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The Next Generation Warning Tool (NGWT) aims to revolutionize the National Weather Service's watch/warning process through an integrated software system that aligns with operational needs. The project addresses significant shortcomings in current warning applications by creating a user-friendly, responsive tool. Immediate improvements focus on usability and incorporating feedback from field tests. Strategic solutions will optimize flexibility and utility, ensuring that meteorological insights are effectively communicated. A collaborative approach is key, engaging regional representatives in defining requirements and developing the tool through prototyping.
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Next Generation Warning Tool(NGWT) Jason Tuell Systems Engineering Center Office of Science and Technology
Overview • Background • Near term solution • Strategic solution • Implementation considerations • Summary
Background • Need to create integrated warning tool • Responsive streamlined software system in sync with WFO forecast, watch/warning process • Minimize training, support resources • Need to address significant shortcomings in WWA application • Provide foundation for future requirements • Allow long fuse warnings to leverage the digital forecast process • Anticipate changes in formats and allow greater geographical specificity
Near term solution • Minimize the pain – make current version of WWA tolerable – more responsive to operations • More than 50% of OB3, OB4 WWA development effort targeted at improving usability • Field engaged in “test driving” OB3, OB4 WWA • OB3 test drive 4 November – OB3 WWA well received by regional representatives • OB4 test drive 18-19 February - OB4 WWA identified as significant improvement • Keep Watch-by-County and VTEC on track
Near term – the pain G G G G
Strategic solution • Objective: Improve watch/warning tools • Optimize utility and flexibility for WFO operations • Keep what works well, re-design what doesn’t • Make software sync with the forecasting process • Anticipate future requirements and concepts of operation • Strategy • Use disciplined software development approach which identifies user needs and design constraints early in the process • Create dedicated, cross functional team to define requirements through use cases • Review governing policies in parallel • Spiral development – build some, test some, field some – used with great success in Rapid Prototype Project
Implementation considerations • Separate meteorological from formatting tools • Meteorological tools will allow forecasters to focus on the what, where and when of warnings • Formatting tools will focus on how content is delivered to customers • Dissemination methods and contents to be flexible to accommodate alternative technologies • XML, GIS, graphics?
Summary • Next Generation Warning Tool commitment made to field to overcome shortcomings in current software • Team approach critical to success of defining and developing tool • Need regional representatives to the requirements definition team • Prototyping the best method to deliver capability that the field wants