The National Digital
Forecast Database (NDFD) was designed to provide access
to weather forecasts in digital form from a central location. Over
half of the people now use the Internet to access government information.
Anyone with a computer and access to the Internet can download information
from the NDFD to suit his or her needs. No longer do you have to wait
for the timed broadcast of weather information, but can always get
the specific information needed according to your schedule. The NDFD
will provide what you want, when you need it, including access to official
NWS forecasts produced by forecasters at local weather offices local
weather offices and national
centers . Previously, such digital forecasts were not available.
NDFD compliments the other services provided by local, regional, and
national NWS offices. We utilize modern information technologies to satisfy
dissemination and formatting needs of the consumers and our partners.
Teaming the NDFD with GIS ( geographic
information systems ) provides even more powerful capabilities.
βThe NDFD suite of data is growing nicely. It's certainly a very rich
data set.β says Bob Bunge, Director, NWS Internet Services.
Additional reading material:
- β The
New Digital Forecast Database of the National Weather Serviceβ by
Harry R. Glahn and David P. Ruth (published in the Bulletin of
the American
Meteorological Society , February 2003), pdf
Abstract: This document describes the vision and development
of a new database that capitalizes on the revolutionary way NWS forecasters
work together to make their high-resolution, up-to-date forecasts available
to the nation. It includes a description of the new forecast tools and
processes used to create NDFD along with additional descriptions of the
database content and availability.
- NWS
Digital Services: Operations Concept, by Glenn S. Austin, June
2004, pdf
Abstract: The Operations Concept for the NWS Digital
Services describes the transition the NWS is making as we implement the
NDFD and presents our strategies for the provision of digital services
to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. This document
contains an operations philosophy and describes benefits gained from
Digital Services and a roadmap for achieving success.
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