http://www.wmo.ch/web/www/www.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
To predict the weather, modern meteorology depends upon near instantaneous exchange of weather information across the entire globe. The World Weather Watch (WWW) is responsible for the world-wide collection, analysis and distribution of this vital information.
The WWW is a unique achievement in international cooperation: in few other fields of human endeavour, and particularly in science and technology, is there - or has there ever been - such a truly world-wide operational system to which virtually ever country in the world contributes, every day of every year, for the common benefit of mankind.
The WMO Basic Systems consist of three main components: the Global Observing System, comprising facilities on land, at sea, in the air and from satellites, for the measurement of meteorological elements; the Global Telecommunications System, a world-wide system for the rapid exchange of observations as well as of processed information, including forecasts which are produced by the third main component: the Global Data Processing System which is a network of world and regional computerized data processing centres. A data management component ensures the effective integration and inter-operation of the others and co-ordinates the WMO Distributed Databases project.
The implementation of the WWW requires careful attention to standardization of measuring methods and techniques, adoption of common telecommunication procedures, and the presentation of observed data and processed information in a manner which is understood by all, regardless of language. These arrangements, as well as the operation of the WWW facilities, are organized and co-ordinated by the WMO with a view to ensuring that every country has available all of the information it needs to provide weather services on a day-to-day basis as well as for longer-term planning and research.
Copies of additional World Weather Watch documents are also available via the WMO FTP server. These documents are available in ASCII text (txt) or WordPerfect 5.1 (wp5) formats. An index to on-line WWW documents is provided.