Meteo Romania geospatial data: current situation and future challenges

Meteo Romania geospatial data: current situation and future challenges Gheorghe STANCALIE, Elena TOMA, Vasile CRACIUNESCU and Andrei DIAMANDI National Meteorological Administration, Bucharest, Romania ESA-EUSC-JRC 2014, Image Information Mining Conference: The Sentinels Era 05-07 March 2014, Universitatea Politehnica Bucuresti (UPB), Bucharest, Romania

Introduction The National Meteorological Administration of Romania (Meteo Romania), is a Romanian legal entity of national public interest, whose main purpose is to ensure the meteorological protection of life and property. The Romanian National Integrated Meteorological System (SIMIN): 7 Regional Meteorological Centers. The surface meteorological observation System, that includes: the national weather stations network and the agrometeorogical network. specialized parameters measuring network: global radiation (at 34 weather stations); diffuse and net radiation (7 weather stations); effective sunshine duration (40 weather stations); horizontal visibility and meteorological phenomena (9 weather stations). the meteorological radar network. Satellite data.

The Regional Meteorological Centers

Sources of geo-data SURFACE OBSERVATION NETWORK: 159 weather stations (126 automatic). Measured data: Synoptic and climatological observations and measurements at all the 159 stations; Agrometeorological observations and measurements at 55 weather stations; Solar global radiation observations and measurements at 35 weather stations; Sea parameters measurements of at 5 weather stations; Upper air observations and measurements at 1 weather station; Snow cover observations and measurements at 4 weather for avalanches monitoring. Precipitation measurements at 67 rain gauges.

The National weather station network 159 weather stations, 130 being automatic stations

The agrometeorological station network 55 statii cu program de masuratori pentru agrometeorologie

Sources of geo-data RADAR OBSERVATIONS The national weather radar network provides important information regarding cloud and precipitation systems (extent, vertical development, direction and speed, evolution) as well as the related severe phenomena such as hail, heavy rain, wind gusts and tornadoes. Meteo Romania is operating a network of 8 Doppler radars: 4 C-band and 5 S-band. The radars of Romanian National Network produce many type of data: The Level II data are the digital radial base data (Reflectivity, Mean Radial Velocity, and Spectrum Width) output from the signal processor; The Level II data are continuously archived from all radar systems; the archive of each Radar Data is stored on the external HDD at each radar site. Data are available from 2002 to present. The Level III data are the output product data of the Radar Product Generator. The products assist forecasters and others in weather analysis, forecasts, warnings and weather tracking. The pre-defined list of products are provided in near real-time to the Central Operations Facility Bucharest (COF), to all Regional Forecast Center (RFC) and to other beneficiaries.

Sources of geo-data RADAR products For S band radars the most important and used products are: Base Reflectivity (four elevations), Base Velocity (four elevations), Composite Reflectivity, Echo Tops, Vertical Integrated Liquid, 1 Hour Precipitation, 3 Hour Precipitation, Storm Total Rainfall, User Selectable Precipitation. The sizes of volume files are different, depending of type of product and goes up to 29 KB. 9 or 10 complete sets of products/hour, 150 products/hour, 2.4 MB/hour; For the 5 S band radars: 750 files products/hour, 12 MB total size/hour; For C band radars the most important and used products are: Base Reflectivity (four elevations), Base Velocity (four elevations), Composite Reflectivity, Echo Tops, Vertical Integrated Liquid, Storm Total Rainfall. The sizes of volume files are different, depending of type of product and goes up to 13 KB. 10 complete sets of products/hour, 120 products/hour, 1.3 MB/hour; 3 C band radars, 360 files/hour, 4 MB total size/hour. The radar products are archived and stored continuously at each site. Level III data from the operational radars are archived and stored (on external HDDs) at COF Bucharest. Data are available from 2002 to present. From the Romanian National Radar Network, annually, are stored: 700800 files of Level II Data: 4.73 TB 438000 files of Level II Data S band: 4,38 TB 262800 files of Level II Data C band: 0.35 TB 9723600 files of Level III Data: 0.1401 TB 6570000 files of Level III Data S band: 0.1051 TB 3153600 files of Level III Data C band: 0.0350 TB.

The National meteorological radar network 9 Doppler radars: 5 in S-band (WSR-98) and 4 in C-band (EEC and Gematronik)

Sources of geo-data SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS The European geostationary satellites of the MSG-3 series are the main source of raw data. New data sets are received and processed every 15 minutes (~9 GB daily) and 5 minutes, respectively, according to the nominal frequency of acquisition. Images in the 12 spectral channels together with derived meteorological products are transmitted in real time to the National Weather Forecasting Center, being at the same time stored (~2 GB daily) into an on-line reachable archive and published on the Intranet. A local processing of raw data and images is aimed to draw out qualitative and quantitative information to be used mainly in short and very short-range weather forecasting (RGB, SAFNWC products - ~3 GB daily) and also in the fields of agrometeorology (fapar, LAI, NDVI, etc), public health (UV radiation index), and climatology (LST, SST, etc). The EUMETCAST system is upgraded to a Hot Stand-by receiving and processing system which is receiving METEOSAT images and products through both Ku-band and C-band channels. Satellite images and meteorological products derived from the received data are processed automatically in real-time using dedicated softwares: 2met! software, ENVI/IDL, Pytroll, Metview, VISAT/BEAM, Ilwis and GDAL. The applications were developed by the Satellite Meteorology Team, provided by EUMETSAT (SAFNWC/MSG, SAFNWC/PPS) or they are purchased by receiving/processing systems (VCS/2met!). The EUMETSAT-processed data (MPEF - Meteorological Product Extraction Facility and SAF Satellite Application Facility) are received by the EumetCast flux and are locally post-processed to meet the requests from systems that visualize, distribute and draw out weather parameters (segmentation, projection change, export of graphic format etc.).

MSG products used for weather monitoring and nowcasting MSG satellite channels Different band combination using the RGB color system RGB Channels No. Name R G B RGB 13 PR_0013 Day Natural Colours NIR 1.6 VIS 0.8 RGB 14 PR_0014 Night Microphysical IR 12.0 - IR 10.8 IR 10.8 - IR 3.9 IR 10.8 RGB 15 PR_0015 Day Solar VIS 0.8 NIR 1.6 IR 3.9 Solar RGB 16 PR_0016 Day Microphysical VIS 0.8 IR 3.9 R Solar IR 1.8 RGB 17 PR_0017 Severe Convection WV 6.2-WV 7.3 IR 3.9 IR 10.8 NIR 1.6 VIS 0.8 RGB 18 PR_0018 Airmass WV 6.2-WV 7.3 IR 9.7 IR 10.8 WV 6.2 I RGB 19 PR_0019 Dust IR 12.0 - IR 10.8 IR 10.8 - IR 9.7 R IR 10.8 Other products UV_CSKY Surface UV product (OUV) ~ 100 mb/month Metop (O3M SAF)

EUMETSAT SAF Products NWCSAF(SAF on support to Nowcasting/ and Very Short-Range Forecasting) MSG Products: CMa Cty CTTH PC CRR TPW LPW SAI Cloud Mask Cloud Type Cloud Top Temperature and Height Precipitating Clouds Convective Rainfall Rate Total Precipitable Water Layer Precipitable Water Stability Analysis Imagery O3M SAF (SAF on Ozone and Atmospheric Chemistry Monitoring) Metop Product: NUV/CLEAR NRT clear-sky UV index LSA SAF (Land Surface Analysis SAF) MSG SEVIRI Products: Vegetation Parameters: FVC Fraction of Vegetation Cover LAI Leaf Area Index FAPAR Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetic Active Radiation Land Surface Temperature: LST Land Surface Temperature H-SAF ASCAT Products: SAF on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management SM_OBS_2 - Small scale surface soil moisture by radar scatterometer; SM_DAS_2 - Profile Index in the roots region by scatterometer data assimilation.

Sources of geo-data: Numerical forecasting models ALADIN Consortium: since the feasibility stage of the ALADIN project (1991) for the development of the ALADIN model, especially designed for meso-scale phenomena simulation. ALADIN model: operational since 1997; currently: frozen version, mainly as a back-up solution. input for hydrological models within the DESWAT project; specialized forecast for different customers. Δ=10 km, 144 x 144 points, 41 levels, integrated 4 times/day 13

Sources of geo-data: Numerical forecasting models Under the ALADIN and RC-LACE umbrella, our specialists contributed to the research and development plans, particularly, for the ALARO model. ALARO-Romania operational since February 2010 Δ=6.5 km, 240 x 240 points, 49 levels, integrated 4 times/day (up to 78/54/66/54 h) is used as input for hydrological and air quality models specialized forecasts for different customers ALARO-SELAM operational since summer 2010 Δ=11.5 km, 240 x 192 points, 49 levels, integrated 2 times/day atmospheric input for marine applications (wave and circulation models) ALARO-Bucharest experimental; input for air quality model at urban scale Δ=2 km, 120 x 120 points, 49 levels.

Sources of geo-data: Numerical forecasting models MeteoRomania is member of the COSMO Consortium, since 2007 COSMO RO7 COSMO 4.25 operational since 2013 Run domain: 201 x 177 grid points 7 km resolution nudging data assimilation for synop two runs per day (00 UTC and 12UTC). COSMO-RO2 Current version since 2013 Run domain: 361 x 291 grid points 2,8 km resolution Synop data assimilation one run per day (00 UTC)

Sources of geo-data: Numerical forecasting models COSMO Newest version operational from 2013 Run domain: 201 x 177 grid points 7 km resolution 40 levels, daily (up to 78 h)c Coupled with the pollution dispersion models (IMPUF)

Sources of geo-data: ECMWF products Deterministic model Ensemble Prediction System for short and medium range forecast (1 to 7 days). High Resolution Deterministic Model (16 km); Ensemble Model System, in graphic format or processed products from the ECMWF web site (epsograms, extreme weather indices, clusters, etc.). Extreme Forecast Index Seasonal Forecasting System monthly means of ensemble means. The products are processed and interpreted over Romania. The mean 2m-temperature (minimum, maximum and mean) and precipitation fields are visualized at resolutions of 1.25 0 and 2.5 0.

Data type format and attributes Observation System Type of data Parameter File Type Data attributes SURFACE DATA Collecting Apps OUTPUT all synoptic parameters UPPER_AIR SYSTEM temp, humidity, wind, App OUTPUT geopotential RADAR App OUTPUT Base Reflectivity, Base Velocity, Composite Reflectivity, Echo Tops, Vad Wind Profile, Vertical Integrated Liquid, 1 Hour Precipitation, 3 Hour Precipitation, Storm Total Rainfall, Mesocyclone SATELLITE OUTPUT: grib ALADIN Model variables (t, u, v, model output for q at model levels, surf. ROMANIA domain, 3 pressure, surf. temp.), ALADIN MODEL hour frequency T2m, q10m, u10m, v10m, wind gust, CAPE, moisture convergence, tmin, tmax, precipitation different fluxes ALADIN MODEL OUTPUT: derived parmeters from ALADIN model output for ROMANIA domain, 3 hour frequency up to 48 instability indexex, isotherm heihts Tables MSAccess; Tables SQL Server text Nexrad (owner) 1/grib file/parameter - archived for each run 1/grib file/parameter - archived for each run time series ASCII binary Standard GRIB format Special format type ALADIN/ARPEGE: direct acces with special handling of gridpoint and spectral data

The visualization system nex_reap* (Next Generation Real-Time Environmental Application Program) Main goal: to provide an easy, powerful way to analyze, forecast, and use weather data. Major operational functions: Weather data receiving, collecting and organizing. Weather data analysis. Preparation of weather warnings and advisories. Development of professional meteorologist briefings, displays and printouts (weather products). Clear, graphical and helpful distribution of weather products for private pilots, maritime operators, commercial planners and others who need understandable, user-friendly weather information. Weather product archiving.

The visualization system (cont.) The nex_reap system consists of a menudriven graphical user interface which uses point-and-click interaction. This system provides a window environment with an interactive screen interface. The various menus on the menu bar enables the user to: performing save, print and send options; overlaying information; requesting alphanumeric data; viewing XY Diagrams; initiating and controlling animation loops; initiating and controlling product sequences; requesting products from specific times, and controlling the image size or viewing areas.

The visualization system (cont.) Product Control Window The Current product options is the main tool used by users to display a product in a PWC (Product Control Window). Typical products are model outputs, satellite imagery, radar imagery, geographical maps, and other meteorological data.

The visualization system (cont.) Constraints and limitations The system can not be implemented on a new computing platform, the actual platform being morally and physically surpassed; Some settings are hard coded in, which implies the impossibility to use facilities for changing a numerical model domain (e.g. the freezing level, vertical sections and upper-air polls prognostic); The new data in standard WMO formats BUFR, CREX, GRIB2, (for international operational exchange by the GTS) are not supported; There are also some limitations related to change of colors to zoom and unzoom, printing (resolution maps, and product quality printed format), etc.

The meteorological database The main primary/raw data types stored in the MetService s database: General climatological data (00, 06, 12, 18 hrs.) and synthesis data from 159 operational stations, hourly/daily/monthly, validated; Daily temperatures (means, highs and lows) provided by 42 stations with a complete data array covering the whole operating interval, validated; Synoptic data (hourly) provided by 159 stations, not validated; Precipitation data (daily and monthly) from 67 rain gauges, not validated; Hourly temperature, pressure and air humidity data from 40 standard stations with part time program, validated; Hourly sunshine duration data provided by 125 standard and automatic stations equipped with no solar radiation traducer, validated; Historical data (missing items and new data for the 1951-1960 interval) and augmented metadata; 10-minute data including the main meteorological parameters provided by automatic stations; 1-minute precipitation totals from 100 automatic stations over the warm season.

The National meteorological data management system The National meteorological data management system was developed by designing and implementing applications to manage, supply, update and access databases, such as: Applications that enable to store and visualize data from auxilliary weather stations that do not belong to the National Meteorological Administration; Access interface for the climatological database, ready when the classified information regulations were established with regard to the data series from the climatological database; Applications to manage log files from the autonomous stations FTP servers (binary-csv conversion, concatenation of several log files into one file, operative discharge (once a day) of previous day s log files from several stations), implement new configurations and data storages, serve internal users, and provide contract data.

The telecommunication system The National Integrated Meteorological System (SIMIN) is based on a specialized telecommunications system. The meteorological data and products are collected from sensors and sent to the Regional Weather Forecasting Services (RWFS) and the National Weather Forecasting Center (NWFC) to be validated, make up collective products and process them. Data and information needed to elaborate local forecasts (land surface and aerological data, satellite information, radar products covering the whole country, GRIB products from meteorological models etc.) are sent back to the RWFSs. The National Meteorological Administration is connected to the Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network (RMDCN) through the Moscow World Center, the Regional Center in Sofia and the ECMWF. By these connections, WMO data and products are received through the Automatic Message Switching System Messir COMM. The National Meteorological Administration has permanent TCP/IP connections with the following institutions: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, National Administration Romanian Waters, Ministry of Interior and Administration, Romanian Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, Ministry of Defense and Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration. Many other beneficiaries accessed our Administration s system through safe Internet connections. The local network has around 600 computers specialized servers included. Local networks are structured both on central and regional (RWFS) levels. Optical fiber cables connect the National Meteorological Administration buildings. The whole central and regional LAN/WAN network uses CISCO equipment with safety components.

The telecommunication system

The international cooperation In the framework of EUMETSAT Convention as a full member state (since 2010). Within the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecasting), as cooperating state. Participation to EUMETNET Programs: OPERA, including ODYSSEY Program; Forecasting Programme Management (FPM); Operational Services and Maintenance of ECA&D and PEP725; Coordination of Short Range Numerical Weather Prediction Interoperability Program (C-SRNWP); Eumetcal; EMMA/METEOALARM Program. Meteo Romania participates to the European Consortia of Numerical Weather Modeling on Limited Area: ALADIN Consortium (since 1991). COSMO Consortium (since 2007). Within the Economic Interest Grouping of the National Meteorological Services (ECOMET).

The data storage facilities Different type of data: synoptic data, outputs from weather forecasting models (Aladin, Cosmo), radar, satellite, remote sensing, maps and other meteorological products, scanned meteorological historical documents etc. Storage Fujitsu SX 40: capacity 31 TB (used 19 TB) IBM TS 3100 Tape Library (for back-up data storage): capacity 20 tapex1.5 TB = 30TB IBM Storwise 37000 VmWare (server virtualization): capacity 20.5 TB.

Challenges and conclusions The main objective of Meteo Romania is to provide reliable weather forecasts and warnings. In the context of large and complex amounts of meteorological data sets (estimated volume of data sets in the operational flow is around 3GB/day), it became a difficult task to process, exchange and store them, using on-hand database management tools or traditional data processing applications. WMO future plans include the development of WIS (WMO Information System) togheter with WIGOS (WMO Integrated Global Observing System); as a WMO member, Meteo Romania has to develop and align his own operational capabilities to these challenges and adapt the informational system to the new standards. In the National Meteorological Administration of Romania already exists a reliable infrastructure for the operational management and dissemination of the geospatial meteorological data and products in the framework of the National Integrated Meteorological System (SIMIN). Meteo Romania started some actions in order to develop and implement an interoperable framework for the management of specific geospatial information. This effort will contribute to carrying out a national spatial data infrastructure (SDI), in conformity with the provisions of the European Directive INSPRE. Our main goal is to integrate and process the meteorological information issues from different sources in a reliable geospatial system, based on WEB-GIS technics; This system will contribute to achieve interoperability, harmonization across specific spatial data themes. Finally, this system will contribute to transform meteorological data and forecaster s expertise into end-users tailored products through a scheduled automatic production system and display automatic and flexible scenarios of weather in different locations.

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