AASC Mesonet Recognition Program

The American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) has designed this Mesonet Recognition Program to recognize those data providers that can be relied upon to provide high-quality, timely (near real-time), and relevant weather and climate data. These data providers are so recognized for their:

1. Consistently high level of excellence for data quality and maintenance, and
2. Their efforts to follow and adopt the latest scientific best practices and guidelines in the collection, processing, archival and dissemination of environmental data.

The goals of the program are to:

• Promote a standard of excellence for the collection, processing, archiving, and dissemination of high-quality weather and climate data.
• Recognize mesonets adhering to high-quality data standards and best practices.
• Provide an independent assessment of the quality and maintenance of mesonets used for public service.
• Provide users of weather and climate information with a list of research-quality networks.
• Provide mesonets with constructive ideas to improve performance.

AASC Mesonet Recognition is provided to those mesonets that, to the best of their ability, follow the principles and guidelines described in the AASC’s Recommendations and Best Practices for Mesonets. The recognition criteria are based upon five general categories:

1. Station siting;
2. Sensor performance;
3. Station maintenance;
4. Quality assurance and quality control; and
5. End-to-end services.

• Level 1: Network has demonstrated little or no evidence that it is following the ideals set forth in the AASC's Recommendations and Best Practices for Mesonets guide.
• Level 2: Network has provided substantial evidence of operational excellence but is lacking in some areas that are necessary for recognition
• Level 3: Network has demonstrated a satisfactory level of operational excellence in order to be recognized by the AASC.
• Level 4: Network has exceeded the required level of operational excellence and has implemented systems and procedures that go above and beyond what is required for recognition.
• Level 5: Network is on the forefront of developing operational standards and best practices and has demonstrated a capability that far exceeds what is required for recognition.

The AASC’s Mesonet Recognition Program evaluation process is designed to accomplish two primary goals: 1) determine if the applicant network has met the requirements for recognition by the AASC, and 2) provide recommendations for further improvement and development of the applicant network. In this way, the network seeking recognition not only is able to potentially receive recognition from the AASC for operational excellence but also identify ways to improve their network and meet the ideals set forth in the AASC’s Recommendations and Best Practices for Mesonets document.

The Chair will create a folder on the AASC Google Drive where you will submit your application materials. Applicants will complete the Recognition Application found in Appendix B and then upload the application and supporting materials to the designated folder.

Applications are accepted anytime and will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. No fee is required to apply for recognition. The volunteer committee will strive to complete the review within 12 months of receipt of an application but may need longer when the volume of recognition applications is large. Networks that apply and fail to be recognized may apply again as soon as they believe they have addressed all deficiencies identified in the previous review. There is no limit on the number of times a network can apply to be recognized. Mesonets will be recognized in batches, and failure to receive recognition will not be made public.

Upon receiving a network applicant's materials, those materials will be independently reviewed by three members of the AASC Mesonet Recognition Review Committee. Upon completing a review of a network, the AASC Mesonet Recognition Review Committee Chair shall notify the network in writing with the following information:

• A synopsis describing the basis of the committee’s final decision (pass or fail) of the network’s application to be recognized.
• A copy of each independent reviewer's comments and recognition program scores. Information shall be shared with the applicant network in such a way as to keep each reviewer’s identity confidential.

The AASC Mesonet Recognition Committee shall consist of 5 members, the majority of whom shall be affiliated with a mesonet. Initial membership of the Mesonet Recognition Committee shall be chosen by the AASC Executive Committee. Vacancies after the initial creation of the Mesonet Recognition Committee shall be filled by the Committee itself. If a committee member is unable to complete the entirety of their three-year term, the remaining members of the Committee will select another qualified individual to serve on the Committee.