Characterizing and Quantifying the Socio-economic Benefits of GOES-R Observations

The GOES-R operational geostationary weather satellites operated by NASA and NOAA provides (a) higher spatial and temporal resolution imagery of the Earth using the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI); (b) measure in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning using the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM); and (c) a suite of instruments that improve detection of approaching space weather hazards. In this study we begin to characterize and quantify the benefits of GOES-R with a focus on improvements in hurricane track and intensity forecasts. Using a value chain approach, we characterize the complete process of hurricane information creation, communication, use, and value. Building on prior studies, focused interviews with a limited set of satellite experts, hurricane forecasters, emergency managers, broadcast meteorologists, and potential end-users was undertaken to characterize the value chain and identify relevant outcomes. We then apply a “benefits transfer” using benefit estimates from prior studies on the value of improved hurricane forecasts to derive an estimate of public willingness-to-pay (WTP) for improved hurricane related information from GOES-R observations. This project lays the foundation for future studies on the benefits of GOES-R observations in a broader set of sectors and end-users.