Weather monitoring is more important than ever to both public safety and business continuity. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of stations and sensors, so anybody can achieve their monitoring goals at a scale, price point, and degree of precision that works for them.
Our latest addition to that lineup is the WMO- and ICAO-compliant AEM Apex Automated Weather Station (AWS). As its name suggests, the Apex represents AEM’s top-of-the-line offering. It combines several precision sensors from our LAMBRECHT meteo brand with the AEM Elements® 360 application to provide total real-time and ongoing meteorological awareness.
Moving forward, we’ll explore…
- The array of environmental sensors that makes up the Apex AWS
- The applications the station was specifically designed to serve
- What it means for the Apex to be WMO- and ICAO-compliant
What sensors are included in the Apex AWS?
THP[pro]
T is for temperature. H is for humidity. P is for pressure. [pro] means it’s ready for any measurement campaign in any deployment setting.
The THP[pro] enables the AEM Apex to measure all three environmental parameters in real time using a single compact sensor. With its protective shelter in place, the THP[pro] can deliver accurate, reliable data during any season.
rain[e] weighing precipitation monitoring sensor
The rain[e] is an incredibly precise weighing precipitation sensor that enables high-accuracy measurement of all precipitation types, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. It also contains a traditional tipping bucket mechanism, which builds a second layer of validation into all the data the rain[e] gathers.
The sensor is self-emptying, and a self-heating model is also available to prevent the rain[e] from freezing up in winter weather conditions. That means reliable measurement, no matter what kind of precipitation you’re getting or how intense it is. That level of 24/7/365 reliability sets it apart from any other method for measuring rainfall or snow.
[u]sonic wind sensor
The u[sonic] sits atop the Apex’s mast to measure wind speed and direction without any moving parts. Ultrasonic measurement significantly reduces maintenance and ensures data remains reliable over time, as there are no anemometer cups to break or bearings to wear out.
sun[e] pyranometer
The sun[e] observes and quantifies solar radiation using a thermopile. That means it converts the sun’s rays into a measurable electric current. According to the ISO 9060 standard, the sun[e] is a secondary standard or Class A pyranometer, putting it in the highest tier of accuracy among radiation sensors.
What applications is the Apex weather station designed for?
The Apex was specifically created to serve a range of scientists and safety professionals who need incredibly accurate and reliable weather data collection to get the job done right. That includes people working in…
- Climate research: WMO compliance means the Apex gathers truly research-grade weather data that can be used to make a difference in the world.
- Weather forecasting: The Apex has the ability to significantly upgrade forecasting capacity for public and private meteorologists alike, improving severe weather readiness.
- Regional mesonet creation: Universities and agricultural co-ops can use the Apex to create high-accuracy weather networks that provide data farmers can rely on.
- Operational safety for businesses: ICAO compliance means the Apex is capable of supporting critical airport safety operations. It’s also useful in utility and other contexts, where protecting both workers and infrastructure from the weather is crucial.
- Disaster preparedness & management: Apex networks provide a wealth of data that local leaders, emergency managers, and supporting agencies can use to understand both where their biggest risks lie and what to do moment-to-moment during a severe weather event.
What does it mean to be WMO-compliant?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) establishes strict standards for climate and weather observations in order to protect the integrity of their datasets. Those standards include requirements around topics like…
- How many parameters a station must measure
- How to ensure each station is sited properly
- How monitoring networks are structured and managed
- How observations are documented and timestamped
- Documenting change management procedures to prevent disruptions
The Apex Automated Weather Station was specifically designed to meet the WMO’s standards for measurement and data transmission/integrity, which means it can be used in any official weather or climate study.
What does it mean to be ICAO-compliant?
The International Civilian Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets out weather forecasting and data requirements for countries participating in international civilian air travel as part of their International Standards and Recommended Practices. All 193 member states contracting with ICAO must provide sufficient accurate data to make aviation safe, including forecast information on a variety of weather factors, like…
- Upper wind
- Upper-air temperature and humidity
- Direction, speed, and level of maximum winds
- Icing
Every ICAO member state also needs to establish a meteorological watch office to maintain real-time awareness of weather conditions that could affect air travel. The Apex helps achieve both of those goals, providing a richer foundation of data for reliable forecasting and more accurate real-time intelligence to ensure ongoing safety.
Interested in learning more about the Apex Automated Weather Station?
Do you need research quality data to improve or protect your community? Are you on a mission to improve weather intelligence for pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers? Does data accuracy mean everything to your work? If so, the Apex AWS might be for you.
To get more information on the Apex, you can download our product sheet or talk to an AEM specialist to understand which station in our line best fits your needs.