EnviroMET technical editorial · Published 10 October 2026 · Planning guidance
Start with the assessment decision
A wind-resource campaign should answer a defined project question: early site screening, a resource assessment, a turbine-performance campaign or an operating-site review. The objective changes the required locations, measurement heights, instrumentation, records and reporting. A mast or LiDAR specification is a consequence of that objective, rather than the starting point.
Choose the measurement approach
Met masts provide observations at the installed sensor positions. Ground-mounted LiDAR provides remote observations at configured heights. Site conditions, terrain, access, power availability, verification arrangements and assessment requirements all affect selection. A combined approach may be appropriate where it resolves an identified measurement or verification need; it is not automatically the best choice for every site.
Plan the complete system
Instrument configuration, mounting, calibration records, data logger settings, power and communications form one measurement chain. Define how time stamps, configuration changes, outages, field visits and maintenance will be recorded. A reliable campaign also needs a practical plan for spare equipment, access and escalation when remote monitoring identifies an issue.
Agree quality and deliverables
The scope should establish applicable measurement standards, verification requirements, data checks and the reporting audience. IEC 61400-50-1 concerns mast-mounted measurements; IEC 61400-50-2 concerns ground-mounted vertical-profiling remote sensing. The assessor determines what evidence is needed for the intended assessment. Neither an equipment name nor a reference to a standard guarantees acceptance for financing.
Bring the right information to the first discussion
Share coordinates, site boundaries, available access information, project stage, target measurement heights and the decision the data will support. If a resource assessor or lender has already specified campaign requirements, include them. EnviroMET can then discuss planning, met mast or LiDAR delivery, system integration, maintenance and data review around that scope.
Common planning questions
How long should a wind campaign run?
The required period depends on the assessment objective, seasonal coverage and stakeholder requirements. Agree duration and data-quality expectations with the project assessor rather than treating one fixed period as suitable for every site.
What makes wind data bankable?
Bankability depends on the suitability, traceability, uncertainty treatment and completeness of the measurement and assessment, together with acceptance by the relevant stakeholders. A sensor or logger alone cannot establish it.
This guide explains planning considerations. The project scope determines applicable technical requirements, deliverables and responsibilities.
Technical framework references
Read the official scope before specifying campaign requirements.
IEC 61400-50-1:2022 — mounted instruments ↗IEC 61400-50-2:2022 — ground-mounted vertical-profiling remote sensing ↗MEASNET site-assessment framework ↗