As the spatial, temporal and spectral resolution of observations from space have improved, their benefit to numerical weather prediction has increased. The utility of these data has also been enhanced by increased computer power, improved NWP models and the use of improving data assimilation techniques.

This talk will briefly summarise the use of satellite data in the Bureau of Meteorology, in particular, it will provide a summary of high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution atmospheric motion vector (AMV) estimation at the Bureau and data impact results for the Australian Region. It will summarise experiments, examining the use of each type of AMV in NWP and also detail a real time trial in which all types of AMVs were used simultaneously.

Discussion of the use of these vectors with continuous data assimilation will also be provided. Plans for the use of future geostationary satellite observations from GOES-9, MTSAT and EO-3 (GIFTS) in the Australian Region data will also be discussed. This will include a summary of the anticipated role of the Bureau during the GIFTS-IOMI mission in the latter part of this decade.