GR Level Software

[Dawn Thieme]

I'm thinking of stepping up from 'wunderground's radar, but not sure if I should look into GR Level 2 or 3. Any advice?

 

[Zachary Lassiter]

Do you want Level II or Level III data

If you don't know the difference heres a comparison. I don't know the super resolution is, but I'm guessing its smoothing.

 

[rdale]

I don't know the super resolution is, but I'm guessing its smoothing.

Bad guess. And that picture is outdated too...

Unless you are a meteorologist - or GREAT at radar interpretation - go with GR3.

 

[Jeff Snyder]

Level 3 radar data just got a resolution upgrade as well, almost to the point of the new Level 3 data looking like the old (pre-super-res) Level 2 data. IMO, it's either GR3 or GR2Analyst, and the price difference is not negligible. If you are a casual user, just get GR3, and save your money, perhaps to spend on GREarth when it is released.

The graphic Zachary posted is from the GRx website, but it probably needs to be updated, as RDale noted. Almost all Level 2 data now is so-called "super-res" data, and there are some better examples of the benefits you gain with super-res data vs. Level 3 data than the included example. However, unless you really do want to see how high the 50 dbz core is, or you need to see a MARC signature on a QLCS near the radar (i.e. you'd like many more tilts above the max 3.5 degrees you get with L3 data and you'd like the higher-res you get with super-res L2 data), you probably don't need GR2Analyst.

 

[Rob H]

However, unless you really do want to see how high the 50 dbz core is, or you need to see a MARC signature on a QLCS near the radar (i.e. you'd like many more tilts above the max 3.5 degrees you get with L3 data and you'd like the higher-res you get with super-res L2 data), you probably don't need GR2Analyst.

Just wanted to point out that with the multiple tilts and the cross section tool In GrLevel2, you can still look for things like BWERs and how high cores are. Granted, a cross section slice isn't as useful as a fully 3D rendering for analyzing some features..

Dawn, 3 is an amazing program and I think it should be part of any weather enthusiast's toolkit. 3 will always be preferred for chasing, and is usually good enough for historical analysis as well. Once you use 3 for some time and find the lower resolution, lack of tilts, etc. limiting factors in your analysis - then you should start thinking about also purchasing the other versions.

A note on GREarth: 2/2AE/3 only show one station at a time. If you're looking at wide-spread events or just want a general idea of what's going on GREarth might be of interest when it is released.

 

[jladue]

The enhanced level III data are finished, velocity dealiased products that may be more polished than the raw level 2 data. That's something to think about when you want to consider which program to purchase.

 

[Lanny Dean]

Look at StormLab as well. It is my main suite and what we use on the tours....I only use GR as a back up anymore. Take a look at it and see if it is something you might be interested in before you purchase GR.
www.interwarn.com

 

[Tim Shriver]

GrLevel 3 would be best for someone new to GR products.

Tim

 

[Dawn Thieme]

Thanks for all your opinions. I never use radar from NWS's websites because I can't stand how pixelated it is. So I'm sure GRLevel3 is the one I will eventually get.

 

[Zack Cooper]

grlevel3 is good but I use grlevel2AE and love it!

 

[Rob H]

Lanny uses StormLab out in the field, so it's obviously not just for "those that watch TWC". I personally prefer GR3 and GR2, and don't see a need for GR2AE for most users.

StormLab doesn't seem as easy to use - GR has mouse wheel zooming and selecting radar sites by clicking on the map which are important to me. I do like StormLab's built-in Spotternetwork and GPS management. StormLab's options are also extremely well laid out and easy to configure. I had to go into the registry to disable the GPS Auto Center functionality in GR3 because I couldn't find it in the menu anywhere.

To each their own. Lucky for end users; all of the programs mentioned in this thread have trial versions so you can try them out before picking the best one for your needs.

 

[Jay Cazel]

Lanny uses StormLab out in the field, so it's obviously not just for "those that watch TWC". I personally prefer GR3 and GR2, and don't see a need for GR2AE for most users.

StormLab doesn't seem as easy to use - GR has mouse wheel zooming and selecting radar sites by clicking on the map which are important to me. I do like StormLab's built-in Spotternetwork and GPS management. StormLab's options are also extremely well laid out and easy to configure. I had to go into the registry to disable the GPS Auto Center functionality in GR3 because I couldn't find it in the menu anywhere.

To each their own. Lucky for end users; all of the programs mentioned in this thread have trial versions so you can try them out before picking the best one for your needs.

Very well said, I use GRL3 and GRL2AE but there is NOTHING wrong with Storm Lab at all.....fine program, I just like GRLX programs better.