Republic of Moldova

System of data collection and transmission from ground meteorological observation stations

Data collection system: To fulfill its basic tasks, the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS) is using 4 networks of data collection, processing and transmitting information:

1.  telegraph for common use (TG-OP);

2.  Internet;

3. "ADCS Meteocentre";

4. "UniMas".

1. The data collection system TG-OP is based on the use of obsolete technologies, so, in order to insure temporary correction of telegrams and automatic transmission to the Telecommunication Center, a wire modem "Alfa-Telex" is used, which represents the link between the telegraph channel dedicated to "Alpha-Telex" and personal computer. The totality of resources devoted to transmit data over telegraph "Alfa-Telex" is intended to ensure exchange of information in the national telegraph network AT-50. This system can be used for transmission of information via 2 telecommunication cable lines. "Alfa-Telex" modem is used at the same time with a personal computer (type IBM PC / AT), connected to it via RS-232C port.

The system has two modes of working: manual and automatic. All the data are received automatically. This data is stored in modem’s memory (64 Kbit) and after it can be processed through a personal computer and printed at any time. Its memory of flash type (64Kbit) provides data exchange protocol, calling processes and establish contacts. During the process of data completing, data from flash memory are stored in a separate file on paper carriers. For an automatic data transmission, that were calculated by a personal computer, all the data are stored in modem’s memory to be sent later. Subsequent processes, such as the selection of string of data given in accordance with the duration of transmission, connection settings, automatic response control and transmission, modem to be without the involvement of an operator via a personal computer. Thus, the computer may be disconnected.  

In a manual mode, "Alpha-Telex" is used in conjunction with a personal computer; in this case the printer serves as a usual telegraph device.

2. Internet is growing very rapidly, both in terms of area coverage and also in terms of quality and quantity of provided services. For now, none provides control of quality of internet services; the quality of internet services is suffering and may even be suspended. Therefore, use of Internet for data collection and dissemination of hydrometeorological information is possible only in those cases when there is no other alternative. But, the solution for this problem of quality of services, provided via Internet, has attracted worldwide intellectual potential to the immediate settlement of this issue. However, Internet is used for gathering and dissemination of non-operative data that particularly is dedicated to the use of end-users at a comfortable moment for them.

3. Automatic data collection system "Meteocentre"
ADCS Meteocentre's task is to perform monitoring of the meteorological conditions and to ensure its users (hydrometeorological institutions responsible for forecasting weather, local and major industries) with data on individual items in a variety of areas monitored by the system.
ADCS Meteocentre "is intended to:
 • Collection of data from ground observation network;
• Monitoring, data processing and analysis;
• Provide necessary information for users;
• Administration of registered databases;
• Display and print weather data received from ground observation network in form of maps.

The system is designed in a way so it can operate continuously and deliver data once per hour. The system allows continuous collection of data from land-based weather observation stations, "ADCS Meteocentre "can monitor changes in time, the main meteorological variables, including dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena and natural side effects. Collection of sensitive operational data from ground meteorological observation network is made through a system optimized for different data collection. "ADCS Meteocentre" can be used to collect sensitive data from stations that do not have automatic means of measuring, but the stations are equipped with an automated monitoring system (AIMS). "ADCS Meteocentre" can receive data from:
• Additional Networks of meteorological observation stations that are equipped with an automatic station (AU) MAWS;
• Hydrological posts, equipped with water level sensor that carries out measurements automatically.

4. UniMas
UniMas is a hardware-software system dedicated to the servicing of messages of the Telecommunication Centre at the regional level or communication terminals of the meteorological telecommunication network of SHS.

UniMas hardware consists of a personal computer, which establishes a terminal multiplexer for 4 or 8 ports. They are connected to peripheral devices such as wire converters, adapters, fax modems, printers, and etc. If a local network is present, network card is installed.

Software
UniMas system uses the Linux operating system. Weather data in the form of text can be submitted in UniMas through 2 channels (lines) or directly through the keyboard (in this case is used the corresponding function from the user interface). Received weather reports can be distributed through many distribution channels that support data routing table on the abbreviated title, depending on the type of data. Setting parameters include setting the shelf life, determining the size of the deposit in real time, the storage (up to several months) in the log in real time. UniMas software performs the following functions:
• Receiving and transmitting data via telephone or telegraph lines
• Receiving and sending telex subscriber via telegraph lines.
• Receive data from peripheral devices via the local computer.
• Secure data exchange with other computers on the TCP / IP network.
• Receive and transmit data via email.
• Monitoring, identifying and standardizing the size of incoming mail.
• Organize the registries and the records of the system.
• Receiving messages via SMS online messaging.
• Relay data in a certain order and a given periodicity.