Development of a GIS-Based Browser for High Spatio-Temporal Resolution Precipitation Data in the GCIP Domain

We are developing rainfall maps for the GEWEX Continental-Scale International Project (GCIP) domain in the Continental United States (CONUS). We will produce precipitation estimates at an hourly time scale and at a spatial resolution of 4x4 km. The quality-controlled, validated precipitation estimates will be used by the hydrologic, meteorologic, and hydrometeorologic communities for model studies. The high-resolution precipitation estimates will be used for models from basin-scale to meso-scale. An essential part of producing and distributing the precipitation data is to provide a browser that will enable the user to rapidly navigate the database. Geographic information systems (GIS) technology is mature and ideally suited for browsing spatial data but less so for spatio-temporal data. We are developing a GIS-based browser augmented with custom software for dealing with both spatial and temporal data. The browser will consist of a PC-based system of commercial GIS software and our software as Dynamically Linked Libraries (DLLs) and ActiveX Components. The browser will display precipitation data for hourly, daily, monthly, or storm events. Peripheral information about the precipitation data will also be available in the browser.