Description: Wind speed and wind direction are typically measured through a mechanical wind vane, wind cup or propellor or ultrasonic anemometers. Wind Vane: A wind vane is a mechanical wind direction sensor that rotates 360 degrees and blows with the wind, pointing in the direction of the wind gust. Wind Cups and Proppellers: Are mechanical wind speed sensors that spin with the wind speed. Counts of rotation over a period of time deterrmine the speed of the wind. Ultrasonic: Non mechanichal anemometors using ultrasonic sound waves to mesure wind speed and direction have become have also become more prominent over the years. Ultrasonic anemometors do not have any moving components, can deterorate if not properly maintained.Wind speed is typically measured in Kilometers per hour (KPH) or miles per hour (MPH) while wind direction is measured in degrees with respect to true north. (0-360 degrees). Dust and flying objects can cause damage to cups, propellers and create friction in the bearings. Wind speed increases considerably with height, particularly over rough terrain, to accomodate this change of wind speed with height, a standard height of 10 m above open terrain is specified for the exposure of wind instruments. For wind direction, the corresponding shift over such a height interval is relatively small. It is recommended that when obstruction is near, that the sensor be placed at a minimum 10 time the distance as the object is tall
Costs USD Lower: $1,000
Costs USD Upper: $2,500
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Sources: https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/gcos/documents/gruanmanuals/CIMO/CIMO_Guide-7th_Edition-2008.pdf
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