NWS Offices Could Use the Help of Good TV Mets

[Ping-Pong Ball]

I'm not singling out any specific office, but has anyone noticed some of the funkiest looking weather maps ever made are being produced by NWS Offices across the country with the NWS' new initiative to post graphics with the day's Weather Story.

I always thought the tight rules our fine government meteorologist have had to follow were a bad thing, until these great forecasters got the opportunity to have free reign with the Weather Story graphics.

No one should be forced to endure a head-ache created by the clash of colors one will have thrust upon them by simply clicking on a link to the Weather Story. I could post some examples of the techno-colored Hodge-podge, but again I don't want to single out anyone. (Plus, they are quite easy to find on your own). :whistle:
There are several NWS offices that could get some excellent tips from TV mets on what colors & fonts work when creating computer graphics.

Just my two cents.

[QG Theorist]

I agree. That said, the tools the NWS has to produce these maps is less than stellar. Not an excuse becase some produce quite good graphics, but some look like they really don't care.

[Tornadocane]

I noticed that the SJT(San Angelo,TX) has done some good upgrades to their basemaps and all... but, I would rather have them spend the money on good RADAR upgrades and not a cool looking graphics package. BTW, anyone ever watch the Alaska TV Weather Show???

[rdale]

The graphics are created in AWIPS (same thing you can get in NAWIPS/GEMPAK) so it's not like boatloads of cash are being invested...

[Keyeser]

I have watched the Alaska show...when I visit my dad and stepmom and also when I worked up there. Interesting show. They guy that did it for years...Ruben (had the long ponytail) passed away. I didn't get to watch it when I was up there for Thanksgiving. I like how they break the show into public info and aviation info. Trust me...you want to know the flying wx because it can get rather crappy.

I can hear rdale typing up his response as to why they shouldn't do it in 3...2...1. ;) :whistle:


I noticed that the SJT(San Angelo,TX) has done some good upgrades to their basemaps and all... but, I would rather have them spend the money on good RADAR upgrades and not a cool looking graphics package. BTW, anyone ever watch the Alaska TV Weather Show???

[Keyeser]

We don't so those graphics at my office and I don't see WR doing it much either...so I would have to go by what rdale says on that. I never have asked the question to anyone at the office about it since we don't. It could be worse...using MSPaint. :D

[Tornadocane]

I love the aviation stuff! Ofcourse, Im just a aviation nerd in general...actually, airplanes are the way to go up there...I have thought about becoming a bush pilot for a little while if I ever needed a extremely long break from TV-land...probably won't happen for a while.... but, if it does come down to that..I'll just pitch a tent in downtown Talkeetna...

[QG Theorist]

The graphics are created in AWIPS (same thing you can get in NAWIPS/GEMPAK) so it's not like boatloads of cash are being invested...

Our graphics are created in FXC (awips like program). It does pull in obs, model data, radar, satellite, etc...but it doesn't give you artistic ability or draw the likes of fronts. That is where most fall short. That said, it really isn't all that difficult to make a good, presentable graphic. I don't know what so many fail.

[Bob Sakamano]

What annoys me more are the AFDs that read..."Agree with previous forecaster. Have attached previous AFD."

Give me a break!!!

I had a good one today. Someone actually went back to find a good analog of our pattern.

[rdale]

I have watched the Alaska show

Not the same - talking about the 'story of the day' graphics that CR and SR are doing... Maybe ER too? In any case, once they pass 'experimental' then you'll be doing them too :D

[Keyeser]

I know. I was figuring since I mentioned the PBS show and we have debated before about it and how it violates the mission of the NWS not getting into the broadcast side of things... you would respond this time. I underestimated you. ;)

Not the same - talking about the 'story of the day' graphics that CR and SR are doing... Maybe ER too? In any case, once they pass 'experimental' then you'll be doing them too :D

[Keyeser]

It will be interesting to see when that might happen. WR hasn't even mentioned it in the year I have been working w/ the NWS. Of course...regions tend to not necessarily be on the same page sometimes if you ask me. It is still interesting to see how there is still some differences between WFO pages in different regions. I like what CR and SR have done with some things but WR hasn't yet and are kinda insistent about what we can and can't do on them so all intra-region sites match. :frustrated: I did get good news today. Pres Bush declared that Christmas Eve is a federal holiday for all gov't non-Postal employees. I get TWO days of holiday pay for working Christmas Eve and Day. :worship:


talking about the 'story of the day' graphics that CR and SR are doing... Maybe ER too? In any case, once they pass 'experimental' then you'll be doing them too :D

[Tornadocane]

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/sjt/html/graphicast/graphicast2.php

gotta say, those graphics for the NWS are better than some TV stations out here :)

[jlast]

Enjoy :)

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/grb/?n=wxstory


Jeff

[QG Theorist]

What annoys me more are the AFDs that read..."Agree with previous forecaster. Have attached previous AFD."

Give me a break!!!

I had a good one today. Someone actually went back to find a good analog of our pattern.

That is pretty pathetic.