Observatory's portable weather and radiation station in support of the Sixth Ministerial Conference of World Trade Organization

A few years back, the Hong Kong Observatory designed and fabricated a automatic weather and radiation monitoring station for the Hong Kong Police Force. The station enables the police to obtain on-site weather and radiation information for assessing the spread of harmful material in the event of a chemical, biological or radiological incident. At the request of police in late 2005, a standby station was constructed in the space of two weeks for their use in support of the Sixth Ministerial Conference of World Trade Organization (MC6).

Dr. Lee Boon-ying, Assistant Director of the Observatory said, "The task was completed within a very short time frame, demonstrating a high spirit of teamwork at the Observatory."

Apart from sensors for temperature, wind and radiation, the portable monitoring station was also equipped with a Global Positioning System for locating the measurement site. Data obtained from the station are instantly displayed at the site and also transmitted to the Observatory over the mobile wireless communication network every 5 minutes.

Mr. Jimmy Yuen, Bomb Disposal Officer of the Police Force said,"The Observatory's prompt assistance has enabled us to obtain instant and on-site weather information during MC6, greatly enhancing our ability in emergency response."

Thomas Leung, Radar Specialist Mechanic of the Observatory (left), seen here assisting the Police in testing the portable monitoring station