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Facilitating Access to Global Observing Systems Data and Information

GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN)

Data Access

Data availability: GUAN Data are available online at the NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

GUAN Program Overview

Updated December 16, 2009

Access the Databases


Data Management Procedures

  • Original data, quality-controlled data, and bias-adjusted data (from any instrument or network) are all to be retained, along with flags indicating quality and source of data. (For radiosondes, these requirements apply to all stations, not just GUAN).
  • NCDC no longer maintains and distributes data from the Comprehensive Aerological Reference Data Set (CARDS). It has been superceded by the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA).  IGRA consists of radiosonde and pilot balloon observations at over 1500 globally distributed stations (map).

Data Flow

The data flow for GUAN begins with national centers that collect and submit the data to the international system. International centers perform quality control on the data, prepare data products for users, and archive it for future users. Some of these international centers prepare routine reports on the performance of the system. The GUAN data flow diagram documents these activities and responsibilities.


Additional Information

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