HKO - Under the Same Sky 130 Years - Display Area 12
Display Area 12 : Evolution of the Observatory in the Post-war Years - People-oriented
Introduction of Display Area
Since its founding, the Observatory's services have evolved in pace with the society by disseminating weather information effectively to the public by means of physical typhoon signals, newspaper, radio, television and telephone. By the 1990s, the Internet became highly popular, prompting the Observatory to launch its website in 1996, followed by the development of various webpages tailored for different target groups. Entering the twenty-st century, smart phones and other mobile platforms have become so popular that the Observatory spared no time in launching the mobile application "MyObservatory" in 2010, turning a new page in providing personalised meteorological services.
In the 1980s, the Observatory set up the "Dial-a-Weather" automatic telephone enquiry system, allowing the public to access weather information by telephone. This photograph shows an Observatory staff member using the system to record weather reports.
Since 1987, scienti officers of the Observatory have made weather presentations on television, thus bringing the weather service into every home and reaching everyone.
Since 2004, the Observatory has announced its research results on future climate change in Hong Kong and continues to organise various outreach activities to promote public awareness every year.
In 2010, the Observatory launched the popular "MyObservatory" mobile application, enabling any member of the public with a smart phone to access weather information quickly and easily.
On 23 March 2013, a new version of the "MyWorldWeather" mobile application developed by the Observatory for the World Meteorological Organization was launched. The Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, together with other senior officials from HKSAR Government, World Meteorological Organization and China Meteorological Administration, officiated at a launching ceremony and celebrated the 130th anniversary of the Observatory and World Meteorological Day.
Open Day at the Observatory is one of the most important activities held every year to engage the public in popular science.
