The CIMSS/ASPB component of the GOES-R Proving Ground Program

A proving ground is a place where technologies and ideas are tested and proven before they are finalized and incorporated into critical operations. The key mission of the GOES-R Satellite Proving Ground (PG) is to demonstrate new satellite observing data, products and capabilities in operational NOAA Offices. One such activity is utilizing the MODIS Direct Broadcast ground station at the University of Wisconsin, the CIMSS "MODIS in AWIPS" project has been providing MODIS imagery and products from the Terra and Aqua satellites to NWS forecast offices (via Unidata LDM subscription) since July 2006. In an effort to streamline the process of swiftly transitioning new satellite imagery and satellite-derived research products into the operational forecasting environment, the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) has opted to translate data into a format readable by the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS). The AWIPS is employed in NWS forecast offices across the United States as the main mechanism for ingesting, decoding, and displaying real-time weather information. This key PG activity facilitates the transfer of new capabilities into NOAA operations in an efficient and reliable manner. The primary function of the GOES-R Proving Ground project at CIMSS is to prepare National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters for use of GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) data and products prior to launch. Forecaster training before launch is necessary so all ABI spectral bands and derived products can be utilized by forecasters immediately after ABI enters routine use after launch. CIMSS will leverage existing simulated GOES-R Algorithm Working Group (AWG) Proxy data to demonstrate the abilities of ABI. The GOES-R AWG Proxy Data group at CIMSS has produced a (1 to) 2 km CONUS (Continental U.S.) simulation for a convective outbreak on June 4-5, 2005. The model data was input to advanced radiative transfer models to generate simulated ABI spectral bands for the convective outbreak. All the ABI spectral bands, along with spectral band differences, derived products, Numerical Weather Predication grids, radar and other data sets will be added to the NWS Weather Event Simulator (WES). The WES is a version of the real-time, operational AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System) forecasters use but with historical case study datasets for training purposes. The WES framework will allow forecasters to learn about ABI spectral bands and products within a familiar, operational-style environment.