Jump to content

Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Una Smith (talk | contribs) at 16:59, 2 January 2010 (Robot-assisted disambiguation: Sleet - Changed link(s) to Ice storm). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar, known by the acronym VIPIR, is a type of post-processing program applied to traditional radar systems and is distributed by Baron Weather Solutions[1]. VIPIR is not a new form of weather radar, it is a software that emulates analysis of radar data for private users, in particular television stations, similar to the Weather Decision Support System program used by the National Weather Service[2].

Technique

To construct a VIPIR image of a storm, the radar will take multiple soundings at slightly different elevations. This data will then be fed into a computer which will attempt to compute the shape of the storm[3]. The result of this process is a three dimensional image of the storm, which may be rotated and viewed from any angle. If imagery is zoomed in at an adequate range, actual weather satellite data can be superimposed. As the data is interpolated between the different elevations, the display may not accurately reflect actual atmospheric conditions. The current radar system distributed by Baron produces 14 different elevation levels in an attempt to minimize resolution issues.

VIPIR images can be constructed from multiple sources, including doppler weather radar and NEXRAD[3]. It is used by television meteorologists to give a comprehensive view of weather, in particular severe weather events. It is important to note that even though many television stations claim their radars to be VIPIR Radars, the only time the VIPIR component is used is when a three dimensional image is shown.

Algorithms

Included in VIPIR are algorithms[1] that analyze precipitation data in order to find signatures of severe thunderstorms, accumulation of rain or snow, and other weather patterns of interest.

Storm tracking

VIPIR automatically locates thunderstorms over the radar coverage area using algorithms analyzing the water content of each storm, its motion and wind fields. Storms are classified according to certain criteria and ranked. The ones capable of producing a tornado are flagged by red or yellow cylinders according to the strength of the vortex as defined by the tornado vortex signature criteria similar to those the National Weather Service uses. To do this, it uses the presence of a BWER in reflectivity and atmospheric rotation picked up by Doppler weather radar.

Accumulations

VIPIR tracks snowfall/rainfall accumulations. It has an extrapolation feature to predict snowfall totals in excess of 24 hours in advance using meteorological computer model outputs. The algorithm, called Snow Machine, forecasts several precipitation types: rain, sleet and wintry mix.

Baron Tornado Index

Main article: Baron Tornado Index

The BTI, a product that was recently introduced, is mainly used to determine the probability of the presence of a tornado or tornadoes inside a Tornadic Vortex Signature on the rear flank of the storm, to better alert potential high risk areas for tornadoes and to easily track them. With the help of radar data, mesoscale models and algorithms, it is measured on a scale of 0 to 10. The higher the BTI value is, the more likely a tornado is on the ground. Shear markers from different colors are used with BTI values above 2. Yellow markers are used for values between 2 and 3.9, Orange markers are used for values between 4 and 6.9 and red markers are used for values over 7. [4]

Uses

National Weather Service meteorologists have had similar programs to interpret weather radar data for a long time but VIPIR images makes them available to the public and special users. The three dimensional representation that may allow for the data to be more easily interpreted and manipulated, in particular the Doppler field of velocities. The latter helps television meteorologists to show which parts of a storm are rotating and if the rotation extending from the top to the bottom, indicating a possible tornado. In addition VIPIR is an advanced weather graphics software, which enables you the ability to create an entire show. VIPIR is the only "all in one" box available, meaning that in VIPIR you have a graphics builder and radar display all in one computer.


Info on graphics used in VIPIR: http://www.baronservices.com/solutions/broadcast/display_solutions/vipir.php

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b Baron Services. "VIPIR". Baron Weather Solutions. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
  2. ^ National Weather Service. "Real-time WDSSII Weather Data". NOAA. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
  3. ^ a b Baron Services. "Baron Live NEXRAD (Level II)". Baron Weather Solutions. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
  4. ^ Baron Services, Inc. - Baron Tornado Index
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Volumetric_Imaging_and_Processing_of_Integrated_Radar&oldid=335478137"