Welcome to the 2 nd WSR-88D Level II Data Stakeholders Workshop!!

We’ve Come a Long Way! New Years Eve, 1998 (January, 1999 AMS Annual Meeting) 1 Radar

We’ve Come a Long Way! February, 2000 (CRAFT Workshop in Norman) – 6 Radars

We’ve Come a Long Way! January, 2001 (AMS Annual Meeting) 14 Radars

We’ve Come a Long Way! January, 2002 (AMS Annual Meeting)

We’ve Come a Long Way! Today!!!

n The CRAFT R&D experiment has provided a great deal of useful information about –Data compression –Real time Internet-based transmission strategies –Data reliability, latency (timeliness) –Uses of real time Level II data (academia and private industry) n CRAFT has created effective linkages with the private sector (end of NIDS agreement) n The NWS is using lessons learned in CRAFT to investigate the possibility of collecting and distributing Level II data; one scenario could make data available in early/mid 2004 n Much of the basic R&D within CRAFT is finished (much more to be done in using the data), and thus we’re at a crossroads: several questions need to be addressed Why are we Here?

n What are the Level II needs and requirements of the non- government sectors? n Given that these sectors are important to the operational enterprise, can their needs be accommodated by the NWS scenarios now under development? (soon, eventually, never) n Does the present CRAFT system, or an expanded version of it, represent a viable option for Level II distribution to non-government users? –If so, for how long will it be needed? –Can it be operated synergistically with the NWS as its effort spins up? –Could it serve as a short-term backup to the NWS system n What are the technical and administrative options? n Would the CRAFT methodology be sufficiently reliable and cost- effective? n Are we positioned to deal with planned expansions of radar data volume (e.g., new VCPs; dual-pol; ½ deg x ¼ km)? Key Questions for the Workshop

n Gather the key stakeholders n Within a framework of EXTENSIVE DIALOG… –Provide information about CRAFT n Technical strategy n Reliability n Cost –Learn of private sector experiences to date in the use of real time Level II data from CRAFT –Establish a clear set of non-government user needs and requirements for transmission back to the NWS (tri agencies) –Provide information about NWS plans and discuss their viability for accommodating other user needs –Examine scenarios for Level II data distribution, including costs are administrative structures –Discuss benefits and incentives – should be a win-win A Strategy for Finding Answers

n A brief workshop summary (paper) for delivery to Dr. Jack Hayes at the NWS Office of Science and Technology, with copies to –NEXRAD Technical Advisory Committee –USWRP Interagency Working Group (birthplace of Project CRAFT) –Commercial Weather Services Association –Executive Director of the AMS (for subsequent distribution, e.g., Board of Private Sector Meteorology) –Others… n Possibly a personal briefing to OST and other groups The End Game