Real time drifter data and graphs are distributed on the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) for improved weather and climate forecasting and ocean state estimation. On this page, we provide instructions on how to obtain these GTS data streams using NOAA's Observing System Monitoring Center (OSMC).
To make a graph or get data from a particular drifter, you will need its World Meteorological Organization (WMO) identification number, which is different from the ID used in our quality-controlled data base. If you do not know the WMO # of your desired buoy, please reference the WMO/ID conversion file.