Status on the Four-Dimensional Base Radar Data Analysis Tool for AWIPS

Historically, the tools to analyze base WSR-88D radar data within the National Weather Service Forecast Office (WFO) severe weather warning decision-making environment have limited users to two-dimensional representations of the data. During the development of the National Severe Storms Laboratory Warning Decision Support System – Integrated Information (WDSSII), several four-dimensional display tools were designed to aid the research and development of multiple-sensor severe weather applications that required the analysis of intermediate and final output in 3D earth-centric and time-centric coordinates. The latest of these display tools, known as the Four-dimensional Storm Investigation tool (FSI) is being engineered to be an extension for the D2D display in AWIPS. The FSI plots native-resolution (spherical coordinate, or “8-bit”) WSR-88D base data in 3D space, on a 3D representation of the Earth's globe, and users can interact with the data while it is animating (4D). The initial design of the tool will include a four-panel GUI containing fixed zenith-viewpoint Plan Position Indicator (PPI) will all-tilts browsing, a Vertical Cross-Section, a Horizontal Cross-Section [Constant-Altitude PPI (CAPPI)], and a “3D Flier” capability. FSI has the capability for dynamic cross-sections, in which the user can interact with the placement of the cross section on the fly as the cross-section data displays dynamically change. The 3D Flier will allow users full range of 3D motion about a storm object, with continuous pan, zoom, pitch, and yaw controls. The data will be maintained in its native spherical resolution format, but with a user option to interpolate between data levels on the cross-sections. We will report on the status of the project, including plans to alpha-test the software at one or more WFOs during the 2006 convective season.