SADIS

What is SADIS?

SADIS provides meteorological data for international air navigation as specified in ICAO Annex 3 and regional plans. It is a data library for extraction, processing, and visualization by end-user systems. Two versions are available:  

SADIS API: 

• Introduced in early 2024, the SADIS API is a SWIM-compliant system replacing SADIS FTP. 
• It will include full sets of higher resolution WAFS gridded data and multi-timestep WAFS SIGWX forecasts. 
• For more information click here (link to page) 

SADIS FTP (retiring 2028): 

• No new users will be onboarded to SADIS FTP. 
• It will contain a subset of WAFS gridded and SIGWX data sets. 

Data available via SADIS 

SADIS delivers World Area Forecast System (WAFS) products and other character-oriented OPMET information for pre-flight planning and flight documentation. 

Data Type	Data Products
WAFS Products	WAFS gridded upper air forecasts WAFS significant weather (SIGWX)
OPMET Data available in TAC (traditional alphanumeric format)	METAR SPECI TAF SIGMET AIRMET (where specified as required in regional Air Navigation Plans) GAMET (where specified as required in regional Air Navigation Plans) Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) Tropical Cyclone Advisories (TCA) Space Weather forecasts
OPMET Data available (PNG format)	VAG  TCG (where available)
OPMET Data available in IWXXM (xml format)	METAR SPECI TAF SIGMET AIRMET (where specified as required in regional Air Navigation Plans) Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) VA SIGMET Tropical Cyclone Advisories (TCA) TC SIGMET Space Weather forecasts

How to access SADIS? 

All SADIS users need approval from their State Meteorological Authority. Register interest by emailing the SADIS manager or calling 0370 900 0100 (UK) or +44 330 135 000 (outside UK). 

How much does SADIS cost? 

SADIS is funded through cost recovery. All user States, not individuals are responsible for payment. 

ICAO responsibility 

SADIS provides data as specified in ICAO Annex 3, with supplementary data available when authorized. 

Groups overseeing SADIS operations under the Meteorological Panel (METP) include: 

• Meteorological Operations Group (WG-MOG) 

• Meteorological Information Exchange Group (WG-MIE) 

• Meteorological Requirements and Development Group (WG-MRAD) 

SADIS workstations and software 

Individual SADIS users must fund their own workstations, software, internet connections, and maintenance.  

Authorised users should follow the SADIS Fourth Round Evaluation Criteria and SADIS API Evaluation Criteria. Programmers need familiarity with: 

• FTP or API protocols 

• Digital certificate protocols (FTP) 

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO) coding protocols 

• WMO FTP concatenation processes 

• WMO Manual on Codes (306), especially BUFR and GRIB specifications 

The SADIS FTP workstation evaluation guide and API User evaluation guides(IP template)  help users self-assess systems. The SADIS provider can assist in evaluations (chargeable). Contact details of suppliers and evaluation results are available. 

SADIS Backup and Problems 

A contingency data feed is necessary. Approved users should set up a WIFS account for backup, provided by WAFC Washington (NOAA). Certain usage restrictions may apply. Click here to Register with WIFS. 

Check SADIS administrative messages. If the issue isn't identified, contact us at +44 330 135 4444 or email [email protected].