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Weather Interactive Processing System [AWIPS] |
![Awips Workstation](images/Awips1.jpg)
AWIPS workstation
A new high-speed computer workstation called the Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS) is the centerpiece of the modernization of
the National Weather Service. AWIPS is the nerve center of operations at
all 116 modernized Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) and 13 River Forecast
Centers (RFCs). It is capable of receiving, processing, and helping NWS
forecasters analyze huge amounts of weather data from a variety of sources:
![AWIPS Mainframe](images/Awips4.jpg)
AWIPS mainframe computer
The AWIPS system is composed of two primary elements - the forecast
office or site level components (shown above) and the communications
network (shown below). At the WFO sites (local NWS offices), the workstations
currently being deployed are the main interface between the local forecasters
and the national AWIPS. A communications network feeds data to each
AWIPS site. After the current testing and evaluation of the system is
completed, AWIPS will distribute information among the NWS sites and
provide for dissemination of information to the public and other outside
users.
![Broadcast Network](images/awip_sbn.gif)
AWIPS communications network
A one way, point-to-multipoint satellite broadcast service called NOAAPORT
will be used to distribute the very large amounts of data products which
are collected/produced at NOAA central facilities. Data distributed
via the NOAAPORT will be accessible not only to all NWS forecast offices,
but also to any appropriately equipped ground station operated by local
government (civil defense), private sector organizations, and universities.
In addition to NOAAPORT, the AWIPS sites will eventually all be interconnected
by a high-speed data network of terrestrial communications lines. This
network will allow two-way, point-to-point communications among the
AWIPS sites for the exchange of requisite data/products which are locally
connected and produced.
![AWIPS Sites](images/awipslocs.gif)
AWIPS locations
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