Security measures (against lightning, flooding, theft, vandalism, and so forth) are to be taken into account and the stations must, of course, be able to withstand severe meteorological conditions. The cost of providing systems capable of operating under all foreseen circumstances at an automatic station is prohibitive; it is essential that, before specifying or designing an observation station, a thorough understanding of the working environment anticipated for the observation station be obtained. At an early stage of planning, there should be a detailed analysis of the relative importance of the meteorological and technical requirements so that sites can be chosen and approved as suitable before significant installation investment is made.