Client-side Data Processing and Training for Multispectral Imagery Applications in the GOES-R Era

Forecaster preparations for the NOAA GOES-R and JPSS satellite series are supported by the NASA Short-term Prediction, Research, and Transition (SPoRT) Center via NOAA's Satellite Proving Ground. SPoRT is funded by NOAA to transition and assess proxy imagery and products to forecasters from current instruments such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), as well as Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) in order to prepare forecasters for the new capabilities that will come with the launch of GOES-R and JPSS in late 2016 and early 2017, respectively. SPoRT's past and current activities include the delivery of multispectral (i.e. RGB) imagery and derived products to National Weather Service (NWS) local forecast offices and national centers. Collaborative assessments with forecasters has shown operational impact to public and aviation forecast services by applying RGB imagery to complement other quantitative observations or products. In the GOES-R era, the increased number of channels and resolution may suggest the processing of the RGB products be done locally in addition to increased demands on users to be knowledgeable regarding their application. NASA/SPoRT has developed a capability for “client-side” production of the RGB imagery based on EUMETSAT “best practices” recipes. In preparation for advanced capability in the GOES-R era, SPoRT has begun testing client-side generation of multispectral imagery at the Huntsville local forecast office and in the Alaska region. In addition SPoRT developed a capability to integrate quick-reference training materials within the NWS AWIPS/CAVE workstation to allow users to access training material on-demand. Both of these capabilities were demonstrated at NOAA/NWS' Operations Proving Ground (OPG) where forecasters were invited to participate in a demonstration of AHI imagery, which is nearly the same as the Advanced Baseline Imagery (ABI) of GOES-R. Forecasters were asked to evaluate workstation performance during the client-side RGB production. Additionally, users were asked to test the integrated training tool capabilities and provide feedback as well as to make recommendations regarding the RGB imagery most suited for operations in the GOES-R era for a variety of tasks. Applications of multispectral imagery from current satellite systems in preparations for GOES-R are presented as well as the results from user evaluation of client-side RGB production and operational “integrated” training capabilities demonstrated at OPG.