Historical Observing Metadata Repository
The Historical Observing Metadata Repository (HOMR) is NCEI's integrated station history database that provides in situ or land-based station metadata in support of NCEI research, reporting, data products, and web applications. HOMR tracks detailed information for a variety of weather stations throughout their lifespans, including identifiers, names, locations, observation times, reporting methods, photos, and equipment modifications and siting. Station histories are most extensive for the National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observing Program, and they include officially documented station changes that adhere to an NWS approval process. Use the search below to access these historical station details.
Station Network Photos
Below are descriptions of various station network photos provided to NCEI. The photos are integrated with applicable station location details in HOMR and viewable individually by station on each station's Location tab. After searching for and selecting a station, look on its Location tab for a small camera icon that will appear beside the date range if photos are present.
ASOS Wind Exposure Photo Project
An initiative in the late 1990s/early 2000s resulted in photos being taken of the vicinity surrounding coastal and inland ASOS sites in areas subject to hurricanes. The photos help document station exposure and identify obstacles that could reduce winds at the site. NCEI provides public access to these station photos via HOMR. Note there is only one set of photos for each hurricane-prone ASOS station, as no updates have been provided to NCEI since the early 2000s.
For more information, see the FAQ.
Station Photos for USCRN, USRCRN, and Alabama USRCRN networks
At each Installation or Annual Maintenance Visit at least 4 high-definition general site view (GSV) photos are taken that represent the most informative overall perspective. Two of the photos are usually taken with the camera angle perpendicular to a line drawn between the precipitation gauge shield and the tower, with the margin of the sky no more than 33% of the height of the photo, and the station comprising 75% of the image. These photos are taken by engineering techs from NOAA's Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD).
Due to frequency and large size of the images, HOMR provides access only to the most recent site photos taken for each station. The photos are useful in spotting any major changes around the station that could affect the accuracy of observations over time. NCEI staff examine the photos, note changes, and recommend actions to be taken at the site, such as tree and brush removal.