PROPER EXPOSURE OF METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS
Generally recognized guidelines follow which depict "ideal" sensor mounting locations. These guidelines or "rules of thumb" are only suggestive in nature in an attempt to aid the user to selecting optimum representative sampling locations for a particular sensor.
Reference was made to US Weather Bureau Installation criteria in preparing this data (See Reference 1).
WIND EQUIPMENT:
So far as available sites permit, wind sensors should be placed above the ground on a
Wind direction sensors are oriented upon installation in reference to either true north or magnetic north. True north is obtained by applying a local magnetic variation correction factor to a magnetic north compass indication (magnetic variation for a particular locality is obtainable from the nearest Weather Bureau Branch Office). Indicator readings for a true north sensor orientation will then be in terms of true geographic compass points. All U.S. Weather Bureau surface wind data used for observational network reporting purposes and general public use is given in reference to this true north format. Indicator readings for a magnetic north sensor orientation will be in terms of actual readings as would be obtained from directly viewing a magnetic compass instrument. Wind direction data at Federal Aviation Agency and other aircraft reporting facilities (for direct control
REMOTE TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSORS AND INSTRUMENT SHELTERS:
Whenever possible, instrument shelters* as well as remote temperature and/or humidity sensors should be installed at a height of 4 feet (or greater) over earth or sod at least 100 feet from any concrete or other hard- surfaced area and not closer to any other object than four times the height of the object above the instrument shelter or remote sensors. Avoid roof installations if possible. If it is necessary to
*Standard U.S. Weather Bureau