Quantitative Observing System Assessment Program (QOSAP)

The NOAA Quantitative Observing System Assessment Program (QOSAP) coordinates the assessment of the impact of current and new observations across the different NOAA Line Offices. QOSAP uses observing system experiments (OSEs) and observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) as effective techniques to evaluate the impact of the different observation types. These studies help NOAA management prioritize mission designs in a cost-effective way by analyzing tradeoffs in the design of proposed observing systems.

QOSAP’s primary objective is to improve quantitative and objective assessment capabilities to evaluate operational and future observation system impacts and trade-offs to assess and to prioritize NOAA’s observing system architecture. More specifically, QOSAP’s main focuses are (1) increase NOAA’s capacity to conduct quantitative observing system assessments, (2) develop and use appropriate quantitative assessment methodologies, and (3) inform major decisions on the design and implementation of optimal composite observing systems.

On September 10, 2023, QOSAP moved from the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) to the OAR Office of Research, Transition, and Application (ORTA). The new QOSAP website is linked here.