SwissMetNet stands for the network of ground-based automatic weather stations operated by MeteoSwiss. On completion of the project in 2013, over 130 stations will be capable of transmitting a wide range of meteorological parameters every 10 minutes to various users of meteorological data. This new standardized monitoring network is equipped with precise measuring instruments and the very latest communications technology. Establishing and operating a monitoring network of this sort represents a particularly major challenge in Switzerland with its complex topography and tough weather conditions.
The SwissMetNet (SMN)Until recently, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, operated several monitoring networks, each with different objectives, measuring equipment and technologies. These included not just the automatic monitoring networks, ANETZ and ENET, but also the conventional climate and weather stations (KLIMA), manned by human observers. These monitoring networks no longer meet the latest technological standards. In collaboration with its customers and partners, MeteoSwiss has developed a new monitoring concept which the SwissMetNet project is currently implementing.
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The first SMN station in Aigle. This fully-equipped monitoring station was established in 2003. SMN_Aigle.jpg, 191 KB |
Stages in the establishment of SwissMetNet
The two-phase practical implementation of SwissMetNet:
SMN I (2003-2009):
During this first phase, the stations which formed the automatic monitoring network (ANETZ) were transferred to the new SwissMetNet. The first SMN station was constructed in Aigle in 2003 (see illustration above). The construction of the final SMN I station in Piotta marked the conclusion of the transformation of ANETZ into SwissMetNet 2009. An information event was arranged in Berne in April 2010 to celebrate the successful completion of this first phase.
SMN II (2009-2013):
The second SwissMetNet stage involves upgrading the wind monitoring stations of the extended monitoring network (ENET) and the conventional weather and climate stations (KLIMA) into SMN stations. Most ENET stations used for storm warnings can be replaced on the same sites, whereas automating and continuing to operate the conventional KLIMA stations generally requires detailed site studies. This second stage began with the replacement of the ENET station on the military training area in Bière (Canton Vaud) at the end of 2009 and will be complete in 2013.
General location map of the SMN I and SMN II stations:
Further information is available from:
Measuring instruments of SwissMetNet
Network of SwissMetNet stations
The information event held at the completion of SMN I
Overall SwissMetNet network
The shape of the monitoring network on completion of the construction work at the automatic weather stations in 2013.
Site details and information about the measuring programme at each individual station: Info
Current status of SwissMetNet
Following the completion in 2009 of the first stage, SMN I, the project has now reached the SMN II construction phase.
Site details and information about the measuring programme at each individual station: Info
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