we know that is possible to have several WSIs for the same station, but you have to highlight the "Primary" one.
What does ecxatly "Primary" mean? How is the correct use of it?
Dear Piero Serra,
The primary WSI is mainly used by OSCAR/Surface internally, for example to create the station’s default URL. It has no particular meaning and it can be changed by anybody with the rights to edit a station.
Personally, I'd like to see the primary WSI as the one that is used for data exchange, e.g. in BUFR through the GTS/WIS, however, guidance for that would have to be developed and approved, which is not the case currently.
So, for the time being there is total flexibility for managing the primary WSIs in OSCAR/Surface.
Finally, I'd like to recall that all registered users of this portal are welcome to make comments and to provide their views on any of the topics raised in the forum.
Thank you, kind regards,
Luis
Dear George,
Thank you for your message. Please see below a few comments.
It is acceptable to provide additional WSIs to stations that are already registered in OSCAR/Surface with a WSI assigned by WMO, e.g. during migration from Vol.A as those with Issuer of Identifier (2nd block) in the range 20xxx.
However, to minimize impacts for users it is advisable to avoid additional WSIs when/if possible.
On the other hand, to allow historical tracking of station records in OSCAR/Surface, WSIs shall not be deleted, only new WSIs can be added and be flagged with the primary key.
Finally, regarding your BUFR related questions, I'll consult with colleagues on the WIS (WMO Information System) branch in charge of coding and data exchange activities.
Kind regards,
Luis