Transcript Storm Tracker: a Web-Based Tool for Working with the

Storm Tracker – a Web-Based Tool
for Working with the Automated
Tracking of Thunderstorm Clusters
Bob Rabin
NOAA / NSSL / CIMSS
Tom Whittaker
Space Science & Engineering Center / CIMSS
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Goals of the Project
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Make the results of on-going research at NSSL
available to others
Provide a web-based portal and appropriate tools
Augment use of GOES data with other sources
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Radar
RUC analysis
Lightning
Explore using THREDDS cataloging for data
access and VisAD data model for manipulation
Research community needs
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Rapid access to archived data
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Simplified conversion of data formats
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Tailoring the manipulation and visualization of
multidimensional data to specific needs
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For example: integrating and overlaying data from multiple
sources in Lagrangian reference systems.
Remote access to “slices” of data
Proposed solution
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Expand on the ideas of radar tracking algorithms
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Include multi-sensor data
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Operate on larger storms (e.g., MCS, tropical)
Radars
Satellite
Lightning
Model analyses & forecasts
Build a prototype that operates on realtime and
archived data
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Background collection and staging of data
User interactive selection, displays, manipulation
Considerations in Gathering of
Data
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At NSSL, acquire and stage:
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From NCDC, acquire and stage:
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RUC data (via NOMADS/THREDDS catalog)
Stage data by:
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GOES data (McIDAS)
Radar data images (McIDAS)
Lightning data
Common projection for 'background' images
VisAD Data model for co-locating RUC in space and
time
Server needs to serve many clients simultaneously
Data Flow
Radar
Lightning
Tracking
Algorithm
GOES
THREDDS
RUC model analysis
Web Server
Example session…
Measuring “success”
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Successful implementation of the Web-based storm
analysis application with ability to access real-time or
archived data sets from NCDC and other sites via the
commodity Internet plus Abilene (Internet2)
Demonstration of the successful use of THREDDS and
NOMADS leading to the development of future
applications using this technology
Use of the system for storm research at NOAA labs and
universities, and by the SPC and other forecast centers
What’s next?
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Early reviews by forecasters at NSSL are promising
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Switch to using 20km RUC
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Need more feedback to evolve tools
Higher resolution would be better
Add low-level / boundary wind vector display to
time-sections
Seek additional funding…