Final answer:
An observation can still be considered automated even with human augmentation or backup if the primary data collection is performed by instruments. The use of technologies like Doppler radar in weather forecasting exemplifies increased automation. However, cases such as the Mars Climate Orbiter highlight the importance of human oversight in automated processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether an observation is considered automated has to do with the process by which the data is collected. In the context of weather observations, even if a weather technician is augmenting or backing up an observation, it may still be considered automated if the primary data collection is done by instruments without requiring continuous direct human intervention. This automation in weather forecasting has significantly evolved over time. For example, astronomers no longer have to peer through large telescopes; instead, they use electronic detectors to record data for later analysis. Observations can also be made remotely, which underscores the automated nature of data collection.
Moreover, weather forecasters now have access to advanced technologies like Doppler radar, which provides an advantage in detecting the velocity and movement of weather systems, improving the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts. This technological progress, much like in the case of agriculture where farmers shifted from the Farmer's Almanac to real-time updates online or via the Weather Channel, demonstrates a trend towards leveraging automated systems in gathering and analyzing data.
However, the reliability of these systems does not negate the importance of human oversight. For example, the Mars Climate Orbiter incident highlights the crucial role that human verification plays in ensuring that data, no matter how it is collected, is accurate and reliable. In that case, failure to convert from English units to metric units led to a costly mistake, underscoring that automation does not eliminate the need for meticulous human review.