Automated Weather Observation System

This layer was created from the California Aviation System Plan list of Automated Weather Observation Systems. The upgrades and distribution of Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) Automated Surface Observation Systems (ASOS), and Automated Terminal Information Services (ATIS) in California are a critical part of the State aviation system. Access to localized weather conditions benefit both commercial and General Aviation (GA) operations. Caltrans Division of Aeronautics (Division) is monitoring the expansion and updating of the system with a focus on bringing more of this technology to key airports thereby improving air safety. Also, as AWOS/ASOS technology improves, the use of the hardware for shared uses, such as monitoring remote highways concurrently with remote airports is seen as an essential safety measure for normal as well as emergency response operations. The State is currently researching a cooperative approach to improving the road and aviation automated weather reporting system to support multimodal safety statewide. The expansion of the system through Public Private Partnerships (P3) is also becoming a topic of increasing interest as data and cost sharing strategies among various users becomes more desired, available and practical.