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Access Procedures and Observer Privacy Policy - MMS


Introduction

  • The Multi-network Metadata System (MMS), accessible at http://mi3.ncdc.noaa.gov/mi3qry, is the best source for Cooperative station history information. Guest access to the system is free via the web and requires no special request or setup. MMS includes all the station information submitted to us by the National Weather Service (NWS), except for observer information, and offers options to print the station details or view it online. It also includes corrections to erroneous historical information.

    Background

  • Prior to January 2001, the NWS submitted paper B44 forms to the NCDC. After January 2001, NWS submitted Cooperative station history information to the NCDC electronically rather than via paper form. Individual NWS B44 forms are not publicly accessible online because they contain personally identifiable information such as observer name, address, phone number and gender. The cooperative observers are volunteers who donate their time in the interests of the public good with a reasonable expectation that their personal information will remain private.

    Privacy

  • It is the NCDC's policy to protect observer details, based upon Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Update, Vol. X, No. 2, 1989, which exempts the application of FOIA in certain cases and establishes privacy protection decisions in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (2004 edition). This exemption applies when the personal privacy interest is greater than any qualifying public interest for disclosure.

    Access

  • You may obtain copies of station history documents submitted prior to January 2001, with the personally identifiable information obliterated, at the NCDC's cost of reproduction. This is the same information accessible via MMS at no charge. For station history submitted after January 2001, MMS (http://mi3.ncdc.noaa.gov/mi3qry) is the only delivery option.
  • If you choose to order paper copies, contact a NCDC representative at ncdc.info@noaa.gov, or by phone at 828-271-4800. Once you provide the names of the stations for which you need the forms and the time period(s) of interest, we will contact you with a price quotation.