What is critical to consider when installing RAWS equipment?

When installing RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Stations) equipment, proper siting is critical to ensure that the data collected is both accurate and representative of the surrounding environment. This entails positioning the equipment away from any obstructions, such as buildings, trees, or other structures that could interfere with meteorological readings. For instance, wind measurements can be skewed by nearby obstacles, causing inaccuracies in data that are fundamental to forecasting and analysis.

Additionally, the siting must take into account factors such as the local topography and typical atmospheric conditions, which can significantly influence the accuracy and reliability of the observations made by the RAWS. Collecting representative data is essential for effective decision-making, especially in critical scenarios like wildfire management, where precise weather information can impact safety and operational strategies.

While aspects like cost, trained personnel, and internet access are certainly important considerations in the broader context of RAWS installation and operation, they do not directly impact the fundamental goal of obtaining accurate and reliable meteorological data, which is core to the function of RAWS equipment.