1. Visualization of Model Forecasts as Satellite Visible Imagery
Robert M Rabin, Jack Kain (NOAA/NSSL)‏
V. Lakshmanan (CIMMS University Oklahoma)‏
Collaboration:
Jason Otkin, Tom Greenwald
CIMSS University of Wisconsin-Madison
Russell Schneider, Steve Weiss
NOAA/SPC

2. Purpose:
To provide forecasters and NWP model developers the means to view simulated
visible satellite imagery from high resolution forecast models with minimal delay.
The availability of forecast visible satellite imagery will provide model developers a new
means to validate and improve high-resolution forecast models.
Current forward models used to simulate visible imagery are computationally intensive
and hamper prompt availability of such imagery following forecast model runs.

3. Approach:
We plan to develop a functional approximation to the forward model
which will be robust and quick to execute.
This development will require training (using a neural net or other nonlinear approach)
from a suitable set of NWS forecast model runs and simulated visible imagery
from the detailed forward radiative transfer model.
The functional approximation will operate on the appropriate microphysical
variables available from the forecast model to best match the visible reflectance
obtained from the forward scattering model.

4. Deliverables:
The visible imagery obtained from this approach will be made available to
NOAA/SPC forecasters on the Web and N-AWIPS workstations for comparisons
with observed satellite imagery.
Future efforts will explore transfer of this approach to other operational NWS
models such as the high resolution RUC (which is run hourly).

11. Forward model: 2 images/day, computation time ~3hrs
Real time Evaluation
Forward model: 2 images/day, computation time ~3hrs
Statistical model: 18 images, computation time ~1 min
Output available on web:

16. Outstanding Problems: Expected to be completed:
Overestimation of thin high clouds
Accounting for solar elevation
Additional training
Choice and weighting of variables
Expected to be completed:
Availability on N-AWIPS
Journal article