS metadata information model

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Franziska Stürzl edited this page Feb 10, 2021 · 3 revisions

To evolve the WMDR UML model (documentation), a coherent definition of terminology is needed. The objective of the WMDS is to describe observations comprehensively, to 'enable adequate use of observations'. The WMDS was developed with this in mind. Going back to the basics, we need to agree on the metadata elements relevant to meet this objective, compare the existing WMDS against them, and expand, or perhaps in part better define terms in use in the WMDS. We can draw inspiration from the existing approaches by others.

The WMDR must be compliant with ISO 19156 (Geographic information — Observations and measurements). An observation is an act that results in the estimation of the value of a feature property, and involves application of a specified procedure, such as a sensor, instrument, algorithm or process chain. The procedure may be applied in-situ, remotely, or ex-situ with respect to the sampling location. Use of a common model for observation metadata allows data to be combined unambiguously, across discipline boundaries. Observation details are also important for data discovery and for data quality estimation. An observation is defined in terms of the set of properties that support these applications.

Feature property, examples:

  • Temperature of the atmosphere at a specified distance from the ground
  • Mole fraction of sodium in the upper ocean
  • Cloud type
  • Mass concentration of sulphate in the PM1 to PM2.5 size range of ambient aerosol in the free troposhere

O&M (Observations and Measurements) defines a core set of properties for an observation:

  • feature of interest, e.g., the free troposphere
  • observed property, e.g., Mass concentration of sulphate in the PM1 to PM2.5 size range of ambient aerosol
  • procedure – the instrument, algorithm or process used (which may be described using SensorML)
  • phenomenon time – the real-world time associated with the result
  • result
  • result time – the time when the result was generated
  • valid time – the period during which the result may be used

The WMDR should be aligned with INSPIRE, an EU directive providing a framework for a spatial data infrastructure.

Useful links:

TT-WIGOSMD Official WMO Page

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