NOAA's publicly available weather data, collected from satellites, radars, weather balloons, and buoys, forms the backbone of nearly all weather forecasts you see. Private companies enhance and tailor this free data for specific audiences, creating the apps and broadcasts we consume. However, the sheer scale and expense of gathering this raw data makes it impossible for private entities to replicate, highlighting the vital role NOAA plays in providing this essential public service. This free and open data policy fosters innovation and competition within the private sector, ultimately benefiting consumers with a wider range of weather information options.
The article "NOAA's vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV - a private company alone couldn't match it" elucidates the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in providing the foundational data that fuels the weather forecasts consumed daily by the public via television, mobile applications, and other media. The author, a research scientist focusing on meteorology and atmospheric science, argues that NOAA's comprehensive and publicly accessible data network is an indispensable public good that surpasses the capabilities of any private entity.
This extensive network encompasses a sophisticated array of data collection mechanisms, including weather satellites orbiting the earth, ground-based radar systems scanning for precipitation and wind patterns, weather balloons equipped with radiosondes transmitting atmospheric profiles, and ocean buoys monitoring marine conditions. These instruments, strategically deployed across the globe and operating continuously, generate an immense volume of raw meteorological data, which is then meticulously quality-controlled and processed by NOAA.
The processed data is not hoarded by the government agency; rather, it is made freely available to the public, including private weather companies. These companies leverage NOAA's data as the bedrock of their own forecasting models and applications, adding their own proprietary algorithms and visualizations to create the user-friendly weather forecasts we readily access on our devices. While these private companies undoubtedly contribute value through their specialized services, the article emphasizes that their operations fundamentally depend on the publicly funded data infrastructure established and maintained by NOAA.
The article further underscores the economic and societal benefits of this public data resource. Accurate weather forecasting is not merely a matter of convenience; it plays a critical role in mitigating the impact of severe weather events, protecting lives and property, and supporting crucial sectors like agriculture, transportation, and energy. The open access nature of NOAA's data fosters innovation and competition within the private weather industry, resulting in a diverse and evolving landscape of weather services tailored to various needs. Maintaining this public resource, the article argues, is essential for ensuring the continued accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of weather information, which is paramount for both individual well-being and national security. The sheer scale and scope of the data collection network, coupled with the rigorous quality control processes implemented by NOAA, make it an unparalleled and invaluable asset that simply could not be replicated by any single private company pursuing profit. This underscores the importance of continued public investment in this vital infrastructure.
Summary of Comments ( 28 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43018643
Hacker News users discussed the importance of NOAA's publicly funded weather data and its role in supporting private weather forecasting companies. Several commenters highlighted the inherent difficulty and expense of collecting this data, emphasizing that no private company could realistically replicate NOAA's infrastructure. Some pointed out the irony of private companies profiting from this freely available resource, with suggestions that they should contribute more back to NOAA. Others discussed the limitations of private weather apps and the superior accuracy often found in NOAA's own forecasts. The potential negative impacts of proposed NOAA budget cuts were also raised. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes highlighting the value of NOAA's weather information, particularly for severe weather events.
The Hacker News post titled "NOAA's public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV" has generated a number of comments discussing the importance of publicly funded weather data and the limitations of private weather companies.
Several commenters emphasize NOAA's crucial role, highlighting the vast scale of data collection and processing involved in accurate weather forecasting, a task they believe a private company would struggle to replicate cost-effectively. They argue that weather data is a public good and should remain freely accessible. Some point out the potential for a "tragedy of the commons" scenario if weather data were privatized, leading to underinvestment in data collection and ultimately less accurate forecasts.
A recurring theme is the comparison between publicly funded weather services like NOAA and the limitations of private weather apps. Commenters note that many popular weather apps rely heavily on NOAA's data, often repackaging and presenting it with a different interface. Some express concerns about the accuracy and reliability of these apps, suggesting they may prioritize user engagement over forecast accuracy.
Some commenters discuss the challenges faced by NOAA, including funding limitations and the complexity of managing vast amounts of data. They advocate for increased funding and support for the organization.
There's also a discussion about the specific types of data NOAA collects, with some commenters mentioning the importance of radar data, satellite imagery, and surface observations for accurate forecasting. Others highlight the role of supercomputers in processing this data.
A few commenters mention the international collaboration involved in weather forecasting, emphasizing the global nature of weather patterns and the need for data sharing between countries.
Finally, some comments touch upon the implications of climate change for weather forecasting, suggesting that the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events make NOAA's work even more critical. They stress the need for continued investment in weather forecasting infrastructure and research to better understand and predict these events.