CGEOMETOC - Geospatial, Meteorological and Oceanographic Maritime Center

By its very nature, the sea stands as the Navy’s principal theatre of operations. The constant variability of its meteorological conditions and oceanographic processes makes it an exceptionally dynamic and complex environment in which to operate.

The Hydrographic Institute (IH), a state laboratory and the Navy’s authority for marine science and technology, has in recent years strengthened its capabilities in meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) forecasting and monitoring. This has been achieved through the establishment of observation and data collection networks, as well as the implementation of operational forecasting systems supported by advanced mathematical models.

In October 2017, by order of His Excellency the Admiral Chief of the Portuguese Naval Staff and National Maritime Authority, the Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre (CMETOC) was established under the authority of the Director-General of the Hydrographic Institute.

The current Director of the Maritime Geospatial, Meteorological, and Oceanographic Centre (CGEOMETOC) is Commander Quaresma dos Santos.

CGEOMETOC brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists in meteorology, oceanography, geospatial engineering, hydrography, and information technology. These professionals are supported by a robust IT infrastructure that operates daily numerical models of sea state and ocean circulation at global, regional, and local scales, along with an integrated database and operational GEOMETOC information system. In addition to providing daily METOC forecasts for all theatres where naval units and forces are deployed, CGEOMETOC also works closely with the technical divisions of the Hydrographic Institute on research and development of new capabilities, products, and military systems to enhance operational GEOMETOC support.