Information Technology Implementation Decisions to Support the Kentucky Mesonet

The Kentucky Mesonet is a high-density, mesoscale network of automated meteorological and climatological sensing platforms being developed across the commonwealth. Data communications, collection, processing, and delivery mechanisms play a critical role in such networks, and the World Meteorological Organization recognizes that “an observing system is not complete unless it is connected to other systems that deliver the data to the users.” This document reviews the implementation steps, decisions, and rationale surrounding communications and computing infrastructure development to support the Mesonet. A general overview of the network and technology-related research is provided followed by a review of pertinent literature related to in situ sensing network technology. Initial infrastructure design considerations are then examined followed by an in-depth review of the Mesonet communications and computing architecture. Finally, some general benefits of the Mesonet to the citizens of Kentucky are highlighted