DCPs are automatic or semi-automatic environmental observing systems. They may take the form of an automatic weather station at a remote site, an automatic river or tide gauge, or an instrumented aircraft, ship, ballon or buoy. Those communicating with Meteosat are supported by the MSG Data Collection System.
Mobile platforms can move anywhere in the world.
These are known as International DCPs and are supported by the International Data Collection System of all the geostationary satellites. It will be continued by MSG with further transponder bandwidth for future system expansion. The current data rate of 100 bps for each DCP will continue to be supported during MSG operations. Special processing or distribution will normally incur additional costs for the user. This service is available for operators of DCP stations only.