OPTIMIZATION CRITERIA FOR CONFIGURING A NETWORK OF MONITORING STATIONS

The optimal siting of meteorological stations for use in agrometeorolo gical models is discussed. Analyses were carried out to provide object ive criteria for expanding wi existing station network. The analyses w ere based mainly on spatial correlation criteria, which provide optimu m spacing based on different levels of association among the parameter s. The aim is to suggest for each variable used in agrometeorological models (principally temperature, humidity, precipitation) an index abo ve which stations are redundant and below which the network requires e xpanding. Once the spatial representativity of each station and parame ter has been established we turn to the problem of optimum siting. Var ious gain functions are involved, such as distance from the maintenanc e unit, efficiency and cost of data transmission lines and closeness t o farming business or areas considered to be of primary importance bec ause of the input they can provide for the application of agrometeorol ogical models. The results of the study provide a configuration which is capable of monitoring the different meteorological conditions.