When the hurricane model plot program is started, the user is presented with the above screen.  At this point the user can select the mapping area they are interested in via zoom in (rubber band area with mouse) or zoom out (right click) and then perform the program functions. The model data is downloaded via the HURRTRAK ONLINE service.  In addition to manually requesting the model data, by setting the HURRTRAK ONLINE Automation option, you can force the system to check for new data on a regular basis.

There are 2 program controls which determine which model forecast will plot.

-          The Date selection box which contains a date and time field.

-          A duration (hours) field box which instructs the system how far to look back from the date selection.

i.e. The example above is showing all model forecast that were issued within 8 hours of 8/28/2008 at 13:48 UTC.

While using the model plot program, the following options are available.

Exit - Closes this window  

Annotate  - The annotate feature here is identical to the one described earlier. 

Send - Sends the current image to an Email recipient.  For more information see page 159. 

Print - The print options here is the same as those described earlier except that the fax print option is not available.

Google Earth Export - This option allows the user to export the current image or the currently displayed forecast model (KML) to Google Earth.

Save Image - The save image options here are the same as those described earlier.. 

Options - This option allows the user to change the width of the forecast models lines.

Help - Displays help information