Real Time Weather Station Data Quality Control Procedures in the Alberta Agriculture Drought Monitoring Network (AGDMN)

Quality controlled weather data is a key component of a modern agricultural and food industry and environmental protection program. In order to meet the need for real-time quality weather data in Alberta, the Alberta Agriculture Drought-Monitoring program initiated the development of a standard automated weather station network across Alberta, known as Agricultural Drought Monitoring Network (AGDMN). The network started with 21 stations in 2001, and has grown to 40 stations with ongoing expansion plan of adding 60 more stations. Alberta Agriculture also makes uses of historical and near real time reported weather data collected by different agencies in the province. Effective design and operation of a modern weather monitoring networks should take a systems approach that considers all aspect of the weather stations network system ranging from station sitting, operation, maintenance and quality data reporting that meets the needs of potential users. A science based, reliable quality control and assurance procedure is vital in delivering credible quality data the users. While establishing and implementing a science based quality control and assurance procedure it is important to build on the experience of existing networks. This paper discusses the quality control and assurance procedure adapted by AGDMN to secure a high quality standard for its weather data that meets research quality data to be delivered o to users online. The quality control procedure consists of field visits, manual inspection, and a comprehensive computer routines combined with human intervention.