General Information

Computing Facilities

The ECMWF computer system is currently based on Fujitsu VPP5000 and Fujitsu VPP700 supercomputers, supported by an IBM data handling system. A high availability system from Hewlett Packard is used for pre-processing, data acquisition and data dissemination. In addition several workstation server systems provide a general purpose service. All systems are interconnected via a high speed local area network.

Graphical hardcopy output (black and white or colour) is generated on laser plotters and on thermal transfer plotters. Workstations are used to display graphical output, including animated sequences over time.

A range of packages and libraries to assist users is also available. These include packages to provide source editing and data sorting facilities, as well as libraries containing utilities, mathematical subroutines and comprehensive graphics packages such as the Meteorological Applications Graphics Integrated Colour System (MAGICS) and the Metview system. The MARS system provides access to the Centre's extensive archive of meteorological data.

Data sets at ECMWF

While students are attending the Meteorological Training Course they may make use of the ECMWF computer facilities. Please note that permission to use allocated computer time must be obtained in advance from the National Meteorological Service.
Students have access to ECMWF archives via MARS as described in the MARS manual.
Students to the Computer Training Course (modules Com 1, 2 and 3) will be carrying out data retrievals as part of the course exercises.

Travel information

By Road

From the centre of Reading take the A33 Basingstoke Road, turning left after about 2 km, to the A327, signposted Aldershot. After approximately 3 km you will find the ECMWF entrance on the right of this road.

From the M4 motorway, leave at exit 11 signposted A33 Reading. At the roundabout take the B3350 (B3270) turn off to Shinfield. After about 1 km turn left at the roundabout into Shinfield Road (the A327). The ECMWF entrance will be found after approximately ½ km on the left along this road.

By rail and bus

The nearest railway station is Reading [General] Station. Trains leave for Reading from London (Waterloo or Paddington) every half hour. There are also trains between Gatwick and Reading. Buses No.5 (to Reading) and No.8 (from Reading) run between Shinfield Road and Reading Station approximately every half?hour, though there is only a restricted service on Sundays. These buses stop within walking distance of the Centre. Taxis are also available and are a convenient way of reaching the Centre.

By air

There is a coach service (Railair link), half?hourly for most of the day, between London (Heathrow) Airport and Reading Railway Station. The journey time is one hour or less, depending upon the traffic conditions. Tickets for travel are issued at Heathrow Airport by British Rail and at Reading Station booking office. The coaches set down outside each of the four Terminals at Heathrow and near the main entrance to Reading Station. There is a regular train service between Gatwick Airport and Reading Station.

Location of ECMWF

ECMWF is situated in Shinfield Park, Reading, Berkshire, approximately 5 km south of the centre of Reading on the A327 road. The Centre is adjacent to the United Kingdom Meteorological Office College.

Reading is located approximately 60 km west of London and about 18 km west of Bracknell.

In and around the Centre

Restaurant

ECMWF has its own restaurant for use by staff and visitors. There are also a few pubs in the vicinity where light lunches may be obtained.

Hotels and guest houses

Although there are several hotels and guest houses in Reading it is advisable to make a reservation for accommodation. ECMWF can help arrange bookings provided sufficient notice is given.

Shops

There is a variety of small shops within easy walking distance. They can be reached by turning left into the Shinfield Road as you leave the grounds of the Centre.

Banks

The nearest bank is the National Westminster Bank close to the University and there is an ATM (cash machine) in Shinfield. A large variety of other banks can be found in the centre of Reading. When cashing Traveller's Cheques it will be necessary for you to have some identification, such as a passport.