Real-time Data Delivery and Remote Visualization through Multi-layer Interfaces

• Published in: 2008 Grid Computing Environments Workshop pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Sundaram, V., Lan Zhao, Song, C.X., Benes, B., Veeramacheneni, R., Kristof, P.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-11-2008
• Subjects: Acceleration; Computer graphics; Computer interfaces; Computerized monitoring; Data visualization; Doppler radar; Hardware; Meteorological radar; Radar imaging; Weather forecasting
• ISBN: 9781424428601; 1424428602
• ISSN: 2152-1085; 2152-1093
• DOI: 10.1109/GCE.2008.4738439

The high resolution NEXRAD level II data provides critical information for researchers and the broader community to understand, monitor, and predict weather in a timely manner. There are several limitations in existing systems for providing easy-to-access 3D visualization of the radar data to the user community. In this paper, we present a scalable and user driven solution for near-real-time remote radar data access, processing, and 3D visualization. The system provides multi-layered interfaces for a broad range of users with different levels of services, allowing them to interactively explore data from multiple radar stations over a time period of interest. Parallel data pre-processing using the Purdue Condor pool and volume caching are implemented to help improve the system response time and scalability. The system also provides reusable radar data services and a set of access points which can be invoked by third party applications. With this hierarchical and user driven design, our system creates a rich and easy to use NEXRAD data service environment for research and education users.