Hybrid Satellite Imagery using NASA LEO and NOAA GEO Data

The Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) program (http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/) seeks to accelerate the infusion of NASA earth science observations, data assimilation, and modeling research into NOAA/NWS weather forecast operations and decision-making at the regional and local level. SPoRT has transitioned high-resolution imagery and products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) into Weather Forecast Offices of the Southern, Western, and Eastern regions. While MODIS provides forecasters with atmospheric and land surface details not previously available, the utility of the data is limited by few daily overpasses. To better apply the NASA LEO data from MODIS, a more temporally consistent product is needed. To accomplish this NASA/SPoRT has processed the MODIS data to be inserted into GOES-based imagery whenever available, thereby forming a “Hybrid” product. This provides users with a smooth time series of imagery that incorporates high-resolution LEO data within a GEO framework, versus only snap shots of the MODIS swath images. In addition, this strategy has allowed NASA/SPoRT to develop near-realtime proxy ABI imagery (and future products) for use within the GOES-R Proving Ground in order to prepare users for the new instrument. Application of the hybrid imagery assists with the interpretation of subsequent, lower resolution GEO imagery. While this concept may have been attempted by others, it has not made its way into main-stream operational forecasting. Already SPoRT is focusing on improvements to the “Hybrid” product that include calibration between instruments, timing discontinuities at LEO/GEO edges, and parallax effects.