Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology
is a global network of specialized training centers and meteorological satellite operators working together to improve the utilization of data and products from meteorological and environmental satellites established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS).
Our Mission
To improve weather, water, climate and related environmental services by enabling WMO Members to utilize satellite data.
Our Vision
Coordinate training centers and satellite operators to provide the best training to users to maximize satellite data utilization.
Our audience
Operational meteorologists, those performing analysis, diagnosis, prognosis and forecasting of the weather.
Co-chairs
Di Xian
Mr. Di Xian is currently the Director of the Science & Technology and International Cooperation Office at the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC), China Meteorological Administration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Nanjing University (2002) and a Master's Degree in Atmospheric Physics and Atmospheric Environment from Peking University (2009). With over 23 years of experience at NSMC, his research focuses on remote sensing, satellite data applications, and big data system architecture. Additionally, he has served as a lecturer for multiple training programs on FengYun meteorological satellite applications at Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in China, Australia, and Oman. Mr. Xian looks forward to collaborating with diverse training centers and trainees, sharing expertise, and advancing the utilization of satellite technology worldwide.
Zamzam AL-Rawahi
Zamzam AL-Rawahi is a Meteorological Specialist with a BSc in Physics, specializing in weather radar and satellite remote sensing at the Directorate General of Meteorology – Oman. Serves as an expert and trainer at the Center of Excellence – Muscat, delivering satellite application training across the Middle East and North Africa. Passionate about advancing meteorological training beyond knowledge transfer, building strong connections between data and service providers, trainees, and end users to drive innovative applications, improve forecast accuracy, and enable faster, more effective responses to weather events.
TSO
Dr. Marcial Garbanzo-Salas
Marcial Garbanzo holds a PhD degree in Physics from the University of Western Ontario (Canada), and works as a professor for the School of Physics at the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The main interests of Dr. Garbanzo are remote sensing applications including radar and satellite, as well as the development of instrumentation with direct applications in industry and academia.