Michael Hewins
Chief Executive Officer
AstroVision International
American Meteorological Society
30th Conference on Broadcast Meteorology
"Surviving the Changing World of Broadcast Meteorology"
Proposed Speaking Topic:
How Live Satellite Images Will Effect Local Weather Reporting
Radar and static satellite imagery are now a staple in most weather broadcasts. As satellite technology advances, localized live, full-color video images are likely to set a new standard. In the not so distant future, high definition video of a specific city or town will introduce a new element to local weather broadcasts, adding both entertainment and news value to televised coverage.
The introduction of this real-time imaging technology has the ability to significantly impact the way local weather is reported. In addition, it is likely to advance the efforts of the meteorological community to anticipate severe weather conditions for the benefit of local weather viewers, potentially improving public safety. For example, preliminary studies have shown that certain types of high altitude lightning may have predictive value with regards to tornado formation.
AstroVision International is developing a five-satellite system to provide live, true color, 24-hour high definition video imaging of the earth with half-kilometer resolution. Imaging technologies incorporated in the system were originally developed for interplanetary exploration. The companys AV Star System represents the first time these technologies have been utilized in a commercial application for viewing the earth.
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