When new advanced satellite systems are introduced, user support and training are crucial to ensuring the optimal operational use of data and products.
The new generation of satellites is bringing significant enhancements to the satellite-based products and services delivered by WMO Members, provided that users are able to fully benefit from them. Ingesting new data types into operational schemes, with overall data volumes one order of magnitude higher than today, has a major impact on user infrastructure, systems, applications and services, and requires coordinated action at scientific, technical, financial, organisational and educational levels. Timely and careful preparation by satellite data users is essential to avoid any disruption to operations during the transition to these new systems, and to ensure that Members can take advantage of the new capabilities effectively and as early as possible. CGMS strives to coordinate the activities of its members in this regard, to ensure that the global user community is well prepared for the new satellites.
To support this objective, a set of Best Practices for Achieving User Readiness for New Meteorological Satellites has been developed by CGMS space agencies and WMO. CGMS members report to Working Group IV on the implementation of the Best Practices for ongoing satellite programmes, and areas for coordinated action are identified where appropriate.
Furthermore, CGMS and WMO have established the WMO-CGMS Virtual Laboratory (VLab), a global network dedicated to strengthening the use of satellite data and products in weather, climate and environmental services across WMO Members. VLab connects Centres of Excellence and satellite operators around the world to deliver training, share expertise and build capacity. Through online resources, workshops and collaborative initiatives, it empowers meteorological professionals worldwide to make better use of satellite observations for forecasting and analysis, and helps ensure the operational uptake of new satellite systems and services.