The application of GIS technology for precipitation mapping

Abstract

Precipitation is one of the most variable meteorological parameters in time and space. The standard surface measurement network provides very localised information about the precipitation. The satellite and radar observations and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models provide continuous information on the state of the atmosphere, but at much lower resolution.

This paper presents work undertaken in central Europe on stratiform and convective precipitation estimated from satellite microwave data. The results of analysis are prepared in the form of precipitation intensity and range maps. The data available from an Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) on board NOAA-15, 16 and 17 satellites enhanced the scope of the work by providing access to new meteorological precipitation-related products. These products, such as Rain Rate (RR), Scattering Index (SI), Total Precipitation Water (TPW), Precipitation Probability (PP) and Liquid Water Path (LWP), were prepared using the regression algorithms. The data from spring and summer seasons in 2001 and 2002 were used for analysis.

The temperature and precipitation thematic layers are created from the NWP model grid data. Also SYNOP (Surface Synoptic Observations) and TEMP (Sonde air temperature) data are converted into thematic coverages. Progress in GIS technology application for NOAA/AMSU microwave-derived products preparation and visualisation in the Satellite Research Department in Poland was achieved. The developed system allows the display of the rain field forecast by the NWP model Aladin and the precipitation observed with the satellite data and other ancillary information. The maps of precipitation with additional geographical data and administrative boundaries are available for weather forecasting units via the Intranet. It is also planned to make images available on the web for external customers.