Here we show an example of encoding meteorological observations from an ASCII file. We will encode SYNOP data provided in CVS format utilising BUFR utilising BUFR template 307092 which is for sub-hourly observations.
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In order to encode meteorological observations in BUFR format, first thing to do is to decide which BUFR template we should use. This can be done by investigating WMO BUFR Table D which provides information on list of common sequences. For example, let’s assume we want to BUFR encode sub-hourly data from an automatic weather station. As you can see from the below given screenshot of Table D, the suitable template for this is 3 07 092 which is BUFR template for surface observations from n-minute period.
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Next thing to do is to investigate the template to have a better understanding what parameters we can encode with the template. For this, we need to refer to WMO tables (which can be accessed here) which are
- Table B Classification of elements
- Table C Data description operators
- Table D List of common sequences
Table D defines sequence descriptors which are alias for a sequence of other descriptors. For example, one of the elements within the sequence 3 07 092 is Pressure having table reference value 0 07 004. As you can see from the Table B screenshot below, Table B provides detailed information on this element such as unit, scale, reference value and data width.
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