The Field Systems Operations Center ASOS Dataset Library

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The Field Systems Operations Center ASOS Dataset
Library Chester V. Schmitt IV Field Systems
Operations Center, Office of Operational
Systems/NWS/NOAA, Silver Spring,
Maryland ABSTRACT
The Field Systems Operations Center (FSOC) ASOS
Dataset Library is a dynamic collection of raw
sensor data that has been collected from various
ASOS sites and formatted for use by the ASOS
simulator ASENSE. The purpose of the FSOC ASOS
Dataset Library is to thoroughly test ASOS
firmware and algorithm improvements, with
particular attention being paid to scenarios
which stress ASOS algorithms. The FSOC ASOS
Dataset Library is organized into cases based on
a cadre of meteorological events ranging from
clear skies to severe winter storms. Cases
generally range in duration from 2 to 8 hours
however there are cases of shorter and longer
duration. Each case is made up of a collection of
datasets from one or more ASOS sensors. Cases
contain 1 to 15 datasets, observations collected
from the ASOS for the event, test scenarios and
expected results based on the present software
baseline. To date, about 80 cases are contained
in the library, with more cases being added as
they occur.
Test Cases are classified according to season

• Data from ASOS sensors are collected from the
  site and formatted into datasets for use by ASOS
  simulators.
• Datasets are organized into test cases. Test
  cases are identified according to the date of
  the event and the location from which the data
  was collected.
• Test cases are made up of 1 to 15 datasets, and
  are generally 2 to 8 hours in duration.
• Cases also contain observations collected from
  the site, metadata describing the event and
  test procedures.

The test cases are organized according to ASOS
algorithm, so that a set of regression tests can
be easily designed according to the type of
software modification under test.

• Types of ASOS Algorithms
• Sky Condition
• Visibility variable visibility
• Temperature Dewpoint
• Wind
• Wind Character
• Present Weather
• Ice Accretion
• Blowing Snow
• Accumulated precipitation
• Thunderstorm
• Pressure
• Pressure Tendency

• Types of Datasets
• Pressure sensor
• Temperature/Dewpoint (HO83/1088)
• DTS1
• LEDWI (Present Wx)
• Visibility
• Ceilometer
• Wind sensor
• Freezing Rain sensor frequency
• AWPAG/Tipping Bucket
• Met Discon