17 october 2006nwa annual meeting, cleveland, ohtom filiaggi – mdl/dab cimms / university of...

17 October 2006 NWA Annual Meeting, Cleveland, OHTom Filiaggi – MDL/DAB

CIMMS / University of Oklahoma

NWS Meteorological Development Laboratory Decision Assistance Branch

Location: National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, OK

CIMMS / University of Oklahoma


Location: National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, OK

Gregory J. StumpfGregory J. Stumpf

The Four-dimensional Stormcell Investigator (FSI) for AWIPS

The Four-dimensional Stormcell Investigator (FSI) for AWIPS

NOAA


Location: Global Systems Division, Boulder, CO

NOAA


Location: Global Systems Division, Boulder, CO

M. Thomas FiliaggiM. Thomas Filiaggi


To increase warning skill and lead time, and therefore improve public service, 3D/4D visualization will allow forecasters to

better analyze the signatures which are useful in diagnosis of severe and tornadic storms.

discover new clues and signatures not easily observed using traditional 2D analysis methods.

To increase warning skill and lead time, and therefore improve public service, 3D/4D visualization will allow forecasters to

better analyze the signatures which are useful in diagnosis of severe and tornadic storms.

discover new clues and signatures not easily observed using traditional 2D analysis methods.

Four-Dimensional Stormcell Investigator (FSI)

Four-Dimensional Stormcell Investigator (FSI)


Why three (and four) dimensions?

Why three (and four) dimensions?

Because the atmosphere is four-dimensional!

Storm researchers have used 3D/4D displays for years to facilitate their understanding of signatures related to severe weather.

How can operational forecasters utilize 3D/4D visualization in an effective, and rapid manner?

Because the atmosphere is four-dimensional!

Storm researchers have used 3D/4D displays for years to facilitate their understanding of signatures related to severe weather.

How can operational forecasters utilize 3D/4D visualization in an effective, and rapid manner?


The Lemon Technique (1977)

The Lemon Technique (1977)

Original storm structure analysis methods presented using vertical cross-sections (RHIs)

RHIs are not possible with WSR-88D

Original storm structure analysis methods presented using vertical cross-sections (RHIs)

RHIs are not possible with WSR-88D


AWIPS users must infer vertical storm structure using 2D representations of radar data.

All Tilts: a series of 2D “horizontal” cross-sectionsBut PPIs are not horizontal – elevation angles are slanted.

AWIPS Vertical Cross-sections (OB7.1)Not easy to useOnly complete during short period at end of volume scanData are remapped to Cartesian spaceNot dynamic (must re-draw to get new cross-section)

Warning decision making demands quick and rapid assessment of the 3D structure of storms.

AWIPS users must infer vertical storm structure using 2D representations of radar data.

All Tilts: a series of 2D “horizontal” cross-sectionsBut PPIs are not horizontal – elevation angles are slanted.

AWIPS Vertical Cross-sections (OB7.1)Not easy to useOnly complete during short period at end of volume scanData are remapped to Cartesian spaceNot dynamic (must re-draw to get new cross-section)

Warning decision making demands quick and rapid assessment of the 3D structure of storms.

AWIPS 3D storm interrogation shortcomings

AWIPS 3D storm interrogation shortcomings


Solution:Four-Dimensional Stormcell

Investigator (FSI)

Solution:Four-Dimensional Stormcell

Investigator (FSI)

Integrate National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Warning Decision Support System – Integrated Information (WDSSII) 3D/4D display technology into AWIPS

Uses Open GL hardware acceleration on standard video graphics cards

FSI will be launched via a D2D extension.

Once extension is loaded, mouse click will open FSI application centered on storm of interest

Integrate National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Warning Decision Support System – Integrated Information (WDSSII) 3D/4D display technology into AWIPS

Uses Open GL hardware acceleration on standard video graphics cards

FSI will be launched via a D2D extension.

Once extension is loaded, mouse click will open FSI application centered on storm of interest


“FSIalpha”Requirements

“FSIalpha”Requirements

Provide for quick and easy access to the data (15-30 seconds per storm)

Provide linkages between 2D representations and 3D dataStill difficult for users to overcome tendency to view in traditional 2D manner

Radar data must be “native” 8-bit resolution polar gridsZ, V, SRM, SW

4D: Animation while slicing and dicing

GUI should have similar look and feel to D2D

Keyboard shortcuts

Processes must be stable and cause minimal impact to AWIPS system resources

Provide for quick and easy access to the data (15-30 seconds per storm)

Provide linkages between 2D representations and 3D dataStill difficult for users to overcome tendency to view in traditional 2D manner

Radar data must be “native” 8-bit resolution polar gridsZ, V, SRM, SW

4D: Animation while slicing and dicing

GUI should have similar look and feel to D2D

Keyboard shortcuts

Processes must be stable and cause minimal impact to AWIPS system resources


“FSIalpha” design“FSIalpha” design

WDSSII GUI (wg)

Earth-centric coordinates (earth center is origin)

Radar data represented by 2D textures Elevation PPI data on conical surfaces Vertical and horizontal Xsections on 2D planes

2D textures represented in 3D space

Zoom, pan, pitch, and yaw “Fly” around and through 3D data

WDSSII GUI (wg)

Earth-centric coordinates (earth center is origin)

Radar data represented by 2D textures Elevation PPI data on conical surfaces Vertical and horizontal Xsections on 2D planes

2D textures represented in 3D space

Zoom, pan, pitch, and yaw “Fly” around and through 3D data


Earth-Relative Coordinates


Data are plotted using earth center as domain originAll data plotted at lat/lon/ht-MSLContinuous pan and zoom

Data are plotted using earth center as domain originAll data plotted at lat/lon/ht-MSLContinuous pan and zoom




PPI data shows as 2D textures on conical surfacesCan “fly through” data

PPI data shows as 2D textures on conical surfacesCan “fly through” data


FSIalpha ConfigurationFSIalpha Configuration

CAPPIConstantAltitudePPI

3D FlierThree-DimensionalFlier

CAPPIConstantAltitudePPI

3D FlierThree-DimensionalFlier

Linked 4-panel designLinked 4-panel designThe LemonTechniqueThe LemonTechnique

PPIPlan Position Indicator

VDXVertical DynamicX-Section

PPIPlan Position Indicator

VDXVertical DynamicX-Section


Summary of Benefits of FSISummary of

Benefits of FSI

Improved vertical cross-sectionsDynamic placement and re-position of a cross-section reference line showing real-time updates to the cross-section data. Cross-sections are no longer a one-time requested RPG product, and are instead generated on-the-fly using 8-bit data.

Constant Altitude cross-sections (CAPPIs)8-bit radar data plotted at constant altitude eliminates the need to sample elevation scan data for altitude or reset elevation angle choices in four-panel displays. Cross-section control is also dynamic, showing real-time updates to the cross-section data.

3D visualization8-bit radar data from elevation scans, vertical cross-sections, and CAPPIs are plotted as 2D textures in 3D space. A forecaster can then zoom, pan, pitch, yaw, and fly about the data in 3D.

Virtual VolumesNo volume scan is incomplete. As new elevation scans are updated, they replace the old elevation scans in the virtual volume one-by-one. This means that there are full volumes of data available at all times for cross-sections and data perusal.

Access to entire data inventoryAn “All-Tilts” product only allows the forecaster to peruse a sequential order of elevation scan frames. For a 32 frame limit in VCP12, that only comprises 2 ½ volume scans. The FSI allows the user to access any elevation scan in the radar data inventory RPS list, up to 1 or 2 hours of 8-bit data for all elevation scans.

Improved vertical cross-sectionsDynamic placement and re-position of a cross-section reference line showing real-time updates to the cross-section data. Cross-sections are no longer a one-time requested RPG product, and are instead generated on-the-fly using 8-bit data.

Constant Altitude cross-sections (CAPPIs)8-bit radar data plotted at constant altitude eliminates the need to sample elevation scan data for altitude or reset elevation angle choices in four-panel displays. Cross-section control is also dynamic, showing real-time updates to the cross-section data.

3D visualization8-bit radar data from elevation scans, vertical cross-sections, and CAPPIs are plotted as 2D textures in 3D space. A forecaster can then zoom, pan, pitch, yaw, and fly about the data in 3D.

Virtual VolumesNo volume scan is incomplete. As new elevation scans are updated, they replace the old elevation scans in the virtual volume one-by-one. This means that there are full volumes of data available at all times for cross-sections and data perusal.

Access to entire data inventoryAn “All-Tilts” product only allows the forecaster to peruse a sequential order of elevation scan frames. For a 32 frame limit in VCP12, that only comprises 2 ½ volume scans. The FSI allows the user to access any elevation scan in the radar data inventory RPS list, up to 1 or 2 hours of 8-bit data for all elevation scans.


Proof-of-concept testingProof-of-concept testing

FSI will be alpha tested on AWIPS OB7.2 in 2007 (tentative):SR: Gulf Coast WFO (TBD; mid-winter)SR: Norman, OK - as part of the National Hazardous Weather Testbed (spring)CR: Omaha, NE (spring, early summer)ER and WR: to be determined (summer)

Similar in concept to WDSS and WDSSII testbedsApplication developer staffing during severe weather operationsFeedback via surveys, etc.

FSI is primary driver for choice of video graphics card (to support 3D visualization) on LX workstation technology refresh, due in Winter 2007.

Delayed FSI testing until new hardware can be delivered to the field.

FSI will be alpha tested on AWIPS OB7.2 in 2007 (tentative):SR: Gulf Coast WFO (TBD; mid-winter)SR: Norman, OK - as part of the National Hazardous Weather Testbed (spring)CR: Omaha, NE (spring, early summer)ER and WR: to be determined (summer)

Similar in concept to WDSS and WDSSII testbedsApplication developer staffing during severe weather operationsFeedback via surveys, etc.

FSI is primary driver for choice of video graphics card (to support 3D visualization) on LX workstation technology refresh, due in Winter 2007.

Delayed FSI testing until new hardware can be delivered to the field.


Operational releaseOperational release

FSI 1.0 operational release: AWIPS OB8.2 (Fall 2007)

FSI 2.0 (tentative – OB9.1):Polarimetric variables, Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR)

Beyond:3D volume rendering and isosurfaces Display of single radars from multiple locations concurrently3D grids of mosaicked multiple-radar dataIntegration with near-storm environment data from numerical models

FSI 1.0 operational release: AWIPS OB8.2 (Fall 2007)

FSI 2.0 (tentative – OB9.1):Polarimetric variables, Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR)

Beyond:3D volume rendering and isosurfaces Display of single radars from multiple locations concurrently3D grids of mosaicked multiple-radar dataIntegration with near-storm environment data from numerical models


Operational Considerations

Operational Considerations

Training on the understanding of storm signatures in 3D representations to be developed by WDTB.

Workload management/human factorsPartnering with Klein Associates, a leading decision science company, to conduct Cognitive Task Analysis.

3D visualization is reaching WFOs via other applications3D experience is gaining in the field.

New NWS Concept of Operations (ConOps), and the clustered peers.

Multiple-radar applications.

Next-generation AWIPS.Should require fully-integrated support for 3D visualization.

Training on the understanding of storm signatures in 3D representations to be developed by WDTB.

Workload management/human factorsPartnering with Klein Associates, a leading decision science company, to conduct Cognitive Task Analysis.

3D visualization is reaching WFOs via other applications3D experience is gaining in the field.

New NWS Concept of Operations (ConOps), and the clustered peers.

Multiple-radar applications.

Next-generation AWIPS.Should require fully-integrated support for 3D visualization.


Questions?Questions?

[email protected]@noaa.gov

NWS Meteorological Development Laboratory

Decision Assistance Branch

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/dab/decisionassistbr.htm

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the NWS, NOAA, or CIMMS. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication

is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the NWS, NOAA, or CIMMS of any product or service to the exclusion of

others that may be suitable.

[email protected]@noaa.gov

NWS Meteorological Development Laboratory

Decision Assistance Branch

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/dab/decisionassistbr.htm

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the NWS, NOAA, or CIMMS. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication

is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the NWS, NOAA, or CIMMS of any product or service to the exclusion of

others that may be suitable.

17 october 2006nwa annual meeting, cleveland, ohtom filiaggi – mdl/dab cimms / university of...

Documents