WAFS METLAB Selected by NWS to Replace STAR4 on April 30
Despite recent delays in its deployment, the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) is finally changing to Transmission Control Protocol/internet Protocol (TCP/IP) communication protocol. As a result, after April 30, 2004, the existing STAR4 system will be unable to process X.25 WAFS data transmissions.
GST is ready now to deliver the next generation WAFS weather workstation–WAFS MetLab. This operationally proven system is much more advanced than the old STAR4, but available at a similar price point.
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) selected MetLab for its own WAFS workstation replacement, and we have operationally deployed the system at NWS sites. In November and December 2003, GST installed the first 10 WAFS MetLab systems in World Meterorological Organization (WMO) Region IV, and those systems are now ready for full operational status when the X.25 transmission is terminated and TCP/IP WAFS is switched on.
MetLab is the only system that has been fully performance-tested in direct cooperation with International Satellite Communication System (ISCS) communications provider MCI for compatibility with the new WAFS data broadcast over TCP/IP.
To avoid risking interruption of your WAFS service, please contact us as soon as possible to get on our install schedule. We provide prompt delivery and training, backed by responsive, long-term maintenance and support.
About WAFS MetLab: Professional Forecasting Tools for Meteorology, Aviation, and Product Generation
We have joined forces with 3SI to create WAFS MetLab, a highly flexible weather information system to analyze and create weather products from WAFS/Satellite Distribution System (SADIS) data. WAFS MetLab integrates software with satellite reception hardware to provide a complete weather reception, display, analysis, and briefing package. In addition to the standard WAFS/SADIS data types, WAFS MetLab can integrate almost any other type of weather data such as satellite, radar, lightning, and wind.
WAFS MetLab is the weather forecasting workstation of choice for professionals receiving the WAFS/SADIS broadcasts. WAFS MetLab's strength lies in its ability to integrate data sources and product types into a flexible display. The standard system receives and displays WAFS data including alphanumerics, T4 (DIFAX), and numerical models. The system can also be configured with modules to integrate other commercially available data as well as remote systems such as satellite, radar, lightning, wind profiler, Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS), and Low Level Windshear Alert System (LLWAS). An interface with DirectMet satellite imagery is also available. The system can provide a full range of meteorological display/analysis options ranging from single data types on a map background to multi-type displays to thermodynamic diagrams and cross-sections.
WAFS MetLab Benefits
WAFS MetLab's flexibility and ease of use supports a wide range of weather professionals in the commercial, Government, and military arenas.
- Flexible user interface
- Easy to learn and use
- Supports all WAFS/SADIS meteorological data types
- Supports options for satellite, radar, and other customer-specific data requirements
- Background map projections made and customized by the user
- Briefing folders with overlays and other individual products
- Capable of creating distinctive, value-added products that are marketable to other users
- Connectivity to other subsystems, including plotters, fax machines, and the Internet
- Annotation tools for adding weather symbols, fronts, and text
WAFS MetLab Capabilities
MetLab2 is our most advanced weather display workstation, taking advantage of the latest advances in graphic display techniques. METLAB2 gives the high-end user new flexibility in the display of weather imagery.
METLAB2 is designed to quickly access vital weather information. Users can select Satellite, Stations, Models and other data types and quickly display the latest product with one mouse click. METLAB2 is targeted at the aviation dispatch and meteorological forecasting markets. Due to its highly flexible architecture, the needs of both high-performance and general users can be satisfied.
- Multi-window management and configuration
- Rapid product access
- Automatic product update
- Alerts
- Supports all data types, including Satellite, Digital Facsimile (DIFAX), Radar, Binary Universal Format Representation (BUFR), Models, Alphanumeric, Station Model Plots, and others
- Full product editing capability
- User configurable screen modes
- Product animation
- Animation of overlay layers by valid time
- GIS data integration (landmarks, topology.)
- Overlay of geographic products
- Continuous monitoring and automatic restart of all data collection processes
- 24 hour backup of all input data
- Client/Server configuration
For More Information
Our focus is the complete satisfaction of our customers. If you are a WAFS MetLab customer, thinking of becoming one, or just browsing, please let us know what you think. If you'd like us to contact you, please fill out our Information Request Form and specify you would like information on WAFS/MetLab.
Gene Shaffer
+1 (240) 542-1129
directmet@gst.com
