Forecaster Usage Patterns of AWIPS D2d and Gfesuite During 2005

Abstract

The AWIPS two-dimensional data display (D2D) and the Graphical Forecast Editor (GFESuite) are the primary forecasting systems that today's National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters use to display meteorological information and generate gridded forecast fields. In a study last year (Roberts, et. al., 2004), we showed that D2D and GFESuite product use had increased significantly over the past 6 years. In this study, we continue to evaluate how forecasters are using these systems tools and capabilities to observe the weather, and to generate and maintain their forecast fields. This study presents results from the first continuous yearly collection of D2D usage logs at the National Weather Service Forecast Office (BOU) in Boulder, CO. The D2D usage logs record nearly every D2D action taken on the graphics workstation by the forecasters along with a time stamp and workstation identification (Roberts, et. al., 2004). Additionally, a weeklong sample of GFE usage logs was collected at the National Weather Service Forecast Office (TAE) in Tallahassee, FL during the Hurricane Dennis landfall. The GFE logs record status information, which tools and capabilities are used, and a time stamp indicating exactly when tools are used or when specific actions are performed (Roberts, et. al., 2004). A summary of the usage logs analyses results including any common usage patterns that arose are presented here. Comparisons with previous studies are also presented.