1. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Expanding SPoRT Collaborations with WFOs in other Regions Opportunities for NASA and the NWS

2. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Why Extend SPoRT to Other Regions Benefits to NOAA / NWS: oProvide tools / capabilities to improve short-term weather forecasts to a broader spectrum of WFOs – save lives and property oDemonstrate how the unique data can be used to address forecast problems of other regions – different forecast problems oPrepare forecasters for data and products from new operational NOAA instruments Benefits to NASA: oDemonstrate the utility of NASA observations for operational applications – societal benefits oHelp NOAA better prepare for the use of measurements from new systems

3. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Stick with SPoRT Mission / Paradigm Mission: Apply unique NASA Earth science research and observations to improve the accuracy of short-term (0-24 hr) weather prediction at the regional and local scale Apply SPoRT Paradigm oFocused research – match forecast problem to data / capabilities oEvaluate solutions in “testbed” mode oTransition to WFOs and end users in their decision support system (AWIPS / AWIPS2) –training –feedback –assessment End user (forecaster) involvement in entire process Real-time NASA data and research capabilities http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sporthttp://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sportbloghttp://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sportblog

4. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Don’t Just Throw Data over the Fence MODIS Fog MODIS False Color AMSR-E Rain Rate Total Lightning CIRA TPW MODIS SST in WRF Work with Regions / SSDs and WFOs oExplore unique / challenging forecast problems in region oMatch NASA solutions to problems oIdentify collaborative WFOs –group by common interests / problems –must be willing to actively participate – use data, feedback, interaction with SPoRT –Initially 2 groups of 3-4 WFOs in each region (1 in AK, HI) Need Regions to be / provide a focal point and endorsement of expansion effort

5. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Forecast Problems / Solutions SPoRT does not presume we know the issues forecasters deal with on a daily basis! oExpansion in Southern Region –coastal WFOs –talk with coastal WFOs about problems and what data / tools they thought we had that might help – SSTs, off-shore systems, local modeling (made some visits to these WFOs) oSome Southern Region forecast problems –timing, location, intensity of severe weather and precipitation –diagnostic analysis of current conditions, cloud cover, visibility, fog, etc. (esp. at night), morning minimum temperatures (and its local variations) –wildfire locations and visibility restrictions –snow cover –coastal weather processes (sea breeze convection / temperatures), off-shore precipitation processes –weather in data void regions (storms, moisture sources – atmospheric rivers) oIdentify regional forecast problems in other regions –Input through Regions – SPoRT will make Region/WFO visits –Alaska and Hawaii will have significantly different forecast issues – SPoRT to visit to learn first hand

6. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Data Dissemination to WFOs oSPoRT ingests real-time MODIS and AIRS data from several direct broadcast systems, AMSR-E products from near real-time sources, other products from NESDIS, etc. –highest resolution possible (down to 250m for MODIS) –some dbs also produce products which are useful in our applications –SPoRT generates need products when not available for other sources –data / products reformatted and sectorized for AWIPS oWork with WFOs on product display in AWIPS –develop appropriate localizations for display –consistent with similar products from GOES, enhancement tables, units, etc. oSuite of some 30 SPoRT products delivered to Regions via LDM –Region delivers selected products to targeted WFOs Disseminate existing data / products to other Regions / WFOs - straight- forward – simpler with AWIPS2 (no need to sectorize the data) –obtain access to data / products from additional dbs for AK and HI –pass on localization instructions, naming conventions, etc. –can use existing product training modules, etc. New products follow same approach – just require slight localization modifications

7. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operationsTraining Training is key to the transition of products to operations oProvide technical information on products to be used oCommunicate to other partners the lessons learned from initial testing oDemonstrate utility and application to a forecast issue Adult professionals who want to know how to apply the product in the workplace SPoRT utilizes a variety of training methods o Distance learning and site visits o Regular monthly coordination calls o PowerPoint and Articulate Presenter modules Modules will be updated and re-used for forecasters in other Regions. New modules easily developed. 5 product modules 5 product modules developed in last year – transitioning to LMS

8. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Collaborative Feedback / Assessments SPoRT expects active participation from forecasters at participating and collaborating WFOs o Regular view products and use them to address forecast issues o Provide SPoRT liaisons feedback on product use, strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and suggested improvements o Participate in regular collaboration calls and collaboration workshops o Jointly (with SPoRT) develop and publish assessment on the utility of NASA observations and research capabilities to improve short-term weather forecasts –internal reports –conference papers –journal articles http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/evaluations/

9. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Phasing of Expansion Short-term oEstablish focal points within SPoRT and each Region –SSD Chief endorsement of collaboration – coordinate collaboration calls –identify NWS focal point for each region – could be at SSD level or an active WFO oTransition existing products to collaborating WFOs - existing forecast problems –regional LDMs, AWIPS, localizations, etc. oForm collaboration teams in other Regions –two groups of 3-4 WFOs in each –product / problem orientated –Identify forecast problems to be addressed with existing data oAdd full time SPoRT liaison to assist with this collaboration –SPoRT liaison assigned to each region or by common forecast problem oSecure a real-time direct broadcast data stream for Alaska and Hawaii regions

10. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Phasing of Expansion Short-term (continued) oUse collaboration teams to identify new forecast problems –match data / products to problem –develop transition plan (including schedule) for each (solution, testbed, transition, training, and assessment) oIntegrate other non-SPoRT value-added products into dissemination process –e.g., unique UW/CIMSS products, CIRA, etc. –other NESDIS products –allows external collaborators to concentrate on new product development rather than transition –involve external collaborators in training, feedback, and assessment process –SPoRT remains single focal point for non-standard data into AWIPS/AWIPS2 (eases coordination burden on WFOS/ Regions)

11. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Phasing of Expansion Mid-term oTransition SPoRT suite of products to AWIPS2 –streamlines data dissemination –creates many new product / display opportunities oTransition data from NPP / NPOESS satellites (follow-on to NASA satellites) oImplement transition of new products to address forecast problems –test with interested WFO –develop training, conduct impact assessment oAdd NWS Application Integration Meteorologists to each region – shared funding –new position in Huntsville WFO / Southern Region –help with liaison / transition activities within regions –could be at Region or active WFO –help in non- SPoRT transitions as well (GOES-R or “Satellite” Proving Ground)

12. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations Expansion Questions oWhat if AWIPS2 is delayed? -- AWIPS still works oWhat if NASA satellite sensors fail? -- NPP / NPOESS oWhat if all WFOs really want and can use SPoRT data? How do we handle that? -- can provide, NWS take lead on interaction oWhat is the relationship between SPoRT and others who are providing unique data to WFOs? -- collaboration oHow do we interact with River Forecast Centers? National Centers (NHC, TPC, etc.) -- like WFOs in AWIPS2 oSPoRT needs additional financial resources to expand. What if those are not available? -- concentrate on focused transitions