Automated Volume Scan Evaluation and Termination (AVSET) - A Simple Technique to Achieve Faster Volume Scan Updates

Over 62% of National Weather Service Forecast Office survey respondents rate faster Volume Coverage Pattern (VCP) updates (more frequent low elevation product updates) as the “Most Important VCP Improvement” the WSR-88D Radar Operations Center (ROC) can provide.

The Automated Volume Scan Evaluation and Termination (AVSET) function is a simple, yet elegant, technique that addresses this operational need. The AVSET function treats each volume scan independently, within the constraints of the active VCP definition, and dynamically controls the number of scanning angles based on the sampled meteorological return.

Currently the ASVET function is undergoing engineering testing. A concurrent effort is underway to perform a cost-benefit analysis, develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and assess impacts to user systems.

This paper describes the current implementation of AVSET and presents operational examples of the benefits achieved using the AVSET function.