The R-Instat Climatic Guide

This guide is concerned with the analysis of climatic data. It is for four types of reader: 

• The first is those concerned with the collection and subsequent use of their climatic data. This includes staff of national meteorological services, (NMSs) who are often the custodians of the historical climatic data for their country. There are many others who collect climatic data, for example schools and colleges, farms, agricultural institutes and many individuals.
• Second is the users who need results from an analysis of historical climatic data.  They may undertake analyses themselves, or, at least, need to know what is possible from the data.  They are in many walks of life, including agriculture, health, flood prevention, water supply, renewable energy, building, tourism and insurance.
• The other two groups are concerned more with teaching and learning statistics. Looking at climatic data is an application of interest to many people; partly because of the effects that climate has on many areas.  Also because of the many issues of climate change.
• So, the third group is those who teach statistics. This guide shows how simple statistical ideas are used in solving practical problems in one application area. The key concepts of sensible data handling are the same whatever the area of application.
• The final group consists of those who have to learn statistics. Many people recognize that they need statistics skills for their work but sometimes find their statistics courses are difficult to relate to real-life applications. The materials here are complementary, by starting with the application and considering the statistical ideas that are needed to process the data.

These groups overlap. For example, many users of climatic data are also conscious of their need for further training in statistics.

Follow this link to open the guide and see Why is it needed?