"True"
Pan and Zoom interface
–
In the past, the HURRTRAK system
was comprised of fixed tracking maps and a
variable/map select tracking map. After choosing
the tracking map area, you were not able to simply
pan and zoom and have the same tracking variable
re-plotted. We
now offer "true" Pan and Zoom capabilities. Now,
after “building” an image with several tracking
selections…you can zoom in, zoom out, or move the
map. Regardless, all of your tracking
selections remain!
Enhanced Google Earth exports (now with live Web
Cam links)
–
In 2008 we are adding several more Google Earth
exports. They include the ability to add web
cams (or custom) images to location impact
reports; detailed hourly summary information;
display of wind field arrows, and much more.
Expanded Google Earth
Information
–
In addition to the LARGE amount of information
that the user is able to export from the HURRTRAK
system to Google Earth, you will now able to
superimpose
additional National Weather Service
information on the same Google Earth “image”.
Some of this data includes…
. Animated Radar data (this allows you to view
animated Hurrtrak image/information superimposed
on radar data)
. Animated Satellite images (this allows you to
view animated Hurrtrak images/information
superimposed on satellite data)
. Station observations (current weather,
temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction)
. NWS storm reports
. NWS Warnings
. Current and forecast river stages
. Observed rainfall
. NWS MOS Guidance (individual station model
forecast)
Enhanced
SHAPE file exports
-
For users of the Hurrtrak Advanced system, in
2008 we are adding more SHAPE file exports.
This includes the ability to export the Wind
Pattern information.
Expanded
Historical databases
–
Thanks to the work of the Hurricane
Research Division, we have included all storm
databases from 1851 to 2007. They are accessible
from the main tracking program (i.e. not just the
History module). While the wind radii information
from the 1850s through 1980 is less reliable, it
enables the user to go back and examine the past
season storms including some of the more notable
ones, i.e. the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, and the
1928 South Florida/Okeechobee Hurricane. The
ability to create animations, impact reports, etc.
is also included.
More accurate and
descriptive damage comments
–
The
Saffir-Simpson scale is a good measure of storm
strength, but it is not necessarily tailored for
damage at individual locations. In 2008, we allow
the user to use an alternative “modified Texas
Tech damage scale”.
This new scale is more useful when
analyzing the impact for a location, because it
provides a more detailed and accurate description
of damage. It is especially beneficial those of
you who utilize
Advanced Wind
Estimation.
Damage Estimate Report
–
Users of the Hurrtrak Advanced system, will benefit from
a new report designed to estimate comparative levels of impact/damage, based
on separate components of wind speed and storm surge flooding. Specifically,
this report takes into account the levels of wind and flooding on the
affected population. For example, a Category 4 storm impacting the big bend
area of Florida (Cedar Key) with relatively low population density, would have
less of an impact than a Category 2 storm striking South Florida.
Expanded SLOSH storm surge data
-
SLOSH MEOW data is now available for users of the HURRTRAK Advanced system.
This allows the user to view storm surge information that is specific to a
storm’s strength and direction of motion. Both the standard SLOSH display and
our exclusive “inundation analysis” is available with this expanded data.
Executive
Summary Report Enhancements - Users can now embed a tracking chart image
into this report. In addition,
this report, similar to email alerts and the
"legacy" summary report, can now be "sent"
automatically when new data arrives.
Finally,
forecast rainfall data has been added to the
report detail.
Estimation of 25
knot wind radii
– This enhancement allows the system to estimate wind
speeds below 34 knots (from 25 knots - 34 knots).
This is reflected on the system graphics and
reports.
High
Resolution RECON Reports - We now support the display of the high resolution
"Hurricane Hunter" reports.
Support for TPC Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook - We support the new graphical tropical weather
outlook released by the Tropical Prediction
Center.
Desktop Satellite animation -
You can
now animate saved images.
For a complete change history
for all products/services, click on the product
enhancements link below.
