These NCEP ADP operational global synoptic upper air data reports were collected from the GTS during time slots centered on the 6-hourly analysis times of their global and regional models. Five types of data were collected, and all types include data for various levels, such as "significant level" and flight level. The reports may include pressure, geopotential height, temperature, dew point depression, wind direction and speed.

The five types are: 1) radiosondes and pibals launched from land stations and ships (includes 20 mandatory levels from 1000 millibars to 1 millibar), 2) aircraft flight level reports from commercial, military and reconnaissance sources, 3) satellite infrared sounding observations, 4) satellite winds derived from cloud drift analysis, and 5) data from aircraft takeoffs and landings.