Virtual Globe software and geospatial information technology can enhance situational awareness and improve decision making in the National Weather Service (NWS) operational environment.

Virtual Globes have proven to be an effective tool for improving NWS operations and services, particularly during hazardous weather events such as severe convection, hurricanes, winter storms, flooding, wildfires, hazardous material spills, etc. Virtual Globes provide a data rich environment in which both meteorologists and hydrologists can integrate multiple data layers such as radar and surface observations with available layers such as roads, terrain, river basins, infrastructure, etc. The ability to combine these layers onto one interactive interface provides the NWS the capability to view critical information at a glance, and more readily assess a given situation beyond conventional meteorological parameters. Rather than simply viewing radar, a forecaster can quickly perform risk and impact analysis by assessing impacted population, infrastructure, etc. Knowing where and what the storm will impact heightens situational awareness while improving warning decisions and services. Additionally, Virtual Globes improve collaboration with local emergency management and other NWS offices. Ultimately, the use of Virtual Globes in the operational environment of the NWS is a valuable tool resulting in a higher degree of situational awareness, improved collaboration with critical decision makers, and enhanced warning services.