Visualizing New-Generation Geostationary Satellite Imagery with SIFT

The Satellite Information Familiarization Tool (SIFT) is flagship software that runs on all major computer operating systems for visualizing new-generation geostationary satellite imagery. SIFT, developed at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center, is the primary application for providing initial exposure of new spectral band imagery to operational meteorologists at the United States National Weather Service (USNWS). It uses a computer’s graphical processing unit (GPU) to render high fidelity imagery without compromising system performance, and provides seamless panning, zooming, and interrogation functionality for high spatial resolution imagery over the full disk. Additional features are under development to improve the experience for a growing number of users.

SIFT was initially developed to support a Himawari-8 training workshop at the USNWS forecast office in Guam. As the United States training program expands nationwide ahead of the launch of the first satellite in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series (GOES-R), the number of SIFT users continues to grow. SIFT is freely available to the international community of users as well. This presentation will focus on the current and upcoming capabilities of SIFT and how it relates to the United States training program for GOES-R, with examples of its utility in accelerating learning of satellite remote sensing applications.