Hurricane Forecast Model Plot

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. In addition, as you pass the mouse pointer over an observation, a popup window will appear providing more information.

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.

MOUSE Options:

When the user moves the mouse over a model verification point, the name of the model and description will be displayed in the status bar at the top of the map image. In addition, as you pass the mouse pointer over an observation, a popup window will appear providing more information.

 

TOOLBAR Options:

Overlay Control Center – This option is selected from the command bar and allows the user to customize the appearance of the maps via GIS layers.   See Appendix Overlay Control Center for more information.

Another important Toolbar option allows the user to select the models they would like to Plot.  By selecting the following icon...

the following model selection screen will be displayed....

Simply select the models you would like to see plotted and uncheck the ones you do not want to see.  An additional option of "Max's Favorite Models" will select only the hurricane forecast models that are on Max Mayfield's preferred list.  This may vary from time to time as models change. The selected models will be preserved between ModelPlot sessions.

Menu Options:
While using the model plot program, the following menu 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 or select which models to plot.

Help - Displays help information