About Us

Learn About the Company and Our History

Who We Are

The Synoptic story centers around purpose and passion. Seeing the need for a more cohesive weather data platform, Synoptic Data was formed to transform weather data collection and create a comprehensive, real-time source of information that anyone could access.With a passion to provide access to data for all, we’re building a platform where valuable weather and environmental information from hundreds of data sources—ranging from personal weather stations to government networks—come together seamlessly.

And Synoptic’s journey is about more than just data collection; it’s about changing how people interact with and use weather information. From enhancing public safety to empowering industries to make weather-driven decisions, Synoptic has grown into a company with purpose.

Today, Synoptic is proud to be a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) and B Corp certified, focusing on people, planet, and sustainability. Our team is devoted to bringing users all the data they need to save lives, protect property, run their operations smoothly, and enhance our understanding of Earth systems. We continue to push boundaries by integrating new technologies and datasets, providing unmatched, timely insights into weather that truly make a difference.

Synoptic in numbers

  • 150,000+ Weather Stations
  • 320+ Data Sources
  • 160+ Weather Variables
Learn About Our PBC

VISION

To be the world`s largest and most trusted source for real-time global weather and environmental data.

MISSION

To provide access to weather and environmental data to support decisions that save lives, protect property, and enhance our understanding of Earth systems.

Our Name

While the term synoptic has an important connotation in terms of meteorology, Synoptic derived 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.

Core Values

  • Trust

    Our users and data providers depend on us to deliver exceptional products, services and experiences. We value strong relationships built on trust; we won’t let them down.

  • Customer Centric

    We’re passionate about the industries we serve, listening to our customers, and developing innovative solutions. We are committed to providing excellent products and customer support; we care about our customer’s success.

  • Integrity

    We maintain the highest standards in delivering quality, accurate and timely data to our users.

  • Teamwork

    As a high-performing, collaborative and creative team, we support and uplift each other, aligning on core values, company goals and working together to fulfill our mission.

  • Purpose-Driven

    As a Public Benefit Corporation and B Certified company, our mission comes first and we place a high value on balancing our business on people, planet, and profits. Supporting our community and providing access to data is what makes our world a better place.

Our History

Explore the Synoptic Data history in the timeline below.

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. Certified
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.

Supporting Weather Initiatives Worldwide

Synoptic proudly supports the following initiatives and organizations for weather ready nations and climate resilience.