Automated Surface Observing System The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Program is a state-of-the-art, real-time weather information system designed to support aviation operations and weather forecasting. It replaces manual surface observation techniques, thus providing improved efficiency in acquiring and recording surface atmospheric phenomena. However, some ASOS sites are manually augmented. ASOS provides minute-by-minute observations and performs the basic observing functions necessary to generate a surface weather observation and other aviation weather information. Among ASOS's users are the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense. The first ASOS was installed in August 1991 in Topeka, Kansas. Nearly 1000 units have been installed throughout the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and military installations overseas. 16 ASOS units have been installed in the state of Alabama. The picture on the right is the ASOS located at the Shelby County Airport in Calera, AL.

ASOS Sites in Alabama

ASOS is not just one instrument, but a collection of devices working together. Below are pictures of some of the ASOS components located at the Shelby County Airport.

ASOS Hygrothermometer (temperature/dewpoint sensor)	ASOS Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

SOS Laser Beam Ceilometer (LBC) (cloud height indicator)	The instrument on the white pole is the ASOS Visibility Sensor, the one on the red and white pole is the ASOS Wind Sensor.

For more detailed ASOS information click on this National Weather Service link.

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