Weather Mapping Software

[czenzel]

Hi Everyone,

I have been using Unidata IDV and Weather Graphics Digital Atmosphere for some time now for weather mapping. I just wanted to run a poll and see how many people are using each or both products for weather mapping.

The reason I am asking is because I wanted to see if anybody has any web sites that contain scripts or ability to swap scripts for generating weather maps. I am about to revamp my weather station's web site and it would be nice if I could have some new maps for the local area.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Christopher Zenzel

 

[Steve Miller]

I use F5Data so consider this a 'write-in" vote.

 

[Jim Parsons]

I use F5 Data & GRearth....

 

[rdale]

GEMPAK / NAWIPS (AWIPS II someday)

 

[Jason Foster]

Posting to official record my response was GR

I wonder if Baron Mobile Threat Net (aka XM WX) should have been added...to just see if anyone is really using it anymore.

And before someone says it....the percentages are such because you can answer more than one choice.

 

[Rob H]

Posting to official record my response was GR

I wonder if Baron Mobile Threat Net (aka XM WX) should have been added...to just see if anyone is really using it anymore.

And before someone says it....the percentages are such because you can answer more than one choice.

GR here, but a frequent chase partner insists on using Baron Mobile Threat Net because 'satellites are always available'. Never mind the fact that the software is glitchy as heck and is way behind on features. I also don't remember any chases where GR wasn't available for us, but I can think of a few times where parking under a gas station canopy or crossing into different time zones broke Threat Net for up to an hour.

 

[L.B. LaForce]

GRLevelX, Unidata IDV, BUFKIT.

Eventually I need to buy GEMPAK from rdale, or maybe ill wait till AWIPS II is out.

 

[JR Hehnly]

SimuAwips http://www.simuawips.com/

 

[Jeff Snyder]

SimuAwips http://www.simuawips.com/

Wow -- Just spent 15-20 minutes playing around there, and it looks like a very useful tool!

I use GRx in the field for sfc obs and radar data. Otherwise, I just use a web browser (FF) for all other weather data and StreetAtlas for the "mapping" part.

 

[Ryan Wichman]

Wow -- Just spent 15-20 minutes playing around there, and it looks like a very useful tool!

I use GRx in the field for sfc obs and radar data. Otherwise, I just use a web browser (FF) for all other weather data and StreetAtlas for the "mapping" part.

I would have to agree with you. I've never seen this site before but I registered and messed around with the software a bit and it seems like it could have a very practical use in nowcasting and forecasts.

 

[rdale]

SimuAWIPS and GEMPAK are along the same lines... It just depends on how you want to access the data. If you'll always be on the go and can't guarantee high speed connections - then SA would work best because it pulls the parameters you want only. If you have a good data line, then GEMPAK would be preferred since you only download the data once, then you manipulate it any way you want. Plus GEMPAK allows you to run your own WRF model over the domain of your choice.

 

[Brett Adair]

Been using SimuAWIPS since October and it's a great tool. Had the opportunity to use it in the field and it brought it radar updates faster than anything else used. Also, once you set your specific areas....is sounds alarms when products, warnings, watches, LSR's are issued for that given region. Worked great for us on 10/26/10....coupled with GR of course.

 

[Ryan Wichman]

Been using SimuAWIPS since October and it's a great tool. Had the opportunity to use it in the field and it brought it radar updates faster than anything else used. Also, once you set your specific areas....is sounds alarms when products, warnings, watches, LSR's are issued for that given region. Worked great for us on 10/26/10....coupled with GR of course.

Brett,

I haven't had the chance to use SimuAWIPS in action yet but have been playing around with the features. How fast do those warnings pop up after they have been issued? Seems like it could be a viable part of a chasing outfit in the field since data useage isn't extreme.

 

[John Wetter]

F5Data should be on the list. I did GRLevelx and 'other' so consider the 'other' as a vote for F5!

 

[Patrick Marsh]

What about the Python programming language and an internet connection to download the raw model files from the Internet! =D

Or what about using the command line gif image generator of GEMPAK... =D

OK, even I know I'm a weather geek for those two...