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Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism
MINISTRY
WMO RA1 Workshop on Automatic Station (AWS) networks: the challenges of Automation Of Meteorological Observation, Windhoek , Namibia November 2018
Botswana’s presentation presented by: Phorego Morwamang

2. OUTLINE Introduction Automation status of surface observing network
Experience and lessons learned
Issues and challenges
Needs
Expectations from the workshop
Conclusion

3. INTRODUCTION DMS Mission and Vision MISSION VISION
The Department of Meteorological Services exists to provide quality meteorological information and advisory services for the protection of life and property and for sustainable development.
VISION
A modern weather service that nurtures and harbours innovation and creativity in the provision of quality weather and climate information.

4. AUTOMATION STATUS OF SURFACE OBSERVING NETWORK IN BOTSWANA
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AUTOMATION STATUS OF SURFACE OBSERVING NETWORK IN BOTSWANA
The Botswana Meteorological Services (BMS) has a network of 23 AWS across the country.
15 acquired through Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) project
From the 15 AWS ten (10) transmit data through GSM, and five (5) transmit through satellite
6 AWS purchased by BMS
2 were donated by Botswana Power Corporation
In addition to 23 AWS BMS has 4 AWOS
BMS has automated about 30 rainfall stations

5. AWSs INSTALLED THROUGH SASSCAL

6. BMS AWS NETWORK

7. DMS AUTOMATED SYSTEM
Goodhope AWS and Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) at HQ

9. SENSORS

10. AWS measured parameters
Air temperature
Humidity
Soil temperature (30cm)
Wind (direction and speed)
Atmospheric pressure
Solar Radiation
Precipitation
Leaf Wetness sensor
15min averages and instantaneous measurements
*Other parameters can be deduced from the above e.g. evaporation, dew point temperature etc

11. EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED
AWS needs frequent maintenance to minimise faults
AWS are cheaper compared to manual Stations. E.g. setting up an AWS is less costly compared to a manned station.
Data quality is not dependent on the observer (reduces or eliminates human error)
Stations may be erected in remote areas
Data is available even out of normal working hours
The quality of data is available almost on real time basis which can be used for weather forecasting purpose / Disaster management etc.
Station status can be monitored at a centralized location
The frequency of the data can be increased as per the need of the user.

12. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
The loss of data due to sabotage (Theft of solar panel, Battery etc.).
Loss of data due to poor or unavailability of network service
Natural causes (destruction by wild animals or veld fires)
Shortage of resources (funds, transport) for regular maintenance
Site hosts tend to develop the area within a short period hence compromising the standards
Loss of data bundles due to unauthorized external access.
Difficulty in troubleshooting transmission due to complicated data path.
Inadequate training on AWS systems

13. DATA FLOW FROM AWS

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15. NEEDS Independent network path from the Government Domain Network.
Dedicated maintenance budget
Expect training on AWS systems
There is need for more AWS network for increased coverage
We need a centralised real time AWS monitoring system
Capacity building – data management, engineers/technicians

16. Expectations from the workshop
Capacity building and training of maintenance personnel
Funding
By the end of the workshop we will have solution to some of the challenges

17. CONCLUSION
Spatial coverage is still a problem, especially in the Desert
Additional funding is needed to enable regular maintenance of AWS

18. THANK YOU KE A LEBOGA