Satellite imagery interpretation
Who is it for?
The Satellite Imagery Interpretation Course is aimed at forecasters
who have access to satellite imagery and wish to develop their skills
in interpreting it. The course may also benefit those who use satellite
imagery analysis as part of research work.
Before attending this course, students must already be able to interpret cloud types and patterns from imagery and understand the principles of atmospheric development.
What is the aim of the course?
The aim of this course is to improve the student's skills in the diagnosis of atmospheric development and verification of model products through the interpretation of satellite imagery.
What will students learn?
This course builds skills and knowledge that enable the student to:
- Interpret satellite imagery in terms of the dynamical process.
- Relate dynamical processes to surface weather phenomena.
- Apply a range of synoptic conceptual models to imagery.
- Use imagery interpretation to verify and adjust NWP products.
- Discuss future developments in operational remote sensing.
On completion of the course, students will have developed skills
in the early identification of weather situations which the model
has forecast poorly. This will give forecasters confidence to react
quickly and effectively in order to improve services for customers.
Non-forecasters can use these skills in post-event analysis to improve their understanding of model weakness.
What does the course cover?
The course includes an introduction to the use of water vapour imagery
theory. Case studies are then used to develop the main theoretical
concepts using a largely non-mathematical approach, with traditional
lectures kept to a minimum.
There is a thorough description of the new channels and products
available on the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) series of satellites.
Concepts covered include vorticity, temperature changes, the omega
equation and the Sutcliffe development theory.
Theoretical concepts are used to diagnose a range of synoptic-scale
features from satellite imagery and NWP data, enabling the student
to verify and adjust NWP products, and to improve the quality of the
forecast.
On the final day of the course, students have the chance to apply
the new skills learnt in an operational simulation.
What is the course duration?
The Satellite Imagery Interpretation Course is a three-day residential
course at the Met Office College.
If appropriate facilities are available, this course could also be adapted and provided, by Met Office College instructors, at your organisation.
