National Weather Service RIDGE 2 Radar Data Architecture and Warning Geographic Information System Services

The NWS's RIDGE 2 (Radar Integrated Display using GeoSpatial Elements version 2) project utilizes an Open Source GeoStack (i.e., Postgresql/PostGIS, Mapserver, Tilecache and Openlayers) to provide advanced radar and warning Geographic Information System (GIS) layers to NWS core partners. Those partners use advanced GIS applications for strategic planning and resource allocation, and the requirement for accurate and timely georeferenced weather information is often critical to thoses processes. The data layers available from the RIDGE 2 GeoStack provide the ultimate in GIS data flexibility, as the integration of critical NWS radar and warning data into the partners' decision-making applications is now easier than ever before. This presentation will highlight the RIDGE2 architecture and show examples of its use.