Four-dimensional Stormcell Investigator 4-panel display mock-up

NSSL's "slice and dice" radar tool

NSSL's prototype Four-Dimensional Stormcell Investigator (FSI), a 3D/4D base radar data display tool, was alpha-tested in three NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFO's) this summer - Melbourne, FL, Omaha, NE, and Huntsville, AL.

FSI is based on NSSL's Warning Decision Support System-Integrated Information (WDSS-II), and allows users to create and manipulate dynamic cross-sections, both vertical and at constant altitude. Forecasters can "slice and dice" storms and view these data in three-dimensions and across time.

Feedback was very positive with forecasters finding the FSI utility to be very useful in the warning decision making process. FSI will be implemented at all WFO's in AWIPS Build OB 8.2 from December 2007 through March 2008.