While the world of meteorology is changing fast, it is important to use and maintain correct terminology. The following meteorological network classification promotes clear and concise communication between professionals, researchers, amateur enthusiasts, and the public.

Meteorological observation networks are classified by their sensor and weather station spacing (how far apart are observations and measuring points from each other). With the advent of the Internet-of-Things (IoT), there is a strong focus on creating dense city-scale and local-scale weather station networks even at the expense of conforming to even the loosest measurement standards. 

Scientists seem to be forgetting that the promise of lower-cost wireless and sensor technologies does not, in fact, replace measurement know-how. This measurement know-how is a result of long-term experience and R&D, which takes time and, by default, drives up sensor costs of companies able to perform real measurements with scientific precision. Minimizing the "Observer Effect" of measurement systems takes know-how to avoid measuring unintended influences.  One such sin is mounting a rain bucket or a radiation shield close to an ultrasonic wind sensor. Cheap solar radiation shielding for air temperature sensors is another common mistake of amateurs and professionals alike. It is described in detail in "Will the BARANI DESIGN MeteoShield® replace the Stevenson screen as the new reference for climate change measurements?"

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