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+--- Thread: GFS/GRIB weather data integration (/showthread.php?tid=37)
GFS/GRIB weather data integration - fsxwx - 2015-01-31
From version 1.4.0 upwards, FSXWX integrates the data of the Global Forecast System (GFS) that can be accessed as so-called GRIdded Binary (GRIB) data.
The Global Forecast System (GFS) is a weather forecast model produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Dozens of atmospheric and land-soil variables are available through this dataset, from temperatures, winds, and precipitation to soil moisture and atmospheric ozone concentration. The entire globe is covered by the GFS at a base horizontal resolution of 18 miles (28 kilometers) between grid points, which is used by the operational forecasters who predict weather out to 16 days in the future. [...] Gridded data are available for download through NOMADS. (Source: NOAA)
FSXWX now utilizes roughly 4.000 METAR reports, more than 3.000 winds aloft reports for individual airports and the GFS data. The GFS data is recieved in a 1 degree resolution every 6 hours. Afterwards it is extracted for more than 20.000 lat/lon points on the globe. In all places where METAR and winds aloft reports are available and up-to-date, the FSXWX custom weather grid prioritizes these data sources over GFS data because they are more accurate. But if no METAR is available, e.g. above oceans, the GFS will gradually blend in respectively will be the single source for weather depiction in case you are nowhere near of any other regular weather station.
A word on testing: of course, I tried to validate the correct GFS integration as much as possible. But the limiting factor for any really comprehensive testing is simply the time you need for such long-haul flights over oceans or large unpopulated areas where the new data comes into play. So, if you notice strange things, please report it in the discussion subforum.
The only very minor 'downside' of the GRIB data integration is the slightly longer download and processing time before the weather is initially depicted within FSX.
For now, enjoy your transatlantic PMDG 777 flights! :-)