There are many different varieties of automatic weather stations (AWSs) available, and a huge range of different applications for them. To ensure any specific system satisfies any particular requirement, it is essential to consider carefully, in advance of purchase, what it needs to accomplish, and then to prioritize the features and benefits of suitable systems to choose the best solution from those available. The choices can be complex and a number of important factors may not be immediately obvious to the first-time purchaser. Deciding a few months down the line that the unit purchased is unsuitable and difficult to use (or simply does not do what you want it to) is likely to prove an expensive mistake, as very few entry-level and budget systems can be upgraded or expanded.

This chapter suggests a structured way to do this:

• Decide what the primary use of the system will be;

• Review relevant decision-making factors as outlined in this chapter, and prioritize accordingly;

• Balance requirements against budget, identify potential suppliers and models, and purchase the most appropriate system.

Armed with a list of key requirements from this chapter, Chapter 3 provides a short guide to AWS products and services available in both North America and Europe.