3SI installs METLAB in RA-IV to replace Star4

During autumn 2003, METLAB was installed in 10 countries in WMO RA-IV as a vital component to process World Area Forecast System (WAFS) data. WAFS is part of the International Satellite Communication System (ISCS), which is managed by the United States National Weather Service (NWS) to communicate aviation weather products to meteorological agencies in the Atlantic and Pacific regions.

METLAB is integrated with communication front-end software developed by Global Science & Technology (GST), who is a 3SI strategic partner.  The integrated product is known as WAFS-MetLab. WAFS-MetLab processes and visualizes WAFS data, including alphanumerics, satellite imagery, T4 charts, and numerical model data.  NWS contracted GST to install WAFS-MetLab in 10 countries – Bahamas, St. Maarten, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia – as the replacement for Star4 workstations. 

WAFS-MetLab replaces the Alden Star4 system. Star4 processed data via the X.25 communication protocol. Effective Winter 2004, ISCS will broadcast via TCP/IP protocol.

METLAB installed in the Cayman Islands

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the Cayman Islands purchased and installed WAFS-MetLab to replace the Alden Star4 system. The installation was conducted by 3SI and GST at the Weather Office in Grand Cayman during Summer 2003. Along with WAFS-MetLab, the CAA purchased and installed Product Generator and Briefing Station software. The Product Generator automatically creates product output on a scheduled basis. The Briefing Station software is used for the automatic creation of pilot flight documentation, based on destination and anticipated assigned Flight Level.

Another project was conducted in the Caymans to site a second WAFS-MetLab at a facility designated for emergency response. In the event of a natural disaster, meteorological operations can be conducted at the second site. The satellite-delivered data from the gateway site (where the first WAFS-MetLab is located) is transferred via remote copy over a network to the second facility.  This second facility also has Internet (land line) access in the event the satellite-delivered data is interrupted by storm or natural disaster.

METLAB 2 is Operational in Canada and the Netherlands

Canada

Five years in the making, the first operational versions of METLAB 2 were deployed in Canada and in the Netherlands during 2003. METLAB 2 is 3SI's next generation weather software, utilizing object-oriented code, HTML, and other advanced technologies.

METLAB 2 is undergoing testing and configuration at the Technical Systems Centre (TSC) in Ottawa, Ontario, in preparation for deployment in 2004-2005 to Flight Information Centers (FICs) throughout Canada.  METLAB 2 is integrated in a flight information management system known as FIMS. FIMS is used to communicate weather information to general aviation pilots, as well as track the flight plan via electronic flight strips.

At NAV CANADA, METLAB 2 integrates satellite, radar, alphanumeric, T4, lightning, and numerical model information that is supplied by Environment Canada.

The Netherlands

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) uses METLAB 2 at its facility in De Bilt, the Netherlands, for all aspects of public, maritime, and aviation forecasting.  In the Netherlands, METLAB 2 processes KNMI-produced and European numerical models, Dutch lightning and radar information, METEOSAT satellite imagery, as well as other alphanumeric information furnished via the Global Telecommunication System (GTS).

The operational deployment of METLAB 2 during Summer 2003 culminates a multi-year project between KNMI and 3SI to bring the new technology to KNMI forecasters.  METLAB 2 includes requirements for unique KNMI data interfaces, as well as different visualization tools for KNMI operations. METLAB 2 also includes a Graphical Interaction (GI) package, which will be used by KNMI forecasters to adjust model output, in preparation for the final production of forecast products.  The GI tools enable the merging of different model runs into a contiguous model product, as well as edit functions to adjust model results on a grid-point basis. Once the model output is adjusted, it is the basis for end products that are produced at KNMI. There is a specialized forecaster position at KNMI for Graphical Interaction.

AMS Exhibit in Seattle (January 2004)

3SI attended the American Meteorological Society's Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington during January 12-16, 2004.  3SI displayed the METLAB family of products, including the new METLAB II workstation and WAFS-MetLab. We could be found at the Global Science & Technology (GST) booth. GST is a strategic marketing partner of 3SI products.

[Home] [Products] [Services] [Company] [Customers] [Contact Us] [News]