Case study playback functionality in AWIPS

Case study playback remains an integral part of local training and research in National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting offices. This functionality has been implemented in two ways. First, case study review mode is utilized to view a case in its entirety and allows exploration of an event for exercise development or research. By reviewing examples of challenging weather forecasting events, a forecaster can improve methods of predicting such phenomena. Second, displaced real-time (DRT) mode has been implemented to execute drills using data that are updated in real time. These drills help to develop proficiency in warning and decision making as a case is evaluated in a simulated operational setting. Using operational software in DRT mode allows forecasters to view the case in the context of their duties and learn new software applications specific to a forecasting problem.

DRT functionality is planned for later versions of AWIPS Build 5. In the interim, more immediate case study playback functionality has been explored. Methods that utilize operational AWIPS display systems mirror functionality developed by the COMET® Program and the Operational Support Facility (OSF)/Operations Training Branch (OTB) for classroom laboratory exercises. In addition, a stand-alone system for case study playback is being developed at the NOAA Forecast Systems Laboratory (FSL) on a Linux PC platform. This configuration will make AWIPS functionality available on a low-cost platform. Case study playback on such a system has far reaching potential, including use in university classrooms.

Data for playback on AWIPS software are available through the NWS/COMET Case Study Library (http://www.comet.ucar.edu/resources/cases/). All recent cases have been released in AWIPS format and span a wide variety of meteorological events.