Precision Weather Forecasting in a Dynamic Environment

Skyfora is an innovative Finnish company that produces weather instruments, develops weather measurement methods, and provides weather forecasts. With a dedicated team of 15 professionals, Skyfora excels in atmospheric science, machine learning, and the design of weather instruments. The company is at the forefront of AI-powered weather intelligence, offering state-of-the-art solutions to measure, predict, and respond to extreme weather events.

In the realm of weather forecasting, satellite positioning plays a crucial role. Utilising GPS (Global Positioning System) and, more broadly, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signal delays as they traverse the atmosphere provides valuable data for weather measurement applications. Processing the positioning signal data can be done with different software solutions. However, Skyfora required more understanding of the capabilities and shortcomings of the different positioning signal data processing software. Such expertise can be found at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI), one of the service providers of the Location Innovation Hub.

A preliminary meeting with Skyfora, the client, was organised to address the challenges they were encountering. During this session, the Location Innovation Hub presented an overview of its activities and detailed the steps involved should Skyfora be interested in acquiring the hub’s services. Following the meeting, Skyfora completed the Digital Maturity Assessment in collaboration with LIH personnel, refining their specific service requirements.

The service requirements were then validated with the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI), the designated service provider. FGI developed a comprehensive plan to deliver the services effectively and allocate appropriate resources. To ensure a tailored approach, a researcher from FGI’s Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics was assigned to work closely with Skyfora. This collaboration involved both face-to-face meetings and iterative work primarily conducted through online tools.

With the researcher’s guidance, Skyfora thoroughly evaluated the advantages and limitations of various GNSS signal data processing software options. This expert assistance was instrumental, equipping the client with valuable insights and significantly advancing their GNSS weather measurement technology development.

GPS and more generally GNSS signal delays through the atmosphere can be used in a variety of weather measurement applications. For processing GNSS signal data, a variety of software solutions exist. Evaluating the available software solutions with the help of expertise available through Location Innovation Hub saves both time and money.

With the support of the Location Innovation Hub, Skyfora has gained a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various GNSS signal data processing software. This newfound clarity has enabled them to chart the most effective path for advancing their GNSS weather measurement technology.

The resolution of Skyfora's challenges was financially supported by the European Union (50%), Business Finland (30%), and the project consortium (20%), which includes a mix of private and public sector organisations. By leveraging the services of the Location Innovation Hub, Skyfora was able to acquire critical expertise without incurring the costs associated with recruiting and hiring new staff.

• Valuable expertise from FGI: The Finnish Geospatial Research Institute’s expertise, accessed through the Location Innovation Hub (LIH), proved to be highly valuable for Skyfora. Their specialised knowledge significantly contributed to addressing Skyfora’s challenges.

• Effective iterative collaboration: Adopting an iterative approach that relied on online tools was highly effective. This method allowed all parties involved to work flexibly, choosing their preferred working hours and locations. The ability to collaborate remotely not only enhanced productivity but also made the process more adaptable to individual needs.

• Maximising service provider expertise: Utilising online tools as a standard practice in delivering LIH’s services unlocked the full potential of the service providers' expertise. This approach minimised the need for physical meetings, broadening the range of expert resources available to clients like Skyfora.

• Complementing the DMA Tool: To complement the DMA Tool with the additional needs of the customer, an MS Forms-based solution was implemented, which effectively streamlined the process.