|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
NOAA/National Weather Service: National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD)
As the foundation of the NWS Digital Services Program, the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) consists of gridded forecasts of sensible weather elements (e.g., cloud cover, precipitation forecasts, convective (dangerous) weather hazards, etc.). NDFD contains a seamless mosaic of digital forecasts from NWS field offices working in collaboration with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The database is available for members of the public to use in creating text, graphic, gridded and image products of their own.
Web Site: National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD)
This is the main Site that describes the NDFD data.
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
To use the NDFD data in GIS format, the Dergib (GRIB 2 Decoder) tool is necessary. This converts the native binary format into a GIS format
Degrib Installation Guide:
• Step 1: Download the GIS format converter (Degrib)
• Step 2: Install the GIS format converter (Degrib)
Degrib Tutorials/FAQ's:
• Degrib Tutorial1a
• Degrib Tutorial1b
Data Download and ImgGen tool tutorial (almost identical)
• Degrib FAQ's
Frequently asked questions about the Degrib
NDFD Tutorial/FAQ's:
• NDFD Tutorial
Using NDFD with GIS tutorial
• NDFD FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD)
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD)
User Support:
NDFD contact information for support
Degrib contact information for support
NOAA/NWS: Flash Flood Guidance
National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers routinely issue Flash Flood Guidance throughout the day for every county in their area. The river forecast centers determine 1- 3- and 6-hour flash flood guidance values for all counties, and 12- and 24-hour values for parts of the eastern United States. The NWS Weather Forecast Offices use this guidance when issuing flash flood watches and warnings to the public.
Flash Flood Guidance estimates the average number of inches of rainfall for given durations required to produce flash flooding in the indicated county. These estimates are based on current soil moisture conditions. Note, in urban areas, less rainfall is required to produce flash flooding.
Web Site: Flash Flood Guidance
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
GIS Data Download
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about NWS River Observations & Forecasts Map functionality and applications
User Support:
Contact information for support using the NWS River Observations & Forecasts site
NOAA/National Weather Service: Storm-Based Warnings (SBW)
The NWS previously issued and disseminated warnings for tornado, severe thunderstorm, flood and marine hazards using geopolitical boundaries. Realizing the continuing need to improve the specificity and accuracy of warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods and marine hazards, the NWS currently implements Storm-Based Warnings (as of October 1, 2007).
Storm-Based Warnings (threat-based polygon warnings), are essential to effectively warn for severe weather. Storm-Based Warnings show the specific meteorological or hydrological threat area and are not restricted to geopolitical boundaries. By focusing on the true threat area, warning polygons will improve NWS warning accuracy and quality. Storm-Based Warnings will promote improved graphical warning displays, and in partnership with the private sector, support a wider warning distribution through cell phone alerts, pagers, web-enabled Personal Data Assistants (PDA), etc.
Web Site: Storm-Based Warnings
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
Storm-Based Warning polygons in GIS format
• FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about NWS Storm-Based Warnings (GIS Downloads are also available from this page)
• Demonstration Site
Frequently Asked Questions about NWS Storm-Based Warnings (GIS Downloads are also available from this page)
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about NWS Storm-Based Warnings
User Support:
Contact information for support using NWS Storm-Based Warnings
NOAA/ NWS: AHPS Precipitation Analysis
These pages graphically show the short-term observed and climatic trends of precipitation across the lower 48 United States (CONUS) and Puerto Rico.
Source Web Site: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS)
Web Site: Precipitation Analysis
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
• Product Descriptions
All about Precipitation Analysis
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about Precipitation Analysis
User Support:
Contact information for support using the AHPS Precipitation Analysis site or data
NOAA / NWS: Doppler Radar: RIDGE (Radar Integrated Display w/ Geospatial Elements)
The most effective tool to detect precipitation is radar. Radar, which stands for RAdio Detection And Ranging, has been utilized to detect precipitation, and especially thunderstorms, since the 1940's. Radar enhancements have enabled NWS forecasters to examine storms with more precision.
Web Site: NWS Doppler Radar
[Click an area to activate the RIDGE (Doppler Radar) Map Viewer
The enhanced view of NWS Doppler radar images allows interactivity with the display providing you with the ability to customize the way you "look" at weather. Called RIDGE (Radar Integrated Display with Geospatial Elements), the radar image can be layered with geospatial elements such as topography maps, highways, state/county boundaries and weather warnings. While the radar image itself is the same as in the standard version, the geospatial ability in the enhanced version allows for the use of several features to aid the viewer. Both "looping" images and "current image" have unique tools to help provide more information than what is available in the standard version of the NWS Doppler display.
Web Site: Downloading RIDGE
Web Site: Using RIDGE in GIS
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
Downloading RIDGE images (as a GIS layer) or this page
• RIDGE Help
Help using the RIDGE (Doppler Radar) Map Viewer
• FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about RIDGE/Doppler radar
• How Does Radar Work?
A series of very short tutorials in text format
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about Doppler radar
User Support:
Contact information for support using Doppler radar and RIDGE
NOAA / NWS Flash Flood Guidance
National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers routinely issue Flash Flood Guidance throughout the day for every county in their area. The river forecast centers determine 1- 3- and 6-hour flash flood guidance values for all counties, and 12- and 24-hour values for parts of the eastern United States. The NWS Weather Forecast Offices use this guidance when issuing flash flood watches and warnings to the public.
Flash Flood Guidance estimates the average number of inches of rainfall for given durations required to produce flash flooding in the indicated county. These estimates are based on current soil moisture conditions. Note, in urban areas, less rainfall is required to produce flash flooding.
Note: The data is available for download in GIS format
Web Site: Flash Flood Guidance
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about Storm Prediction Center functionality and applications
User Support:
Contact information for support using the Storm Prediction Center
NOAA / NWS: Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS) & Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP)
The Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center prepares national standards for Precipitation Frequency(PF) and Probable Maximum Precipitation(PMP). Both are used for a multitude of planning and design purposes, from reservoirs to local storm water drainage. The information we provide allows civil engineers and public officials to account for different levels of rainfall in their designs and plans.
Home Page: Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center
Web Site: Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS)
Web Site: Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP)
The most current definition of PMP is as follows: "Theoretically, the greatest depth of precipitation for a given duration that is physically possible over a given size storm area at a particular geographical location at a certain time of the year
Training & Seminars:
A list of training courses, seminars, and associated information, including links to the Calendar of Events
Technical Info:
• Product Documentation
Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS) product documentation and general help
• FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about the Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS)
Knowledge Assessment:
Self-quizzes about the Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS)
User Support:
Contact information for support using the Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS)
Hazardous Materials GIS Data
From the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ: Hazardous material sites, including Superfind sites, Radioactive Waste sites and more.
Source Web Site: TCEQ Sites
Oil Spill & Coastal Response/Coastal Management Data
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) provides more than 100 GIS data layers to employees and the public. This data is available in several formats and some can be accessed and viewed via associated Map Viewers
Source Web Site: GLO: GIS Data
Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)
The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) was created to compile information to be used in oil spill planning, response, and damage assessment on the Texas coast.The NRI makes available geographic information system (GIS) data relating to Texas coastal resources. These data are intended to allow analyses of the state's natural resources, to support planning and decision-making, and to provide a baseline for future inventories.
Source Web Site: NRI
Civil-Tech Engineering uses HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment and Hurricane Preparedness in Harris County. Please click here to read more...
