SatRep

SatRep is comprised of the words Satellite and Report and is a method of deriving a thorough view of the actual weather using both satellite imagery and model data.
In SatRep, Meteorologists try to recognise cloud patterns in satellite images by using the technique of conceptual models. Cloud tops and cloud patterns seen by satellites, are the fingerprints of physical processes in the troposphere. Conceptual models describe the physical processes through cloud phenomena, physical parameters, life cycles and weather events. Analysing a satellite image in terms of conceptual models is the initial step to retrieve a 3D- or even 4D-mental weather picture.
The SatRep method was first applied in the 1980s at the Austrian Meteorological Institute (ZAMG). Further development took place with the co-operation of EUMETSAT and the Dutch (KNMI) and Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI).
In 2008 the EUMETNET project SatRep started. Contributing countries are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Spain. Goal of this EUMETNET SatRep project is to increase the knowledge and competence among new volunteering NMSs which will lead to a distinct increase in the quality of the product and the development of a future "Mosaic SatRep".
The Responsible Member is ZAMG and the Programme Manager is Dr Veronika Zwatz-Meise. More details can be found from SatRep homepage
 
Updated : 19 June 2008