Abstract
The acquisition of meterological data for public use is often taken for granted. A recent consultation trip to Ecuador, South America demonstrated that this is not always true. Meteorological data acquistion in Ecuador is hindered by: 1) lack of meteorological expertise, 2) lack of media presentation, 3) lack of cooperation between existing weather stations, 4) an unwillingness of weather facilities to share data with the public and 5) a lack of dedication to data collection responsibilities. These hinderances are further compounded by lack of power and communication lines, power failures, civil unrest, and a slow, unreliable postal service. This report discusses these problems and how two communities are solving them. Short-range solutions lie in establishing small weather stations where they are needed the most. More long-range solutions lie with the introduction of weather data to radio broadcasts, and the establishment of the first provincial climate data center in Ecuador.
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Trapasso, L.M. Meteorological data acquisition in Ecuador, South America: problems and solutions. GeoJournal 12, 89–94 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213025