FOCALC
Sections
NAME
focalc - MOS data contouring program
SYNOPSIS
focalc [parameters...] filename
PARAMETERS
| Command Line | Resource | Default | Description |
| -h | help | No | Lists basic help information. |
| -df=filename | default | .wxpdef | Sets the name of the resource file. |
| -na=name | name | focalc | Specifies the name used in resource file parsing. |
| -ba | batch | No | Run program in batch mode |
| -me=level | message | out2 | Specifies level of messages to be displayed
|
| -fp=filepath | file_path | current directory | Specifies location of database files. |
| -dp=datapath | data_path | current directory | Specifies the location (path) of the input raw data files. This may be modified in the name convention file. |
| -cp=conpath | con_path | current directory | Specifies the location (path) of the input converted data files. This may be modified in the name convention file. |
| -rp=rawpath | raw_path | current directory | Specifies the location of the output raw files generated by the program. These files will not be generated unless the out_file resource is specified and the output is plotted data. |
| -gp=gridpath | grid_path | current directory | Specifies the location of the output grid files generated by the program. These files are not generated unless the out_file resource is specified and the output is a gridded field. |
| -ip=imagepath | image_path | current directory | Specifies the default location of the output GIF images generated by the program. |
| -nc=name_conv | name_conv | name_conv | The name convention file specifies how files are named in WXP. This sets which name convention file to use. |
| -if=in_file | in_file | mos_dat | Specifies the input file name tag. The default is mos_dat, but it can be modified to any value in the filename convention file. A full name convention can be specified as well. |
| -of=out_file[,out...] | out_file | None | Specifies what type of raw or grid file to create. By default, no output
file is generated when the program is run. To produce an output file, this resource
must be specified. There are the following output file types:
Second, the out_file resource specifies the output file name tag. The default is
mos_raw or mos_grd but it can be modified to any value in the filename
convention file. The file name tag can be specified separately or appended to the file
type: A full filename can be specified which can contain name convention tags. |
| -pf=file_param | file_param | User prompt Batch: use |
This specifies how to treat output files that exist:
|
| -cf=cityfile | city_file | mos.cty | Specifies the name of the city database file used in finding station locations. |
| -mf=mapfile[,...] | map_file | wxp.map or cont.dat, country.dat for domains outside North America |
Specifies the name of the map database file. Multiple maps can be specified along with attributes to describe how to draw the map. |
| -cu=[hour|la] | current | None | This specifies to use current data files. The current filename is based on the name convention. An optional hour can be specified for older data. If la is specified, the program will search back to find the most recent available file. |
| -ho=hour | hour | None | This resource specifies the exact hour that a data file is valid for. This locks in the start hour for a multi-file sequence. |
| -mo=model | model | ngm | Specifies the model to use as input data.
|
| -id=identifier | identifier | None | Used to plot a specific observation. If not specified, all stations will be plotted. |
| -pd=domain | plot_domain | User prompt Batch: first domain in wxp.reg file. |
This specifies the plotting domain. The projection, aspect ratio and the domain size are specified. |
| -gd=grid_domain | grid_domain | Same as plot domain | This specifies the domain to use when fitting data to a grid. If this is not specified, it is the plot_domain. |
| -re=region | region | Same as plot domain | This resource is synonymous with the plot_domain. |
| -pr=prior | stat_prior | Depends on domain size | This specifies the lowest priority to use in the plot. Priorities range from 1 to 7. |
| -ft=time | time | User prompt Batch: initial time |
This specifies the forecast time to be used in the plots. To create loops, a list of forecast time are specified separated by commas. |
| -va=variable | variable | User prompt Batch: first variable listed in the sfcwx.var file |
This specifies the variable to plot along with its formatting attributes. Multiple variables can be specified separated by commas for overlay plots. A list of valid variables is given below. |
| -oa=smooth[,radinf] [,passes] [,converg] [,min_sta] | object_param | 1,3,1,.2,1 | Specifies the objective analysis parameters. There are 5 parameters including smoothing, radius of influence, number of passes, convergence parameter and minimum number of stations. |
| -pl=plot_type | plot_type | Data Plot User prompt if plotting grids Batch: fill contours or vectors |
Specifies the type of output plot. By default, this is a simple data
plot. To produce a contour or vector plot, use the following plot types: Contours:
Vectors:
|
| -sc=scale_factor | plot_scale | 1.0 | Specifies a scaling factor for all plotted text, symbols, vectors, etc. |
| -fm=format | plot_format | None | Specifies the output format of the plots. This is generally used to specify how many decimal places get displayed on the plot and in the output raw files. |
| -pp=param[,param...] | plot_param | None | Specifies additional plotting parameters. See the plot_param resource for more details. |
| -dr=drawable[,...] | draw | all | Specifies which part of the plot is to be drawn. |
| -la=label[,...] | label | Program defaults | Specifies the labels to be plotted around the plot. By default, labels are generated by the program and plotted above and below the plot. This resource overrides these labels. |
| -in=interval | con_interval | None for plots, User prompt for grids. Batch: 0 | Specifies the contour interval to use in contouring grids. This can also be used to color code plotted data and vectors. |
| -cb=base | con_base | Lowest contour value, maximum wind speed | Specifies the base value for color fill contours, and wind speed per grid distance. For more details, see the con_base resource. |
| -fl=font_list | font_list | modern.fnt | Specifies a list of fonts to use in the plots. |
| -ct=color_table | color_table | wxp.clr | Specifies the color table to use in the plot. This maps color names to actual RGB color values. |
| -cot=color[:attr] | color_text | white black for inverse plots. |
Specifies the text color for labels above and below the plot. |
| -cod=color[:attr] | color_data | green | Specifies the color for plotted data. |
| -com=color[:attr] | color_map | red | Specifies the color for background maps. |
| -coln=color[:attr] | color_line | magenta:st=dsh | Specifies the color for lat/lon lines. |
| -cowd=color[:attr] | color_wind | white black for inverse plots. |
Specifies the color for wind barbs. |
| -cocd=color[:attr] | color_cloud | white black for inverse plots. |
Specifies the color for cloud cover symbols. |
| -cowx=color[:attr] | color_wx | yellow brown for inverse plots |
Specifies the color for weather symbols |
| -copp=color[:attr],... | color_pop | yellow brown for inverse plots |
Specifies the colors for probability of precipitation. |
| -cocm=color[:attr] | color_cmap | black | Specifies the color for color fill contour maps. |
| -coco=color[:attr] | color_cont | white black for inverse plots. |
Specifies the color for line contours. |
| -cof=[val:]color[:attr],... | color_fill | A predefined color set based on the wxp.clr color table | Specifies the color fill contour color set. See the color_fill resource for more details. |
| -cola=color[:attr] | color_label | white black for inverse plots. |
Specifies the line contour label color. |
| -cocl=color[:attr] | color_clabel | black | Specifies the color fill contour label color. |
| -de=device[,...] | device | User prompt Batch: display |
Specifies the output device. |
| -ti=title | title | Program name | Specifies the window title. |
| -ic | icon | Off | Specifies whether to open window in iconified mode. |
| -bg=color | background | black white for inverse plots |
Specifies the background color of the window. |
| -ge=geometry | geometry | 640x480 | Specifies the window and paper geometry. |
| filename[#seq] | filename | None User Pompt Batch: current=la |
The name of the MOS data file to be plotted. An optional sequence number can be added to designate the time for non-WXP files. |
DESCRIPTION
This program contours MOS (Model Output Statistics) data on a background map. The input to the program is a raw ingested MOS data file. This is different from other WXP plotting programs in that MOS data is regularly formatted so a decode/conversion process is not necessary. Then, based on a plot domain, forecast time and a variable selected by the user, a plot is generated. Overlay plots, contour plots and loops can also be generated if the appropriate options are set.
The program will display data from 4 different model sources:
- NGM - MOS statistical forecast data derived from the NGM model. This includes many parameters such as max/min temperature, 3 hourly estimates of temperature, dewpoint, precipitation, winds, etc.
- NGM_UA - This is derived directly from the NGM model grids and represent data such as boundary layer temperature, relative humidity, sea level pressure, lifted index, 1000-500 mb thickness and vertical velocity.
- ETA_UA - This is very similar to the NGM_UA except the data are from the ETA model. This includes lowest level temperatures, relative humidity, sea level pressure, lifted index, 1000-500 mb thickness and vertical velocity.
- MRFX - This is derived extended range forecast data taken from the MRF model run once a day. The data include max/min temperature, probability of precipitation, winds, and cloud coverage reported once every 12 hours.
The model type can be changed with the model resource.
The plot domain defaults to the contiguous US unless changed through the plot_domain resource. The domain can be interactively changed using the mouse once the plot has been generated.
The programs starts off by prompting the user for input MOS file name. For some ingestors, such as the LDM, the list may contain many files that don't contain plottable MOS data. Only the 0 and 12Z data files are usable. The user may specify the input file either via the command line of through the current resource. The input naming convention is specified by the mos_dat tag but this can be changed with the in_file resource.
NOTE: The program assumes that the model data for all model types are contained in a single file type represented by the mos_dat tag. If the model types are in different files, the tag must be specified in the in_file resource. Both model and tag can be specified simultaneously if the model type is contained in the tag. For example, using mos_ngm_ua for the tag for NGM_UA data. The program will see the "ngm_ua" in the tag and use that model type.
Next, the program prompts the user for the forecast time. This is done through a forecast time menu which is specified in the focalc.tim file. Remember, each model type has a specific set of valid forecast times.
After the forecast time has been set, the city database is read in and a cross-reference table is setup. Since MOS data does not have location information, the program will refer to this table to location each station in the input file.
The program will now prompt the user for the particular output variable to plot. The program will show a menu of commonly used variables but many more are defined internally by the program and in the focalc.var file. The internal variables are
| Variable | Description and units | Plots |
| city | All stations in the data file | text |
| temp | Temperature (F) | value |
| dewp | Dewpoint (F) | value |
| dewd | Dewpoint depression (F) | value |
| wdir | Wind direction (deg) | value |
| wspd | Wind speed (knt) | value |
| wbrbc wbrb wind |
Wind speed and direction (knt) | value0=dir, value1=spd |
| uwnd | U wind component - EW relative (m/s) | value |
| vwnd | V wind component - NS relative (m/s) | value |
| uwndg | U wind component - grid relative (m/s) | value |
| vwndg | V wind component - grid relative (m/s) | value |
| pop pop6 |
6 hour probability of precipitation (%) | value |
| pop12 | 12 hour probability of precipitation (%) | value |
| pot pot6 |
6 hour probability of thunderstorms (%) | value |
| pot12 | 12 hour probability of thunderstorms (%) | value |
| post post6 |
6 hour probability of severe thunderstorms (%) | value |
| post12 | 12 hour probability of severe thunderstorms (%) | value |
| ptype | Precipitation type (number from MOS record) | value |
| obvis | Obscuration to visibility (number from MOS record) | value |
| wx wx6 |
Present weather based on 6 hour forecast data (SAO string) | text |
| wx12 | Present weather based on 12 hour forecast data (SAO string) | text |
| vis | Visibility (mi) | value |
| cldcl | Cloud ceiling (100 ft) | value |
| cldcv | Cloud cover (cloud string) | value |
| extt | Extreme temperature (F) uses maximum or minimum | value |
| maxt | Maximum temperature (F) not always available | value |
| mint | Minimum temperature (F) not always available | value |
| prec prec6 |
6 hour precipitation total (in) | value |
| prec12 | 12 hour precipitation total (in) | value |
| snwfl snwfl6 |
6 hour snowfall total (in) | value |
| snwfl12 | 12 hour snowfall total (in) | value |
| vpres | Vapor pressure (mb) | value |
| wchilt | Wind chill temperature (K) | value |
| wchilf | Wind chill factor (W/m^2) | value |
| heat | Heat index (K) | value |
| humit | Humiture (F) | value |
| rhum | Relative humidity (%) | value |
| fr | Flight rules | value, text 0=VFR, 1=MVFR, 2=IFR |
| Variable | Description and units | Plots |
| city | All stations in the data file | text |
| temp maxt |
Maximum temperature (F) | value |
| nmaxt | Normal maximum temperature (F) | value |
| mint | Minimum temperature (F) | value |
| dmint | Normal minimum temperature (F) | value |
| wspd | Wind speed (knt) 00 and 12 Z value (specified with time resource) | value |
| pop12 | 12 hour probability of precipitation (%) 00 and 12 Z value (specified with time resource) | value |
| pop pop24 |
24 hour probability of precipitation (%) | value |
| pos | 12 hour probability of snow (%) 00 and 12 Z value (specified with time resource) | value |
| wx | Present weather (SAO string) | text |
| cldcv | Cloud cover (%) 00 and 12 Z value (specified with time resource) | value |
| Variable | Description and units | Plots |
| city | All stations in the data file | text |
| temp | Lowest level temperature (C) | value |
| tempb | Boundary layer temp (C) | value |
| temp1 | Level 1 temperature (C) | value |
| temp2 | Level 2 temperature (C) | value |
| temp3 | Level 3 temperature (C) | value |
| wdir | Wind direction (deg) | value |
| wspd | Wind speed (knt) | value |
| wbrbc wbrb wind |
Wind speed and direction (knt) | value |
| uwnd | U wind component - EW relative (m/s) | value |
| vwnd | V wind component - NS relative (m/s) | value |
| uwndg | U wind component - grid relative (m/s) | value |
| vwndg | V wind component - grid relative (m/s) | value |
| pres | Sea level pressure (mb) | value |
| prec | Precipitation (in) use time variable to get accumulated totals | value |
| cprec | 48 hour cumulative precipitation (in) | value |
| rhum | Lowest level relative humidity (%) | value |
| mrhum | Mean boundary layer relative humidity (%) | value |
| rhum1 | Level 1 relative humidity (%) | value |
| rhum2 | Level 2 relative humidity (%) | value |
| rhum3 | Level 3 relative humidity (%) | value |
| vvel | 700 mb vertical velocity (-ub/s) | value |
| lift | Lifted index (dC) | value |
| thick | 1000-500 mb thickness (m) | value |
These parameters can be accessed by name if they have not been redefined in the focalc.var file. Otherwise, prepending a "+" to the variable name will guarantee these variables will appear.
There are several derived variables from this list which are defined in the focalc.var file. These include composite plots, overlay plots and computed grids.
| Variable | Description | Plots |
| all | All data, a composite plot of temperature (UL), dewpoint (LL), 6 hour probability of precipitation (yellow-UR), cloud cover, winds and present weather. | comp |
| cli | Climatic data, a composite plot of extreme temperature (UL), 12 hour POP (yellow-UR), cloud cover, winds and present weather. | comp |
| allm | All data for MRF, a composite plot of max (UL) and min (LL) temperature, 24 hour POP (yellow-UR), cloud cover, present weather | comp |
| depict | Weather depiction plot including flight rules (contoured), cloud cover, cloud ceiling and present weather. | comp |
| wind | A vector quantity of <uwndg,vwndg> | vector |
| conv | Wind convergence (/s) positive is convergence | value |
| mconv | Moisture convergence (/s) | value |
| rvort | Relative vorticity (/s) | value |
| avort | Absolute vorticity (/s) | value |
| tadv | Temperature advection (K/s) | value |
| madv | Moisture advection (/s) | value |
| vadv | Vorticity advection (/s^2) | value |
The program will now open the graphics window and start processing the data. The user will be prompted for the output device. Then the data file is opened and data read in. Any additional computations are performed to produce a derived variable and fit the data to a grid. The background map will plot first unless the output is a color fill contour in which the map plots last. The gridding process uses an objective analysis scheme to produce the grids. The parameters for this process are specified in the object_param resource. Once the grids have been created, the maximum and minimum of the grid are displayed for the user to pick an appropriate contour interval. Then, the contour or vector plot will display.
There are several plot types. For contour plots, there is:
- ln - line contours
- dln - dashed line contours
- ndln - negative dashed line contours. All contours less than 0 are dashed. The breakoff can be reset with the con_base resource.
- cf - color fill contours. These are contours where the areas between the contour lines are filled with a progressive color scheme. By default, this is a 15 color scale in which the colors wrap around if there are more than 15 color level. The color scheme can be set by the color_fill resource.
For vectors:
- vect -- vectors/arrows
- strm -- streamlines
- barb -- wind barbs
When the plot is complete, output can be saved to a GIF image file, spooled to the printer or the plot can be zoomed. When zooming the image, the plot will redraw to the new domain. It will also add more stations to the plot depending on the size of the domain. When the user is finished with the plot, the enter key can be hit which closes the window and returns the user to the variable prompt.
Output Files
By default, this program does not produce output files. If a raw or grid file output is desired, use the out_file resource to enable this. By default, this will create a WXP ASCII raw or grid file depending on the plot type. The out_file can be a filename, a file tag (lookup in file name convention file) or a name convention (with wildcards). The output can be GIF file by specifying gif as the file type. It may be desirable to turn plotting of when producing output files. To do this, specify none for the plot_type resource.
Present Weather Determination
The estimated type of weather on NGM plots is based on the following information:
- Precipitation based on probability of precipitation > 30%,
- Precipitation type based on PTYPE field (rain, snow, freezing rain),
- Precipitation intensity based on quantitative precipitation QPF field (see below),
- Existence of thunderstorms based on probability of thunderstorm > 20%,
- Existence of severe thunderstorms based on severe thunderstorm probability > 30%,
- Existence of obscuration (fog/haze) based on VIS field < 1 mile where obscuration type determined by OBVIS field.
Precipitation type and intensity based on 6 hour information
| Type | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain | R- | R- | R- | R | R+ |
| Freezing | ZR- | ZR- | ZR | ZR+ | ZR+ |
| Snow | S- | S- | S | S+ | S+ |
Precipitation type and intensity based on 12 hour information
| Type | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain | R- | R- | R- | R- | R | R+ |
| Freezing | ZR- | ZR- | ZR- | ZR | ZR+ | ZR+ |
| Snow | S- | S- | S- | S | S+ | S+ |
EXAMPLES
focalc -cu=la -ft=h24 -va=extt -de=d -pl=cf -in=2
This contours the extreme temperature for the US in color fills with an interval of 2.
focalc -cu=la -ft=h24 -va=temp -of=wxp -pl=none
This will generate grid file based on the mos_grd name convention. A specific filename can be used instead of wxp.
focalc -mo=mrfx -cu=la -ft=d4 -va=maxt
This contours maximum temperatures from the MRF MOS.
FILES
- mos.cty - the surface station location database file
- focalc.tim - the time menu
- focalc.var - the variable menu and definitions
SEE ALSO
Last updated June 10, 1998