Techniques for methods of collection, database management and distribution of agrometeorological data

The major concerns for the availability of climate and agrometeorological data as we move into the 21st century continue to be in areas of data collection and data base management. New technologies have advanced our ability to address these issues but the solutions may require the commitment of resources that may yet be outside the reach of developing countries. This paper briefly reviews new and existing technologies in the areas of data collection methods with some emphasis on remote sensing methods. An example for a conceptual data base management system adapted by the US Department of Agriculture is presented as a framework for the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of climate and agrometeorological data for the 21st century. The access of data to the national and international community can be resolved with the standardization of data base management and electronic accessibility. Databases in the US have been upgraded for access through the World Wide Web, and include data archived from other countries that have co-operative programs with US institutions. The operational needs of national agricultural producers, researchers, and agricultural weather and crop forecasters are the focus of this paper although it also serves some of the needs of the international research community.