Model Data

A 3-D animated image of downscaled Global Forecast System (GFS) model data showing Hurricane Katrina making landfall on August 29, 2005. This image was generated with the Visualization and Analysis Platform for Ocean, Atmosphere, and Solar Researchers (VAPOR) tool and ImageMagick.

To address a growing need for remote access to high-volume numerical weather prediction and global climate models and data, NCEI, along with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), initiated the NOAA Operational Model Archive and Distribution System (NOMADS) project. NOMADS is a repository of weather model output datasets, model input datasets (assimilation), and a limited subset of climate model datasets generated by NOAA. NCEI provides near-real-time access to these weather model forecast data in addition to historical model data.

Looking into the past, present, and future, four broad categories of modeled data are available through NOMADS: Reanalysis, Numerical Weather Prediction, Ocean Models, and Climate Prediction. To assist users in the analysis of multi-disciplinary datasets and promote interoperable data analysis, NOMADS also services derived/other model data including paleoclimate (tree ring and ice core) data, observational, and derived observational datasets.

Model Data by Type

• All Model Datasets
  All model datasets listed by category
• Reanalysis
  Past weather data summarized onto grids
• Numerical Weather Prediction
  Gridded weather forecast data
• Ocean Models
  Gridded ocean model nowcast, forecast, and climate datasets
• Climate Prediction
  Past and future forecasts of climate
• Derived / Other Model Data
  Multi-disciplinary derived and observational datasets

Tools and Techniques for Accessing Model Data

Much of NCEI model data is available via THREDDS, which is an OpenDAP server. The following documentation describes tools and techniques for usign the data:

• THREDDS Enhanced Access
  A description of how to use advanced THREDDS capabilities such as the Godiva 2 web map, Web Mapping Service, and custom NetCDF downloading
• Using ERDDAP with NCEI Model Data
  A description of how to use ERDDAP with NCEI model data, with example processes
• Distributed Data Access
  A description of how to use various clients with NCEI's OpenDAP services