Extended Abstract (2.1M)12.1
Radar visualization and occultation in 4-dimensions using Google Earth
S. T. Shipley, George Mason Univ., Fairfax, Virginia; and A. Peterlin and S. Cantrell
Weather radar information is mapped and animated in 3-dimensions using COLLADA models on Google Earth. Radar beam occultation is theoretically calculated for the entire NEXRAD system using Digital Terrain Models (DTM), and is combined with NEXRAD reflectivity to verify signal blockage patterns. Occultation patterns for the entire NEXRAD system have been released for public use and inspection at http://wxazygy.com. Recent enhancements to occultation techniques include beam blockage at higher spatial resolution using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), blockage or extraneous signals due to manmade objects such as buildings and towers, and seasonal impacts related to attenuation by vegetation canopies.
Supplementary URL: http://wxanalyst.com/
Session 12, Virtual Globe technology and applications
Thursday, 15 January 2009, 8:30 AM-9:45 AM, Room 121BC
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