The Meteobase

A Remote-Controlled Station That Enables Autonomous Meteodrone Missions

  • One single pilot can operate multiple Meteobases globally
  • Meteomatics supports with installation and flight authorization

Gather More Atmospheric Data With Meteobases

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Remotely Operate Meteodrones Thanks to Meteobases

There are two types of Meteodrones: Mobile and Meteobase-based. Mobile Meteodrones are operated on-site by a drone pilot. In contrast, Meteobase-based Meteodrones are controlled remotely by a pilot who can be located many kilometers away.

The primary advantage of using a Meteobase is the ability for a single pilot to operate multiple Meteobases globally, eliminating the need for local pilot training or deployment to each location. This remote operation is particularly beneficial for regular, ongoing operations at the same site. Conversely, mobile Meteodrones are ideal for flexible, on-the-go operations, where they can be easily transported to various locations as needed.

Meteodrones Close the Data Gap in the Lower Atmosphere 

Meteodrones, developed and manufactured by Meteomatics in Switzerland, are advanced weather drones designed to measure vertical profiles of the atmosphere up to 6 kilometers. These drones collect crucial data on temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, and direction.

By closing the data gap in weather observations from the Earth's boundary layer, Meteodrones complement data from radiosondes. Their capability to fly repeatedly both day and night allows for the collection of significantly more data than traditional methods.

What Does a Meteobase Do?

Control center for autonomous flights

  • Monitor and log weather parameters at the deployment site.
  • Autonomously launch and land a Meteodrone.
  • Serves as a charging station for the Meteodrone.
  • Offers real-time visual oversight of the drone's immediate surroundings thanks to strategically positioned cameras.
  • Maintains an internal climate control system, incorporating heating and air conditioning, to uphold optimal environmental conditions for the Meteodrone, its electrical components and batteries.
  • Withstands various weather conditions, being both waterproof and snowproof.

Meteobases Around the World

Meteodrones are currently being utilized worldwide in collaboration with several partners, including national meteorological services and other government organizations. All Meteobases are operated by Meteomatics' pilots from our headquarters in Switzerland.

Switzerland

In the framework of the Drone Enhanced Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (DETAF) project, 15 Meteobases will be installed in Switzerland, north of the Alps, by 2025, to improve weather forecasts for phenomena such as fog formation, icing, thunderstorms, and lightning, particularly for airspace surveillance.

Meteobase in Schänis, Switzerland
Meteobase in Schänis, Switzerland

United States

Since 2023, a Meteobase is installed at GrandSKY aviation park in North Dakota to power the country's first micro-weather service using Meteodrone data and a high-resolution weather model. This partnership empowers the Weather Operations Center at GrandSKY to detect weather phenomena that directly affect flight decision-making, safety measures, and scheduling.

Meteobase at GrandSKY aviation park in North Dakota, U.S.
Meteobase at GrandSKY aviation park in North Dakota, U.S.

France, Italy, Romania

Under the MAGDA project, three Meteobases have been installed in agricultural fields across France, Italy, and Romania. These installations aim to enhance local weather forecasts for farmers. The Meteodrones operate up to four times daily, providing crucial weather data to support agricultural activities.

Meteobase in Chassagne-Montrachet, France
Meteobase in Chassagne-Montrachet, France

Norway

In collaboration with the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), Meteomatics will install a network of 30 Meteobases across the entire country by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of Norway’s efforts to future-proof its economy, people, and infrastructure against various weather-related challenges.

30 Meteobases will be installed in Norway by 2025
30 Meteobases will be installed in Norway by 2025
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Meteomatics

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