A Real-Time Interactive Control System for Meteorological Operations

Abstract

A man-machine control system is described which is designed specifically for use with computerized data processing in operational numerical weather analysis and prognosis. The equipment configuration and organization of programs and data libraries in this system at the Melbourne World Meteorological Center is briefly described, together with an account of the computer activities and data flow needed in the weather analysis and prognosis data processing system. A manually interactive automatic control system, consisting of a data-driven real-time monitor program on the one hand and a data-driven visual display program on the other, was programmed to operate in parallel with all programmed meteorological activities. The interactive portion of the control system serves as the primary interface between the meteorologist and the computer equipment and operational program complex, allowing him facilities to select directly and modify the characteristics of both the data and programs being used. The flexibility of the system is well suited to the nature of weather data processing in the Southern Hemisphere, which, as a result of vast sparse data regions, must admit of a high degree of manual interaction for acceptable results. The implementation of the interactive control system results in a large saving of time in manual handling of programs and data, and reduces human error, at the same time adhering to, and warning of departures from, a preset time table of operations.