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Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training
Strategic Plan
Contributors:
D. Burgess, J. Gurka, P. Menzel, D. Molenar,
A. Mostek, J. Purdom, L. Spayd
1) Introduction
As stated in the NWS Office of Meteorology 1996-2005 Strategic Operating Plan: "While the
restructuring of the NWS is nearing completion within the next 2 years, the modernization of
the NWS represents a continuum that will extend into the 21st century and strives to include
new advances in science and technology into the entire end-to-end forecast process.
Additionally, improving services through the technology transfer process will only be
successful if the NWS work force is well educated in the new science and can effectively
adapt to the emerging technologies into operations." Satellite Integration Training plays
a significant role in the critical service-science link by validating new applications of
remotely sensed meteorological data and educating forecasters on the operational utilization
of these new techniques. The U.S. taxpayers have invested $3 billion in the WSR-88D radars
and the GOES I-M satellites (and more is being invested in the new series of Polar Satellites
(NOAA K-M) that have new AVHRR and AMSU instruments.). Payoffs (from the NWS modernization)
investment have already been realized in longer lead times for tornado watches and warnings,
improvements in hurricane tracking and landfall predictions, and improvements in forecasts
of low clouds (and fog) at night for aviation interests. Satellite Integration Training
ensures that the nation will continue to reap additional benefits from improved utilization
of the new technological advances provided by the NWS Modernization.
The completion of the third satellite meteorology computer based learning module (CBL) in
April 1998, and the completion of 5 satellite meteorology residence courses at COMET during
Fiscal Year 98 will mark the end of the first phase of satellite meteorology training for
the NWS Modernization. By the end of phase one, at least one satellite training facilitator
from each WFO (either a SOO or satellite program leader) will complete the SatMet residence
course and 3 Satellite Meteorology CBLs will be distributed to all NWS forecast offices.
The second phase of satellite meteorology training (Satellite Integration Training) will
focus on the following challenges:
1) The (use of GOES and other modernized datasets) in an effective manner while working
with the AWIPS program;
2) The integration of other remote sensing data (Polar satellites, radar, profiler, etc.)
into the GOES framework; and
3) For NESDIS and NWS to work together to build the Virtual Institute for SIT in support
of NWS operational requirements as space-based multi-spectral observations rapidly evolve!
2) Requirements
The requirement for Satellite Integration Training stems from surveys of students at the
COMET SatMet Residence Courses who questioned: "how do we utilize satellite data with radar
data on AWIPS?" Specifically, the requirements are to:
1) Train the operational forecast staff on the effective utilization of GOES observations
and products as part of modernized NWS warning and forecast operations.
2) Conduct the training in a cost-effective manner that carefully monitors all resources.
A major factor is the reduction in available human resources and in travel.
3) Mission
The primary mission of the Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training (VISIT) is
to accelerate (and to monitor) the transfer of research results based on atmospheric remote
sensing data into NWS operations. This is accomplished through the education of NWS forecasters
on the latest techniques to integrate remote sensing data, especially from satellite and radar.
The education approach is based primarily on the use of distance education techniques
(WEB-based, teletraining, computer-based modules) that rely on an expert being available
at the local forecast offices (the Science Operations Officer (SOO) and a satellite/radar
focal point). Since geostationary and polar orbiting satellites provide earth and weather
observations over the entire spatial spectrum, ranging from global to mesoscale to storm
scale, satellite perspective provides a useful framework into which other data can be integrated.
4) Challenges and Advantages
The major challenges addressed by the Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training are:
1) Demonstration of techniques to utilize a fully integrated data set consisting of satellite,
radar and other complementary remote sensing data sources; and
2) The rapid evolution of education on the utilization of remote sensing data from a system of
separate residence courses, treating each remote sensing data set independently, to a system
based primarily on teletraining and virtual education through the World Wide Web, on the
utilization of a fully integrated set of remote sensing data, that supports the end-to-end
forecast process.
The major advantages of conducting the VISIT program over the Web are:
1) Tremendous flexibility so that the training can focus on the most recent weather events
2) Wide access to the training by all NWS offices from Guam to Puerto Rico
3) Provide a vehicle that supports requests for specific training in whatever area is required
4) Put those in need of training in direct contact with the experts whenever and wherever necessary
without the need for travel
5) Keep training information relevant, vibrant, evolving
6) Support the most critical areas of training quickly while building resources and an active
archive of previous discussions, cases, examples, etc.
7) Ready access to materials can expand training to agencies with related missions such as DOD,
FEMA, FAA, NASA, etc.
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