Product Training Modules
Training is a major component of SPoRT's philosophy of not "throwing data over the fence." SPoRT works closely with our collaborative partners to determine the effectiveness of transitioned products. Below are the web-based training modules produced by SPoRT to allow forecasters to review training at their leisure. Training with audio uses a large amount of bandwidth and it is recommended that users with lower bandwidth ratings use the "Download" feature, when available, instead of streaming the training online.
For more information, see the Training Program Overview at the bottom of this page.
TRAINING
Lightning Mapping Array: Part 1
- Download (for NWS users)
- Launch in browser
(user guide)
This is Part 1 of 2 Lightning Mapping Array training modules. This module introduces the user to total lightning and the source density product provided by NASA SPoRT. While the North Alabama Array is the focus of this module, the concepts can be applied to any total lightning network. Users will learn the difference between total lightning and National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) data. Also, the concept of a lightning jump will be introduced, which has great use in enhancing the warning decision making process. This module is 16 minutes long and requires the flash plug-in. (March 2009)
TRAINING
MODIS False Color Snow
This module provides a basic understanding of how the MODIS false color snow product, provided in AWIPS, differentiates snow on the ground from clouds. It is available as a zipped VISIT View Module. Once you have downloaded and unzipped the module into your directory, run the visitlocal.bat file to conduct your training.
TRAINING
SPoRT ADAS Meso-Scale Analysis
- Launch in browser (right-click to save)
This training module focuses on a mesoscale surface analysis called the SPoRT ADAS that SPoRT provides to the National Weather Service in Huntsville. The product contains a high-resolution analysis of temperature, moisture, and winds in support of nowcasting and producing gridded forecasts. (July 2008)
TRAINING
AMSR-E Data and Imagery
- Launch in browser (right-click to save)
Objective:
Provide basic understanding of the data characteristics of the AMSR-E (Advanced
Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System) instrument on NASA's
Aqua platform.
(November 2007)
TRAINING
CIRA Blended TPW and Anomaly Products
- Download (for NWS users)
- Launch in browser
(user guide)
This 30 minute module presents the CIRA Blended TPW and associated TPW Anomaly products. SPoRT provides the experimental version of these products to its WFO partners at the request of CIRA to evaluate their application to forecasts of precipitation and flooding potential, to tracking tropical waves, for comparing with model initialization, and to monitoring low level moisture flow. Experts from CIRA, NESDIS/SAB as well as forecasters from SPoRT WFO partners have directly contributed to the content and operational case examples. This module is intended for the products directly created at CIRA, which continue to improve with additional and new TPW data sources, including microwave retrievals of TPW over land via MIRS. (November 2009)
TRAINING
MODIS Fog Product
- Download (for NWS users)
- Launch in browser
(user guide)
This is a brief, 7 minute training module to highlight the use of the MODIS Spectral Difference, or “Fog product”. The module presents user-provided examples gathered during the Fall 2008 evaluation period. Fog and low clouds are identified by taking advantage of the lower thermal emissivity of water clouds (3.9 micron) versus land surfaces (11 micron). This difference, combined with the high resolution of MODIS (1 km) provides an enhanced snapshot of fog conditions, particularly in relation to small scale terrain features not captured well by the more coarse GOES imagery. Advantages and limitations of the MODIS fog product are discussed as well. (August 2009)
TRAINING
GOES Fog Depth
- Download (for NWS users)
- Launch in browser
(user guide)
This training module focuses on the use of the Fog Depth product within the GOES Aviation suite provided through a collaboration between SPoRT and NESDIS. The use of this product along with the Low Cloud Base product is demonstrated in support of aviation forecasts of ceiling and visibility. This module takes 16 minutes to complete and requires the flash plug-in. (May 2008)
TRAINING
CI Monitoring Satellite Data
- Launch in browser (right-click to save)
Title:
Monitoring Satellite Data for Day- and Night-time Convective and Lightning Initiation
Authors:
John R. Mecikalski, Kristopher M. Bedka, Simon J. Paech, Todd A. Berendes, Wayne M. Mackenzie
(August 2007)
Training Program Overview
Part of SPoRT's philosophy with being a research and transition organization is to provide support to our collaborative partners. This support takes many forms and ranges from surveys of transitioned products, to in-person visits, to training on specific products. The ultimate goal is to not just provide a better product, but to provide a product that is valuable to the decision making process with our National Weather Service and other collaborative partners.
The training component is a vital piece in SPoRT's philosophy. Using new NASA Earth Observing System data sets, such as from the polar orbiting MODIS instruments to the total lightning network data, requires a shift in thinking from the tools currently available to operational forecasters. In order for a product to be successfully transitioned, SPoRT provides training to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a product. Additionally, this training is built from the surveys provided by and direct communication with our partners. With this paradigm, the forecasters are an integral component of the transition process and not a passive recipient of data.
Training takes many forms. In a perfect world, in-person science sharing sessions would be done for every forecaster at every partner office. However, due to the nature of shift-work by our forecasting partners and the fact that SPoRT's partners are located throughout the country, in-person dialogue is not always possible. The next best thing is web-based training. The early training modules are simply power point presentations online. However, SPoRT is now in the process of creating complete audio and visual web-based training modules for SPoRT specific products. This provides a more in-depth training and allows a forecaster to follow the training at their leisure or to review the training when necessary.
