Surfacestations project reaches 70% of the network surveyed. 854 of 1221 stations have been examined in the USHCN network. The Google Earth map below shows current coverage.

Click for a larger image

Reference for site ratings: NOAA's Climate Reference Network Site Handbook Section 2.2.1

Google Earth Station Rating Map with links to images now available - download here Date: 02/05/09
Sincere thanks to Gary Boden and Barry Wise for this contribution!

HELP NEEDED FOR SURVEYS IN THE FOLLOWING STATES:

Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, Idaho, South Dakota, Texas.

• 819 Stations surveyed! Now with 67% of the network surveyed.
• Nevada USHCN surveys completed
• California USHCN surveys completed! See all California stations here
• Florida has one station remaining for completion: Key West. Any takers?
• Louisiana has only three stations left, Franklin, Lafayette, and Plain Dealing Any takers?
• A look at how changes in paint on Stevenson Screens may have affected temperature measurement.
• Now Online: Conference presentation given at CIRES/UCAR on 8/29/07 describing this project and the methods used to assign station site quality ratings, along with examples of many site issues seen thus far. Click to view slideshow
• Special recognition to five volunteers; Bob Thompson, Eric Gamberg, Russ Steele, David Smith, and Don Kostuch, who turned summer travels into survey expeditions. Don Kostuch has surveyed more stations, and covered a broader geographic area than any other surveyor. Thanks to all!
   

  Map and pie chart dated 1/25/09
   

  

  

  Climate Reference Network Rating Guide - adopted from NCDC Climate Reference Network Handbook, 2002, specifications for siting (section 2.2.1) of NOAA's new Climate Reference Network:
  
  Class 1 (CRN1)- Flat and horizontal ground surrounded by a clear surface with a slope below 1/3 (<19deg). Grass/low vegetation ground cover <10 centimeters high. Sensors located at least 100 meters from artificial heating or reflecting surfaces, such as buildings, concrete surfaces, and parking lots. Far from large bodies of water, except if it is representative of the area, and then located at least 100 meters away. No shading when the sun elevation >3 degrees.
  
  Class 2 (CRN2) - Same as Class 1 with the following differences. Surrounding Vegetation <25 centimeters. No artificial heating sources within 30m. No shading for a sun elevation >5deg.
  
  Class 3 (CRN3) (error >=1C) - Same as Class 2, except no artificial heating sources within 10 meters.
  
  Class 4 (CRN4) (error >= 2C) - Artificial heating sources <10 meters.
  
  Class 5 (CRN5) (error >= 5C) - Temperature sensor located next to/above an artificial heating source, such a building, roof top, parking lot, or concrete surface."
  
  
  
   

• MMTS Thermometer Specifications/Guide has been posted in resources
• Latest updates feature added - see newest stations here 
• Rules of conduct for surveys and submissions have been updated here on 6/21/07
• Easier and more accurate method of locating stations is available here

Here is a well maintained and well sited USHCN station:

 
Graph is from NASA GISS - see it full size

Here is a not-so-well maintained or well sited USHCN station:

Graph is from NASA GISS - see it full size

This site in Marysville, CA has been around for about the same amount of time, but
has been encroached upon by growth in a most serious way by micro-site effects.

What you'll find here

• Site surveys of USHCN, GHCN, CWO, and other weather station networks
• Photographic views and sketches of instrumental sitings
• Historical notes on each station when available
• Survey notes about nearby objects, surfaces, and sensor placement
• Supplemental notes and photographs when applicable