The NEXRAD algorithm survey and analysis for the rehosted radar product generation (RPG) subsystem

While the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD), also known as Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), units have been effective in providing guidance to forecasters for use in warning and forecast operations, forecasters must conduct extensive manual analysis of its products to discern much of the severe weather related information and to separate valid data from contaminants such as range/velocity folding, clutter, and anomalous propagation. Sophisticated algorithms and data quality control techniques to support these tasks in a robust, reliable manner are a vital component of the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) tools required to meet National Weather Service (NWS) Modernization and Associated Restructuring (MAR) staffing goals. The WSR-88D Radar Product Generation (RPG) subsystem requires substantial expansion of capacity to support the level of processing needed by a whole new generation of sophisticated algorithms. This paper describes the survey and analysis methodology and summarize the conclusions of the study. The conclusions support the necessity for implementing an open system approach to the redesign of the WSR-88D RPG