An Assessment of the World Wide Merged Cloud Analysis using Interactive Graphics
Abstract
The Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) uses the World Wide Merge Cloud Analysis (WWMCA) to display cloud amounts onto a hemispheric stereographic projection map. The goal of this study was to verify the WWMCA against real-time surface weather observations in the same spatial and temporal scale. The utilization of MapServer, a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, to make these comparisons was essential in this study. The comparisons were 10 different Air Force bases across the continent of the United States for 16 days. Discrepancies existed between the dry climate and fair climate regions as compared to more active weather regions. Nellis and Travis AFBs had a higher number of verified observations compared to the other eight bases. Maxwell AFB had the highest percentage of poorly verified observations with 44% from the observer only results. Overall, the WWMCA did not verify well with a verification rate of 27% and a miss rate of 32%. The results show that the AFWA needs to find ways to further improve cloud model output. This study shows some of the shortcomings of WWMCA cloud model data and the potential benefits to AFWA if improvements are made to cloud model output.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470121
Entities
People
- Stephen J. Horsman Ii
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School