ACCESS TO METEOSAT IMAGE DATA BY U.S. USERS 1. BACKGROUND The European meteorological satellite organisation (EUMETSAT) encrypts most of the Meteosat High Resolution Image (HRI) data from its operational geostationary weather satellite (currently Meteosat-7). EUMETSAT does not encrypt Meteosat six hourly HRI data (taken at main synoptic intervals) or Meteosat low resolution image data (WEFAX) and makes available these data without fee or conditions. This allows NOAA to distribute these data through its current distribution mechanisms. The encryption of Meteosat HRI data is based on EUMETSAT's data policy which calls for fees and licenses for certain categories of data and/or data use. In particular, the policy distinguishes between official duty use by National Meteorological Services, commercial use and educational and research use. The fees depend on the frequency of acquisition of HRI data. These fees are waived entirely for educational and research users. The EUMETSAT policy also establishes the possibility of special agreements with other nations operating meteorological satellites and offers special conditions to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which will facilitate the access to Meteosat image data by U.S. users. 2. NOAA/EUMETSAT AGREEMENT A NOAA / EUMETSAT agreement allows U.S. users to access the encrypted Meteosat HRI data as follows: - Three hourly HRI data (acquired at 00, 03, 06, 09 UTC, ...) will be encrypted but will be distributed unencrypted by NOAA without fee for any use within U.S. territories. - The full set of HRI data (acquired at hourly and half-hourly intervals) will be encrypted but will be available without fee for official duty use by NOAA and its affiliates worldwide. Official duty use means use in fulfilment of a public mandate, including research but excluding any commercial activity. The concept of "NOAA Affiliate" means any US Federal, State or local governmental agency, or any organisation formally associated with these government units in carrying out their programmes. - With regard to other U.S. users wishing access to the full set of HRI data, this access will be given directly by EUMETSAT, who will ensure that this access is given under non-discriminatory conditions. A table containing the different user categories and applied by EUMETSAT is attached in the Annex attached to this document. - EUMETSAT will also ensure the availability of required PDUS decryption key units at the marginal cost of manufacturing and handling (approximately 900 USD). - EUMETSAT image data older than 3 days are not subject to the above conditions of use. The technical aspects related to the access to Meteosat HRI data by U.S. users and the U.S. user registration and authorization procedures are detailed in Sections 3 and 4 below. 3. ACCESS TO METEOSAT HRI DATA BY U.S. USERS - TECHNICAL ASPECTS Meteosat HRI data may be received either directly, by Meteosat Primary Data User Stations (PDUS) located in some eastern parts of continental U.S. territories or via the NOAA/NASA Wallops CDA Stations (WCDAS) and subsequent DOMSAT relay. The reception of encrypted HRI data directly by a PDUS requires modification of the PDUS and a Meteosat decryption key unit (MKU). The owner of a PDUS is responsible for the necessary modification, details of which can be provided by EUMETSAT. The MKU can be only obtained from EUMETSAT. The full set of HRI data (every half-hour, encrypted or clear) will also be relayed via the NOAA DOMSAT channel to authorised U.S. users who do not receive data directly via a PDUS. Every three hours HRI data on the NOAA DOMSAT channel will be broadcast unencrypted and may be received by any user operating a DOMSAT receive terminal. At all other times, HRI data will be broadcast encrypted. Encrypted data transmitted via DOMSAT may be decrypted by means of a software or hardware decryption unit (HR-DU) and a Meteosat decryption key unit (MKU). Again, the users will be responsible for the HR-DU (technical details may be obtained from EUMETSAT.) 4. U.S. USER REGISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURES 4.1 Registration and Authorization of Users receiving Encrypted Meteosat HRI Data directly via a PDUS All these users will require a MKU provided by EUMETSAT. The users should register with EUMETSAT by submitting the Meteosat HRI User Questionnaire (copy of the questionnaire, as well as instructions on how to fill it in are provided in the Annex attached below). The registration and authorization procedure to be followed is, in summary, the following: a) Users wishing access to 3 Hourly HRI Data for use in the U.S. Territories: - User should submit the user questionnaire to EUMETSAT (copy to NOAA); - NOAA will confirm to EUMETSAT that the user is authorised; - EUMETSAT will provide the MKU, subject to payment of fee; - No further license, nor payment will be required. b) NOAA Affiliates wishing access to 3 Hourly, Hourly or Half-Hourly HRI Data for Official Duty Use worldwide: Same procedure as in a) above. c) Other U.S. Users wishing access to 3 Hourly HRI Data for use outside the U.S. Territories, or to Hourly or Half-Hourly HRI Data for use within or outside the U.S. Territories - User should submit user questionnaire to EUMETSAT (copy to NOAA); - User will be expected to sign a license agreement with EUMETSAT, which may involve payment of fees according to EUMETSAT standard conditions; - EUMETSAT will provide an MKU, subject to payment of fee. 4.2 Registration and Authorization of Users receiving encrypted Meteosat HRI Data via the NOAA DOMSAT relay As NOAA will broadcast 3 hourly HRI data unencrypted, only users requiring hourly or half-hourly data will require a MKU provided by EUMETSAT. The following procedures apply: a) Users wishing access to 3 Hourly HRI Data for use in the U.S. Territories and NOAA Affiliates wishing access to 3 Hourly HRI Data for Official Duty Use worldwide: - User should register with NOAA (copy to EUMETSAT); - NOAA will authorise the user; the user will be regularly reminded through official U.S. Governmental channels that 3 hourly HRI data decrypted by NOAA may only be used within the U.S. territories (unless used by NOAA Affiliates for official duty purposes); - No further contact with EUMETSAT will be required. b) NOAA Affiliates wishing access to Hourly or Half-Hourly HRI Data for Official Duty Use worldwide: Same procedure as in 4.1. b) above. c) Other U.S. Users wishing access to 3 Hourly HRI Data for Use outside the U.S. Territories: - User should submit the user questionnaire to EUMETSAT (copy to NOAA); - User will be expected to sign a license agreement with EUMETSAT, which may involve payment of fees according to EUMETSAT standard conditions; - No MKU will be required as the DOMSAT relay of 3 hourly data will be unencrypted. d) Other U.S. Users wishing access to Hourly or Half-Hourly HRI Data for Use within or outside the U.S. Territories: Same procedure as in 4.1. c) above. 4.3 Manufacturers of Receiving Equipment Manufacturers of HRI data receiving equipment wishing to use a MKU for equipment testing purposes should contact EUMETSAT and request the MKU explaining their manufacturer status. All manufacturers will be provided an MKU by EUMETSAT, subject to payment of current fee and subject to written confirmation to EUMETSAT that the MKU will only be used by the manufacturer himself for the purposes of equipment testing. ANNEX: Meteosat User Registration Questionnaire for U.S. Users and Fees Applicable for Access to Meteosat HRI Data METEOSAT USER REGISTRATION FOR U.S. USERS IMPORTANT NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ALL METEOSAT PDUS OPERATORS AND METEOSAT HRI DATA USERS The information that you will provide through this ques- tionnaire will be used by EUMETSAT to better identify the operators of Meteosat Primary Data User Stations (PDUS) and the new users requesting access to Meteosat HRI data. For the purpose of this registration form, the term PDUS refers either to a stand-alone conventional PDUS or to a DOMSAT receive station. The attached questionnaire should therefore be completed, with as much of the requested information as possible, and returned without delay to EUMETSAT, at following address : EUMETSAT Meteosat Operational Programme, Am Kavalleriesand 31 64295 Darmstadt, GERMANY FAX: [++49] 6151 807304 U.S. users must also send a copy of the questionnaire to: Meteosat Access Questionaire NOAA/NESDIS International & Interagency Affairs E/IA1 Room 3620 SSMC 3 1335 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226 FAX: 1 301-713-2032 Full access to HRI data will be ensured on a non-discriminatory basis. The encryption is only intended to identify the users and to establish the conditions of access corresponding to the status of the user and the category of application for which the data are required. Access to encrypted HRI data by PDUS operators implies compliance with the EUMETSAT Charging and Distribution Policy. The payment of an annual fee may be requested, but fees can be waived for activities such as education, scientific research, support to disaster monitoring, and for the National Meteorological Services of less wealthy nations. The information that you will provide in returning the questionnaire will help to define the most applicable arrangements for your access to Meteosat HRI data. If for any reason you are not able to provide the required information, please advise EUMETSAT. Users who do not register with EUMETSAT will be unable to access encrypted HRI data. In any case, the information collected by EUMETSAT through this questionnaire will be treated as confidential and used exclusively for the purpose of administering the access conditions to Meteosat data. The questionnaire should be signed by the authority legally responsible for the operation of the PDUS. If the data users are different entities, this should be indicated since they may require separate agreements. Users to whom HRI data are provided via a local area network must also be indicated. Once authorised, each PDUS operator will need to have the appropriate decryption facility integrated into the PDUS station. To ensure compliance with manufacturers' instructions about this integration, PDUS operators should consult the company which supplied the station. In order to decrypt the encrypted HRI data, a PDUS has to include a HRI Decryption Unit (HRI-DU), integrated into the PDUS, to which a separate Meteosat Key Unit (MKU) is connected. The existing PDUS which do not yet include a HRI-DU have to be modified to accommodate this function. The MKU is provided by EUMETSAT to the authorised users. The access to HRI encrypted data is controlled from the EUMETSAT User Service who generates Message Keys for each authorised MKU. The Message Keys are sent to each PDUS, in encrypted form, within the Key Slots of disseminated HRI A-formats. They can only be decrypted using information held in the dedicated MKU. The MKU contains a secret PDUS Station Key only known by the EUMETSAT User Service in Darmstadt. The MKU is used to store encrypted Message Keys, to calculate clear Message Keys and to generate Image Keys for the decryption process. The MKU does not itself perform the actual decryption of images. The HRI-DU performs the following main tasks: * reception of all encrypted Message Keys allocated to the PDUS whose station number is identified by the MKU. * transfer of these encrypted Message Keys to the MKU for storage. * detection of whether the incoming HRI format is encrypted or clear. * decryption of the image data, using the Image Key generated by the MKU. The HRI-DU could perform these tasks using either hardware or software solutions. Either solution would normally be installed by your PDUS manufacturer. Relevant technical information has been made available to PDUS manufacturers. It may also be possible to install the software solution by yourself. This software must, however, perform all the functions of an HRI-DU. The hardware version of the HRI-DU is (normally) located between the bit and frame synchronizers of the PDUS. It will process data coming from the bit synchronizer and then pass it to the frame synchroniser. The PDUS workstation computer will then be able to process clear HRI-formats in the normal way. Installation of the Meteosat Key Unit will be the responsibility of the user or his PDUS manufacturer. EUMETSAT may consider, upon request of the operator, delivery of the Meteosat Key Unit directly to the PDUS manufacturer for integration in a particular PDUS. Only the image data itself will be encrypted, other data contained within the header and conclusion subframes will remain un-encrypted. For example, ADMIN messages will appear un-encrypted to all users. The registration procedure and the practical management of the Meteosat Key Units (MKU) are centralised by the EUMETSAT Secretariat. However, the conditions of access to HRI data and use of the data by the U.S. users are laid down in the Agreement between EUMETSAT and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Access to Images from the EUMETSAT Geostationary Meteorological Satellites. These conditions of access and use are summarised in the document "Access to Meteosat Image Data by U.S. Users". By completing the User Registration Questionnaire you are only providing information and, at this stage, you will not be making any commitment. Furthermore, it should recalled that 6-hourly HRI data ( images at 0h00, 6h00, 12h00, and 18h00 UTC) will remain free of charge and un-encrypted. If your needs can be satisfied with these 6-hourly images only, as may be the case with amateurs and educational users, you will not need to install any decryption system. You will not need to establish any licence agreement, but you will simply be registered by EUMETSAT, at no cost, so that operational information can be mailed to you on a regular basis. If you wish to receive encrypted images, you will need to implement a decryption facility. There is a one time charge to cover manufacturing costs for the MKU. You will be requested to forward this amount to EUMETSAT, in accordance with a payment request which will be shipped with the MKU. In addition, the following licensing conditions will apply to 3 hourly, hourly and half-hourly HIR data: a) 3 Hourly HRI data, use in the U.S. territories - No license with EUMETSAT required; - Access free of charge. b) NOAA Affiliates, official duty use of 3 hourly, hourly or half-hourly data worldwide - No license with EUMETSAT required; - Access free of charge. c) Other U.S. users, use of 3 hourly HRI data outside the U.S. territories - License with EUMETSAT required; - Payment of license fee, in accordance with set fees. d) Other U.S. users, use of hourly or half-hourly HRI data both within and/or outside the U.S. territories - License with EUMETSAT required; - Payment of license fee. To assist you to complete the User Registration Questionnaire The following information (provided by EUMETSAT) may help with the completion of the questionnaire. SECTION 1 : PDUS STATION OPERATOR INFORMATION 1.1 Operator: The name and full address of the organisation or person who is legally responsible for the operation of the PDUS User Station. 1.2 Technical contact: It would normally be a technical officer in charge of PDUS operations 1.3 Location of PDUS: The detailed location of the PDUS user station is required, together with geographical coordinates, if known. SECTION 2 : GENERAL INFORMATION ON PDUS USER STATION 2.2 Type of PDUS User Station: This information is required in order that details of the type of user station can be recorded. This information will assist with any subsequent discussions with manufacturers on operational matters and the installation of the MKU. 2.3 Manufacturer: The full name and address of the manufacturer of your PDUS Station, including telephone, telex and fax numbers should be supplied. If a manufacturer has not yet been selected you should, however, still return this form as fully completed as possible. Once the user station is authorised and the manufacturer is known, please inform EUMETSAT accordingly. 2.5 Shipment Arrangements: Please remember to include any special arrangements which may be necessary for the shipment of the MKU to your address, e.g. by using the services of an agent, such as the UNDP for some countries in Africa. SECTION 3: PROCUREMENT OF THE PDUS BY A THIRD PARTY In some cases, PDUS have been procured or will be procured by third parties who directly contact EUMETSAT for information about the registration or licensing procedure. To avoid any misunderstanding, you may wish to inform us about these third parties. SECTION 4: OPERATION OF THE PDUS 4.1 HRI formats required: PDUS operators should specify which HRI image formats will be required, and at which frequency. 4.2 Technical area of application: Please indicate how HRI products will normally be utilized by you or your Organisation, either on a full time or part time basis. 4.3 Category of activity for which you require the HRI data: It is essential to fill this part of the questionnaire, to enable us to propose you the most suitable conditions corresponding to your application and status. Please refer to the definitions below, and tick all relevant boxes. - End-use : Use of data for the own commercial, industrial, or personal purpose of the user, without passing on the data to any further user, neither using it to generate a meteorological value added service or for broadcasting. Amateurs wishing to receive encrypted HRI data shall be considered as end users. - Service Provision : Providing value-added services under specific licence conditions to third parties which are clearly identified and known to the service provider. If a third party is a broadcaster, then tick also "broadcasting". - Broadcasting : Show EUMETSAT HRI data on television or public access video media. - Data Distribution : Distribution of data to end-users or service providers without further added value than the telecommunication means by which the data is transmitted. - Official Duty Use : Use in fulfilment of a public mandate, including research but excluding any commercial activity. - NOAA Affiliate : Any U.S. Federal, State or local government agency, or any organisation formally associated with these government units in carrying out their programmes. - Educational Use : Use of the data for the specific purpose of an educational programme conducted by an acknowledged educational entity, excluding any commercial or operational use. This excludes passing on the data to any other user, or providing any value-added service. Since educational programme requirements may be satisfied by archived data sets, requests for real-time access to data free of charge should be specifically justified. - Scientific research use : Use of the data for the specific purpose of a research programme conducted by an acknowledged research entity, under the responsibility of a Principal Investigator (PI), excluding any commercial or operational use. This excludes passing on the data to any other user, except for the specific purpose of the research programme. Since scientific research programmes requirements may be satisfied byarchived data sets, requests for real-time data free of charge should be specifically justified. USER REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE 1 PDUS Station Operator Information 1.1 Name of PDUS Operator : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organisation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Street/P.O. Box: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postal Code: . . . . . .City:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Country: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone No.:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telefax No.:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telex No.:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 Technical contact:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telefax No.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telex No.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Detailed location of PDUS : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 General Information on your PDUS Station 2.1 How long have you had your PDUS Station ? . . . . . . . 2.2 Type or Model Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 Address of Manufacturer, with Telephone, Telex, or Fax Numbers: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 Has the manufacturer informed you about the installation of the HRI-DU and the MKU? YES / NO 2.5 Are there any special arrangements necessary for the shipment of the HRI MKU to you ( e.g. via manufacturer or local agent) ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. rocurement of your PDUS by a third party If your PDUS will be or was procured by another organisation, and whenever relevant for EUMETSAT, please state complete name of Organisation, Address, Telephone, Fax and Telex Nos: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Operation of the PDUS 4.1 HRI formats required (A=A-format, B=B-format, X=GOES): Frequency VIS-A VIS-B IR-A IR-B WV-A WV-B X « hourly 1 hourly 3 hourly 6 hourly 4.2 Technical area of application of HRI data (please tick relevant box(es)): International general forecasting Resources management Domestic general forecasting Scientific research Any Aviation Forecasting Education Agro-meteorological forecasting Other : ...................................... 4.3 Distribution of HRI data to other users : Please describe in detail any current or planned re-distribution of HRI data received via your PDUS station to other users, including sharing the data on a local area network. These users will be requested to complete the same questionnaire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.4 Territory in which the HRI data will be used : U.S. Other : ........................................ 4.5 Category of activity for which you are requiring access to HRI data (See definitions): End-Use Official Duty Use (by NOAA or NOAA affiliates only) Service Provision Educational Use Broadcasting Scientific Research Use Data Distribution Other : ......................................... 5. Do you have any additional points requiring clarification ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Date, Name and Position:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional information can be provided by EUMETSAT at the address above, or via Email, ops@eumetsat.de