High Quality And Most Updated Commission Management System

The Infrastructure Commission contributes to the development and implementation of globally coordinated systems for the collection, processing, transmission and dissemination of Earth system observations and related standards; coordinating the implementation and application of the results of standard analyzes and model forecasts; development and implementation of sound data and information management practices for all WMO Programs and related applications and services. The Commission's work covers all approved WMO application areas, which are listed in the Regular Review of Requirements, as well as updated and emerging requirements for observations, information and infrastructure.

The Commission shall promote the development of integrated systems to cover all areas of application, where possible, and shall ensure that these systems:

a) be user-oriented and provide Members with Earth system observations, processed data and related service products and information;

b) be usable, accessible and manageable during their lifetime to the full range of WMO Members;

c) be based on a modular and scalable structure to the extent possible;

d) rely fully on existing WMO standards and regulations and other relevant standards and regulations;

e) use and develop public-private partnerships where this is beneficial;

f) implement advanced optimal and appropriate technology;

g) based on user requirements developed in coordination with APSCOM and the Research Council;

h) Build on existing partnerships and networks among communities of practice within service areas that benefit WMO Members.

The activities of the Commission are carried out in accordance with the WMO Strategic Plan.

Special terms of reference

(a) Development and maintenance of WMO regulations relating to integrated observing systems, data transmission and dissemination systems, data management systems and data processing and forecasting systems, as specified in the WMO Technical Regulations:

i) coordinate the development of new systems and infrastructural regulations for areas of application related to its competence;
ii) develops and enhances the practical application of existing regulations;
iii) keep normative documents up to date by amending them regularly, if necessary;
iv) ensures the consistency of new and amended regulations across all areas of application;
v) reviews relevant scientific and technical developments to maintain the relevance of regulatory documents;
(vi) Attaches to recommendations for new and amended regulations an appropriate impact, cost-benefit and risk analysis.

b) General characteristics of the infrastructure and systems:

i) promotes a culture of adherence to standards and related regulations among all Members;
(ii) Further develop and expand the use of the Regular Review of Requirements (RRR) to assess user needs, assess available capabilities and develop gap bridging strategies to further improve the overall WMO system capacity;
(iii) Develop and disseminate a unified approach to data management across all WMO disciplines and applications;
(iv) Develop common methodologies for quality assurance of observations and other information products across all application areas;
v) actively seeks engagement with Earth system observational data providers from all relevant government agencies, international organizations, the private sector and academia.

c) assisting Members in strengthening the capacity of their systems and in ensuring the effective implementation and enforcement of:

i) consult with regional associations and Members to identify needs for improved surveillance, data communication and data management services and to develop necessary implementation strategies;
ii) consults with regional associations to identify experts who may participate in the work of technical commission groups to promote the implementation and acceptance of evolving services and applications, standards and regulations at the national and regional levels;
iii) simplifies the implementation of systems within its competence at the regional and national levels by developing reference materials consistent with new and amended regulations;
iv) in consultation with the regional associations, identify the needs of Members to help build their capacity, provide appropriate guidance and provide training activities, including training;
(v) Propose pilot and demonstration projects as needed;
(vi) Facilitates the transfer of knowledge by facilitating relevant activities and through communication and outreach;
vii) provide standards and regulations for the basic measurement of water quantity, water quality and sediment variables (subject to recommendations from CHy-Ext.);
viii) Contribute to the presentation of the technical aspects of the System for assessing the current hydrological situation and its outlook and the preparation of a report on the state of water resources (depending on the recommendations of CHy-Ext.).

d) cooperation and partnership:

i) establishes close coordination and effective mechanisms of interaction with the Commission for Weather, Climate, Water and Related Environmental Services and Applications (APSCOM) and relevant international organizations operating in the field of meteorological, hydrological, climatological and other environmental observations, information and infrastructure;
(ii) Establish and maintain close collaboration and coordination with the WMO co-sponsored system and programs and other major international observing programs and initiatives;
iii) Establish, in collaboration with the Research Board, consultative mechanisms with relevant scientific and operational user organizations to seek feedback and advice (eg ECMWF, EUMETSAT, EUMETNET, UNFCCC and FAO) on the capabilities of the systems;
(iv) Explore opportunities to raise resources through the establishment of joint, including inter-agency, bodies and projects to address common areas related to systems development.

Composition

The composition of the Commission is determined by regulation 143 of the General Regulations.

Participation of leading technical experts in Earth system observations, information management and forecasting in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, climatology, oceanography and atmospheric environment, and other areas of competence, shall be provided by Members.

The United Nations, international organizations and WMO private partners may be invited to nominate technical experts in their fields of specialization to participate in the work of the Commission in accordance with General Regulation 143.

Working Procedures

The Commission elects a President and Vice President(s) from among the experts on the Commission.