Proper calibration is a key operational requirement at observing stations
Reliable and accurate observational data are essential for all scientific application areas, especially weather forecasting, early warnings and climate monitoring. Proper calibration is a key operational requirement at observing stations operated by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). It is a fundamental activity to ensure that meteorological measurements are traceable to the International System of Units (SI). To help strengthen these capacities worldwide, the WMO has launched a new self-paced Training Course on Calibration on the WMO Moodle platform.
The course addresses growing demand from WMO Members for training in calibration, measurement uncertainty, uncertainty calculation and traceability. The figure below illustrates the structured learning path of the course. Participants start with the fundamentals of calibration and metrology module, which is mandatory, then proceed through selective modules covering the calibration of basic meteorological instruments. Quality management is the final module. A feedback form for each module is also available to gather comments and suggestions from trainees, contributing to continuous improvement of the course.
A badge is awarded upon successful completion of each module, including the lessons, corresponding quizzes and submission of the feedback form. A certificate is also awarded in calibration training after completion of all modules and submitting the overall course feedback.
The training is designed for NMHS staff responsible for instrument calibration and maintenance, calibration laboratory personnel at Regional Instrument Centres (RICs), instrument specialists, and other experts interested in calibration techniques. The course will help improve the skills of staff involved in calibration, promote knowledge-sharing and enhance the accuracy and credibility of meteorological data worldwide. It is publicly available at WMO Moodle , with open registration for all interested participants.
The new calibration course was developed by the Expert Team on Quality, Traceability and Calibration (ET-QTC) under the Standing Committee on Measurements, Instrumentation and Traceability (SC-MINT) of the Commission for Observation,
