Previous: Loading WSR-88D Level II Radar Data Next: Level II RHI Displays Table of contents Frames User guide
Unidata IDV Workshop for version 6.1u1 > Accessing and Displaying Data > WSR-88D Level II Data Displays

3.5.1 Level II Sweep Displays in 2D and 3D

Sweep displays simulate conventional PPI radar plots of a single sweep of a map view, and also plot sweeps in the upper atmosphere,

If necessary, select Level II data and times as described in Accessing WSR-88D Level II Radar Data.

  1. Select the Reflectivity field and create a Radar Sweep View in 2D display. A display of the Level II sweep at the lowest tilt appears in the main window.
  2. Move to a new tilt angle in the volume scan; and put up counties map.
    • In the display's control window use the Elevation Angles selector to choose another tilt angle.
    • Zoom in to see the display character is that of the radar's native coordinate system, with wedge-shaped bins showing the radar range-azimuth coordinates.
    • Change the background maps using the Default Background Maps Control. Show popup Put on a map of U.S. Counties in green.
  3. Add Radar Range Rings
    • Restore the initial display overhead view with the key combination Ctrl-r.
    • Select the Displays→Special→Range Rings menu from the Main Menu Bar. A set of range rings will appear, centered on the radar station.
    • Use the control widgets to change the spacing and color of the rings, the azimuth lines, visibility, and the labels.
  4. Change the parameter (radar data moment) in the display.
    • In the control window 2D Sweep View, select the Edit->Change Parameter menu item.
    • In the Choose Parameter panel, open the data source of interest by clicking on the tab.
    • Click on the parameter Radial Velocity, and click the OK button.
    • The display is recreated with the new parameter's data.
    • Switch the parameter back to Reflectivity.
  5. 3D Sweep display
    • Add in a Radar Sweep View in 3D of Reflectivity.
    • The 3D display of the Level II sweep at the lowest tilt appears in the main window:

    • Make sure both Radar Sweep View in 2D and the Radar Sweep View in 3D have the same Sweep angle.
    • Rotate and zoom in as needed to see the character of the 3D display, and compare the two displays of the same data.
    • If you have time switch the 3D sweep to a high tilt angle. The top of the wireframe box is at 16 km. Judge the maximum height of returned signals. About how far it is from the radar station?
  6. Remove all displays.
  7. Display the reflectivity as a Constant Altitude PPI (CAPPI). Select the Reflectivity field and create a CAPPI display.

    8. A CAPPI display of the reflectivity will appear in the main window.

 


Previous: Loading WSR-88D Level II Radar Data Next: Level II RHI Displays Table of contents Frames User guide
Unidata IDV Workshop for version 6.1u1 > Accessing and Displaying Data > WSR-88D Level II Data Displays