Improving Meteorological Data Collection through Optimized Mobile Radar Siting

Weather-related injuries have increased by 9%, with an 8% rise in inclement weather events over the past five years. In 2020, 60,714 weather events in the U.S. led to 585 deaths and 1,708 injuries, according to National Safety Council. Accurate radar observations are critical to improving the prediction and warning of severe weather events and supporting the mission of the National Weather Service in saving lives and property. Recently, mobile radars have been demonstrated to enhance the modeling of severe weather events by providing high-resolution observations. The deployment of mobile radar vehicles, therefore, becomes an essential research topic for improving the understanding and prediction of extreme weather phenomena. However, no relevant publication has yet been discovered. This project is the first to provide a quantitative approach, using data-driven analysis and rigorous logic to determine the best possible location to park the mobile radar vehicle. A framework consisting of digital information, geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial optimization is proposed to delineate feasible areas, eliminate inferior solutions, and identify suitable locations. This rational, transparent, and replicable decision-making process can significantly aid human meteorological observation.