Originally posted by Tyler Allison+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tyler Allison)</div>
Tyler Allison is running the LDM... I am sure he can get the National 1KM Mosaic (it's in GINI format, I believe)... He could then setup a process to transform that file into a GIF image for subsections of the USA (most likely using GEMPAK)... Gibson Ridge software could then download the latest GIF file and display it as a background or something, much like SwiftWX used to do.
Already done actually
Gibson Ridge is figuring out if/when/how they want to utilize the data. He's a one man development shop so he has to pick and choose what he works on. He also doesn't like just throwing something together that sucks. He could do a satellite underlay/overlay but he wants to do it right and with the best data possible. Not some 640x480 national image that's been streatched and the pixels are the size of a truck. Doing it right takes time. Right now he is building a next generation Level 2 visualizer in his lab that will make your nose bleed (or wet your pants..pick your analogy) when you see it....it's that good.
He has talked about a larger meterological application (eg: satellite overlays, etc) but for now he's focusing on putting out the best radar software. I had to practically twist his arm to get him to develop his new place file system that now allows metar overlays, position tracking, lightening, etc. He wants to put out the best radar software he can without making it bloated, which I can appreciate
WeatherTap also has reliable satellite data
WeatherTap provides a great service, just a different service. I prefer to be able to manipulate the data as I see fit, instead of static content....that's simply a personal choice.
However if a customer of AllisonHouse told me they are paying somebody $5/m for reliable satellite data and they'd rather not, I'd be happy to provide the data. I've got it...however nobody has ever said it was worth anything to them.
What I can't do is generate static images on the scale that WeatherTap does it. I know what kind of hardware it takes to do what they do and it's not for the under funded part timer with a wife that's pissed about the amount of time I spend on my "hobbie". AllisonHouse will never provide that kind of access unless somebody knows a Venture capital group interested in growing a startup
At least for the next 12-18months I see the "weather software" business still a multiple product environment. Assuming you want the best of each area.[/b]
As I think about it I primarily use Weathertap for radar and sometimes satellite. Lightning data I don't use at all because it is too sparse and not good enough graphics at high enough resolution to be of any use. All the severe products I get elsewhere. Weathertap does have high resolution satellite imagary that is very large files and if you have the connection it can be one of the best to view for storms particularly visible. That said, I typically will use UCAR's sat first and then NASA (both for free) and if I want the higher res / larger file then I will download it (and almost never while chasing cause of large file size).
So, basically I would probably switch for the extra $5/ mo if you had satellite data too (and actually I think Weathertap charges about $7 now). I'll probably switch anyway even without the data because everyone seems to agree GRLevelX is just so much better and has a fast interface.
As for development funds...I just happened to recently receive this email from Jim Caruso looking for new venture weather projects to fund. I actually also have an idea for a new weather tool, but not sure I'm ready to make it available (concept wise) to anyone yet.
"I am launching a business development firm that will focus on helping
entrepreneurs commercialize weather-related technologies, products and/or services.
Essentially, my associate and I seek to incubate new ventures by combining
our business/financial acumen and capital with meteorological ideas or
technologies that have been developed by the more scientific and creative minds
among us. For those that have a product or service concept that we consider
viable and choose to get involved with, we will add the business skill and/or
capital to help turn the idea into a business reality.
Specific commercialization services include:
- Project management
- Strategic analysis
- Business plan development assistance
- Financial projections
- Possible direct equity investments from one or more angel investors
Depending on the situation, fees may be in the form of per diem rates,
retainers, success fees, equity stakes, or some combination thereof.
Interested entrepreneurs, please contact me at my business e-mail address
(NOT the one this e-mail is coming from):
[email protected]_
(mailto:
[email protected])
I'm sure you'll all appreciate the firm name.
Best Regards,
Jim Caruso
CAPE Associates
Capital & Advisory services, in Partnership with Entrepreneurs
[email protected]_ (mailto:
[email protected])"
