More intuitive graphics for Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP)

The Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) is a 2-6 hour forecast of convection, developed specifically for use in the strategic planning of the nation’s air traffic. It is produced in a collaborative manner by the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), Meteorological Services of Canada (MSC), the Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs) and several airline meteorology departments. Effective traffic management decisions based on the CCFP are critical to reducing air space loading and in-flight delays. Thus, the CCFP is vital to improving efficiency and maintaining safety, while minimizing the cost of operations for the users. While the CCFP has been in use since 1998, user feedback identifies potential enhancements every year, particularly in the amount of information presented graphically. Next year an enhanced CCFP will present critically important convective forecasts in more intuitive manner, and is a culmination of nine months of surveys in which over 75 users and user representatives had direct input into the design of the new product. In addition, experts in human factors reviewed prototypes and provided input to the final version. The rationale for making the CCFP forecast more intuitive will be explained, the design process described, the options considered, and the final product for the 2005 convective season will be presented.