Recent AWIPS2 Testbed Activities at the NWS WFO Omaha (The TOAX System)

A unique testbed system has been established at the NWS WFO in Omaha, Nebraska since early 2014 (TOAX). This testbed is comprised of an independent AWIPS2 system with three workstations, and these workstations are embedded within the WFO operations area. Two of the workstations are located alongside operational AWIPS2 workstations. This provides the ability to install and evaluate non-operational applications and datasets that would otherwise be prohibited on a WFO AWIPS2 system.

A strong advantage to this configuration is that forecasters at WFO Omaha can easily operate an operational AWIPS2 system and the testbed system to perform side-by-side comparisons. Furthermore, forecasters can incorporate unique applications or datasets into the forecast and warning process. The utilization of the on-site forecasters is very efficient, low-cost, and allows for rapid turn-around evaluations in a familiar operational setting.

This presentation will discuss some of the R2O and O2R efforts that have taken advantage of the TOAX system. This includes the Hazard Services software (contributed by NOAA/OAR/ESRL/GSD and Raytheon), advanced AWIPS2 builds, and numerous satellite products. Emphasis will be on the agile utilization of a testbed system within an operational NWS WFO, and the unique advantages afforded by it.