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

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.