Integration of VIIRS data into AWIPS and AWIPS II

The Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument will fly on NASA's NPP (National Preparatory Project) platform, planned for launch in late 2011. The Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) program (http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/) works closely with National Weather Service forecast personnel, and intends to pursue efforts to develop VIIRS proxy products to prepare its users for the upcoming mission. SPoRT has obtained access to proxy VIIRS data through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's CasaNOSA tool (part of the NOAA Observing System Architecture (NOSA) Office). These proxy data are produced by first mapping MODIS data to the closest VIIRS channel. CasaNOSA provides the proxy data in near real-time, so derived products will be potentially beneficial to forecasters. SPoRT's experience with AWIPS will allow quick inclusion into the data interrogation routine of forecasters who want high resolution data – and want to prepare for the arrival of coming VIIRS data. SPoRT will also use its experience with AWIPS II plugin development to be prepared to offer a suite of products, similar to MODIS products currently generated.