Global Data Processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS)

1. Organisation Météorologique MondialePour une collaboration active dans le domaine du temps, du climat et de l’eau OMM Operating principles of the WMO Global Data Processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) Bernard Strauss Chair, CBS OPAG on DPFS

2. The Global Data Processing and Forecasting System • A world wide network of operational meteorological centres, delivering a wide range of products for applications related to weather, climate, water and environment • GDPFS functions, organizational structure and operations are designed in accordance with Members' needs and their ability to contribute to, and benefit from, the system • Among the key objectives: => To facilitate cooperation and exchange of information => To contribute to capacity building

3. The Global Data Processing and Forecasting System • This is achieved through: • Making available NWP products (analysis and forecast, incl. probabilistic information) and climate modelling and prediction information • Making available specialized products tailored for specific applications • Ensuring that the additional information necessary for an appropriate use of the products is available, including: • Systems and products description and characteristics • Verification and monitoring results

4. The Global Data Processing and Forecasting System • The GDPFS is a results-oriented structure • It provides a framework to ensure that products and services are delivered according to stated user requirements, agreed at the appropriate level, on operational quality and reliability • GDPFS centres are committed to perform specific operational activities and to make other centres benefit from them as required • How to ensure operational quality, reliability, sustainability? • Apply QM principles

5. - Overall specification of activities • General purpose activities • Specialized activities • Coordination activities Global NWP Limited area NWP Global ensemble prediction Limited area ensemble prediction Nowcasting Wave and storm surges numerical forecasting Seasonal and climate numerical prediction (GPC business)

6. - Overall specification of activities • General purpose activities • Specialized activities • Coordination activities Coordination of high impact weather forecasts (cf. SWFDP) Tropical Cyclone forecasting Climate prediction and information (RCC business) Generation of LRF MME products Volcanic ash warning and prediction for aviation Response to Marine Environmental Emergencies Response to Nuclear Environmental Emergencies Response to non-nuclear Environmental Emergencies SDS-WAS …

7. - Overall specification of activities • General purpose activities • Specialized activities • Coordination activities ‘Lead centres’ Coordination of deterministic NWP verification results Coordination of EPS verification results Coordination of LRF verification results Coordination of wave forecast verification Coordination of GOS observation monitoring results (surface, upper-air, etc.) Coordination of GCOS observation monitoring results results (GSN and GUAN) …

8. - Detailed specifications • Minimum requirements • Specific requirements • Procedures for modifications All activities are supposed to include: • Product dissemination • Product verification • Provision of up-to-date documentation • Reporting on compliance

9. Documentation on system and products must be provided (preferably on a website) and kept up-to-date • Reporting on compliance preferably by maintaining appropriate up-to-date status of implementation information available on a web site

10. - Detailed specifications • Minimum requirements • Specific requirements • Procedures for modifications The required functions and implied commitments are explicitly defined (and approved by EC) for every type of activity - Mandatory functions - Mandatory product dissemination via the WIS - Mandatory verification results e.g. for GPCs: SVS-LRF - Mandatory status of implementation information - Additional recommended functions and products

11. - Detailed specifications • Minimum requirements • Specific requirements • Procedures for modifications For every activity: • Indication of the body responsible for defining the requirements • Indication of the body responsible for monitoring compliance In case of joint responsibility: • Indication of the coordination mechanism e.g. for RCCs: joint CCl - CBS/DPFS task team

12. Coordination with other systems or programmes • WIGOS = input data provider • WIS = means of exchanging data ('discover / access / retrieve') • GISC / DCPC / NC functions have nothing to do with GDPFS functions => an operational centre must be WIS compliant and GDPFS compliant

13. Coordination with other systems or programmes • In many cases GDPFS centres operate systems developed under another structure or programme, either by WMO on its own or jointly with other international organizations • RSMCs responsible for transport model products for nuclear emergency response • VAACs • GPCs and RCCs • …

14. Coordination with other systems or programmes • Coordination mechanism needed to ensure that the regulations cover both: • The specific requirements defined by the relevant structure • CCl for the RCCs • The general GDPFS criteria regarding operational quality, reliability etc.

15. About 2 questions raised in previous sessions • ‘What we produce’ is more important than ‘How we produce’ • Cf. discussion on RCC, RCC network, network of RCCs…: several organizations are possible, as long as the mandatory production and information requirements are met • => Tasks and responsibilities must be clearly defined • E.g. in case of network., identify focal point for users • However, a reasonable degree of efficiency is required for sustainability (if anything) • The question of compliance • Technical aspect: make clear and informative compliance reporting available • Political aspect: action in case of persistant non-compliance?

16. The decision process • Technical requirements (incl. designation criteria) • Defined by relevant Expert Team(s) • Approved by CBS + relevant Technical Commission(s) • Decided by Congress/EC • Centres designations • Proposed by relevant Expert Team(s) • Recommended by CBS • Decided by EC