Information Technology Implementation Decisions to Support the Kentucky Mesonet

The Kentucky Mesonet is a high-density, mesoscale network of automated meteorological and climatological sensing platforms being developed across the commonwealth. Data communications, collection, processing, and delivery mechanisms play a critical role in such networks, and the World Meteorological Organization recognizes that “an observing system is not complete unless it is connected to other systems that deliver the data to the users.” This document reviews the implementation steps, decisions, and rationale surrounding communications and computing infrastructure development to support the Mesonet. A general overview of the network and technology-related research is provided followed by a review of pertinent literature related to in situ sensing network technology. Initial infrastructure design considerations are then examined followed by an in-depth review of the Mesonet communications and computing architecture. Finally, some general benefits of the Mesonet to the citizens of Kentucky are highlighted.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Geoscience

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Geography and Geology

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Grogan, D. Michael

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Rezaul Mahmood (Director), Dr. Stuart A. Foster, Dr. James Gary, Dr. Gregory Goodrich

• meteorological sensing platform
• Kentucky climatology
• climatological sensing platform
• data transmission systems
• automatic meteorological stations
• Climate
• Databases and Information Systems
• Environmental Monitoring
• Meteorology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/171

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-1172