Data Element: WIND DIRECTION
You are invited to read the definitions of terms used in this data standard.
| Name |
Wind Direction |
| Description |
The direction from which the wind is blowing. |
| Type | Alpha |
| Syntax | N = North S = South E = East W = West NE = Northeast * Wind direction may be considered variable if, during the 2-minute evaluation period, the wind speed is 6 knots (7 mph, Beaufort code <2) or less. In addition, the wind direction shall be considered variable if, during the 2-minute evaluation period, it varies by 60 degrees or more when the average wind speed is greater than 6 knots (7 mph, Beaufort code >2). |
| Recommended Field Name | WINDDIR |
| Values | The values to be used for this data element are provided in the Syntax. |
| Source | Biological Monitoring and Database Team, FWS Regions 3 and 5 |
| Reference(s) |
Part 270, FW 6, Data
Management and Standards, dated September 30, 2002.
Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 1,Chapter 5, Wind, Section 5.4.2, Variable Wind Direction |
| Use Instructions |
As of the approval date and whenever applicable, this data element will
be used in any new automated system, data set, database, or information
application, including new Geographic Information System (GIS) data and
applications. This data element will also be used in any major modifications
to existing systems or versions of these data-related items that use a
coding scheme to record wind direction.
To ensure compliance with the Service Enterprise Architecture (SEA), Service staff are strongly encouraged to utilize this data element in existing systems, data sets, databases, and information applications when appropriate. Where existing systems and data-related items are not in compliance, they should be modified to achieve compatibility and implement this data standard. |
| Phase |
Adopted |
| Approval Date |
July 19, 2007 |
| Validation Date |
January 5, 2009 |
| Data Steward | Todd Sutherland, Information Technology Specialist, Biological Monitoring and Database Team, National Wildlife Refuge System, Region 3 |