Future Directions for Unidata Applications

The Unidata Program's transition to Java presents a unique opportunity for users to help shape a new suite of display and analysis applications for the atmospheric sciences. With the guidance of a group of users from the Unidata community, Unidata developers have begun creating some prototype meteorological applications in Java. The goals of this effort include the creation of a component-oriented framework that supports easy construction of custom applications. We review some lessons learned from the current prototype applications, demonstrate the use of an application constructed from components, and discuss the benefits of this kind of software for research and education.