Our Story
Discover Our Journey: Learn the Story Behind Synoptic and Read About Our History.
Synoptikos = Viewed Together
Synoptic Data derives its name from the Greek term “synoptikos” (συνοπτικός), which means “viewed together.” We believe in this principle, emphasizing that while individual data sets hold value, combining them with other data sources unlocks their true potential.
At Synoptic Data, we aim to streamline access to diverse weather and environmental data sets from a single source. We pride ourselves on pioneering the aggregation and dissemination of environmental data. Our origins trace back to leveraging the expertise of the esteemed University of Utah’s MesoWest program.
Explore the Synoptic Data story and our history further in the timeline below.
Our History
Synoptic Data is a unique company that can trace its origin all the way back to the University of Utah’s MesoWest Program, which started collecting and providing North American weather data in the mid-1990s to provide access to current and archived observational weather data through web-based technologies. MesoWest continued to grow during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics where they were funded by the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide critical weather information. ![]()
1997
Synoptic Data is a unique company that can trace its origin all the way back to the University of Utah’s MesoWest Program, which started collecting and providing North American weather data in the mid-1990s to provide access to current and archived observational weather data through web-based technologies. MesoWest continued to grow during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics where they were funded by the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide critical weather information.
In 2009, a pivotal collaboration took place between MesoWest and numerous universities, the National Weather Service, and private sector weather companies, leading to the establishment of the National Mesonet Program (NMP). Leveraging its robust foundation in data aggregation and web-based technologies, MesoWest assumed the primary responsibility for collecting the mesonet data and sending it to the NWS. ![]()
2009
In 2009, a pivotal collaboration took place between MesoWest and numerous universities, the National Weather Service, and private sector weather companies, leading to the establishment of the National Mesonet Program (NMP). Leveraging its robust foundation in data aggregation and web-based technologies, MesoWest assumed the primary responsibility for collecting the mesonet data and sending it to the NWS.
However, it became evident that managing this at the university level was unsustainable and in 2012, Synoptic Data was founded to undertake the task of data aggregation to uphold the operations of the National Mesonet Program. Synoptic has continued to support the NMP and leads the way in this successful public-private-academic partnership. By facilitating access to various datasets and bridging the gap between the NWS and the program’s partners, Synoptic has increased exposure for and use of millions of observations that were otherwise unavailable to the NWS, forming the backbone of a unique collaborative partnership that continues to thrive. ![]()
2012
However, it became evident that managing this at the university level was unsustainable and in 2012, Synoptic Data was founded to undertake the task of data aggregation to uphold the operations of the National Mesonet Program. Synoptic has continued to support the NMP and leads the way in this successful public-private-academic partnership. By facilitating access to various datasets and bridging the gap between the NWS and the program’s partners, Synoptic has increased exposure for and use of millions of observations that were otherwise unavailable to the NWS, forming the backbone of a unique collaborative partnership that continues to thrive.
In 2018, Synoptic took a significant organizational step by becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) to support the mission of, “provide expanded access to environmental data to enhance public safety, improve the productivity of government agencies and commercial entities, and assist in research and educational initiatives to advance the understanding of Earth systems." To further this commitment Synoptic officially became a certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) in 2023. 
2018
In 2018, Synoptic took a significant organizational step by becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) to support the mission of, “provide expanded access to environmental data to enhance public safety, improve the productivity of government agencies and commercial entities, and assist in research and educational initiatives to advance the understanding of Earth systems." To further this commitment Synoptic officially became a certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) in 2023.