 |
| Fall 2004 |
|
|
In this issue...
Download the Fall 2004 Issue |
|
|
|
| Standard Benchmark Data for Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 - Doppler (WSR - 88D) |
5 |
| Facilitating the Integration of New Science Algorithms Into the Nation's Weather Radar Network Using the Common Operations and Development Environment (CODE) |
10 |
| Expanding National Weather Service Radar Coverage by Leveraging Radar Assets of Other Federal Agencies |
16 |
| Applying New Technology to the GOES DCS |
27 |
| NOAA/NESDIS Preparation for the NPOESS Era: NPOESS Data Exploitation |
35 |
| Technology Challenges for Obtaining Global Wind Profiles |
40 |
| SATPROD - The Evolution of a Loosely Coupled Web Application |
50 |
| Secure Remote Access Server (SRAS): A Study in How to Allow Remote Access to Satellite Telemetry Data |
57 |
| Bridging the Gap Between Meteorology and Surface Transportation: The Federal Highway Administration's Maintenance Decision Support System Project |
62 |
| A National Air Quality Forecast Capability: Progress Toward a NOAA Forecast Guidance Implementation U.S. Climate Reference Network |
71 |
| U.S. Climate Reference Network |
76 |
 |
|
|
Introduction
As I write this introduction, I am 'on the road' in Raleigh, N.C. Hurricane Charley has passed over the central Florida peninsula and is now making a second landfall in South Carolina as it continues its northerly path. So as I pound away on my laptop, I have also set up a wireless-enabled virtual storm center on my laptop. The Weather Bug, The Weather Channel, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) Web sites are on the screen and providing alert updates. I am viewing animated radar data showing the track of the storm, as well as a wealth of other related data about the current and future conditions. I can strategize when to return to home, while simultaneously advising my wife and daughter if they should leave the Virginia shore and head inland. The capabilities of my virtual storm center far exceed those of most meteorologists and storm trackers of a century ago, and probably of even a half-century ago.
Consider the technology supporting my virtual storm center-radars, satellites, numerous other sensors, networks, high performance work stations and computers, enormous data bases, mathematical modes, and software automatically generating products that provide an understanding of raw, uncorrelated data. Then, consider the scientific knowledge and meteorological expertise-the NOAA and NWS staff-making use of that technology. The result? To me, I am able to plan with considerable certainty when I can safely leave Raleigh in a manner that avoids the storm. To the nation, the proven human and economic benefits-saved lives, avoided costs-are overwhelming.
In this edition of Sigma, the editors have invited Harry Strong, Director of Noblis' Oceanic, Atmospheric and Space Systems Program, to highlight some of our work to advance weather-related technology, products, and knowledge. This program supports a number of federal government agencies-NOAA, NWS, Department of Transportation-with weather-related missions.
Current conditions: light rain continues in Raleigh. The forecast: lots of interesting, useful technology in the papers ahead.
H. Gilbert Miller, Ph.D.
Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
hgmiller@noblis.org