This project, referred to as WxSatS (Weather Satellites at SSEC), utilizes computer graphics and web-based technologies to effectively demonstrate key concepts of satellite meteorology. WxSatS is an interactive 3D visualization of weather satellites, ground stations, and near real-time global cloud imagery. WxSatS has proven to be a useful tool for illustrating how satellites orbit the Earth, showing different coverages for satellite instruments, identifying large-scale cloud formations, explaining the differences between types of satellites, and demonstrating how data gets transmitted to ground stations.
Unlike other satellite visualization tools, WxSatS is based in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and WebGL. This allows users to run WxSatS from desktops, laptops, and mobile devices without having to install any dependencies. It also has WebVR support for devices like the Oculus Quest, which allows users with virtual reality headsets to load WxSatS in an immersive setting. WxSatS has been used in classroom settings and was received with positive reactions.
Initial steps towards integrating Web Map Tile Services into WxSatS are underway, which will allow the visualization of many additional types of global data. Other features in development include visualizing custom weather products, implementing 3D Earth terrain, adding other planets, integrating select posts from the popular CIMSS Satellite Blog, displaying 3D isosurface data exported from McIDAS-V, and incorporating high-resolution tornado simulation model data.
WxSatS can be found at https://www.ssec.wisc.edu/datacenter/wxsats
- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner