Web-based prototype decision support tool

NOAA ESRL has created a software tool that is aimed at exploring optimum methods for disseminating weather prediction data directly to an individual decision maker, supporting both economic and personal decisions. This includes a web interface that is connected to calibrated, probabilistic model output that allows a user to identify places and times where weather conditions may exceed critical thresholds. The software we are developing behaves like a consultant, evaluating data against decision threshold criteria, producing an easy to understand display for the decision maker in the “yes/no” decision-making process. There is an interrogation module to assess the level of risk that a decision maker is willing to accept. This prototype application uses Google Maps to select an area of interest with the click of a mouse. The application has been made to successfully work in a number of popular web browsers.