4-D Data Cube

The NOAA NextGen Weather 4-D Cube (aka the 4-D Data Cube) will contain:

• Continuously updated weather observations (surface to low earth orbit, including space weather and ocean parameters)
  
  
• High resolution (space and time) analysis and forecast information (conventional weather parameters from numerical models)
  
  
• Aviation impact parameters necessary for Initial Operational Capability (IOC), include:
  1. Turbulence
  2. Icing
  3. Convection
  4. Ceiling and visibility
  5. Winds (surface and aloft)

 The 4-D Data Cube will contain “all” weather data, not just aviation parameters.

Broader Benefits to NOAA

The NOAA NextGen Weather 4-D Data Cube will benefit NOAA and the NWS beyond aviation.

Aviation driven consistency and accuracy requirements will improve all NWS services as a result of the following:

• Consistency challenges are not unique to aviation
• More accurate public forecasts because of aviation driven high resolution modeling requirements
• Improved severe weather lead times because of aviation driven convective forecasts possibly due to the implementation of “Warn on Forecast” technologies
• Improved access to all NWS products and services via the 4-D Data Cube
• Supports automated decision assistance tools for other agencies and entities
• IT and Data Management will be enhanced
• A central repository will be established to access critical NWS products and services
• Also, will extend the AWIPS enterprise services into a ‘system of systems’ linking AWIPS, MADIS, NDFD, GOES, NEXRAD, and more...