Section: 3.7.1 Surface Point Observation Displays

3.7.1 Surface Point Observation Displays

The IDV surface point observation display makes weather station plots.

If necessary, select surface data sources and times as described in (see Loading Surface Data).

If you do not have a Surface Plot created then create one from the Field Selector.
Zoom in and see more stations

Zoom and pan as needed to fill the display with Colorado. As you zoom in you will see more stations appear in the plot.
This display's control window appeared when the display was made; the control window can easily be accessed by clicking the Surface (METAR) Data - Point Data Plot link in the Legend sidebar of the main view window. You can control the density of the stations plotted using the Plot Density slider.
To see all stations, click on the Declutter checkbox to toggle it off.
In the control window, use the Layout Model selector box to change the layout model from METAR to Observations →Temperature. Later in the workshop you learn how to change and create layout models. (See the Layout Model Editor).

Changing Z position.
- Rotate the view to see that the stations are displayed at their actual altitude.
- For the Vertical Position select Fixed position on the Point Data Plot Control to display the stations at a fixed level.
We're going to find out where its hot and humid.
- Select the Filters tab on the Point Data Plot Control.
- In the first row under Property select T.
- Select ">".
- Under Value enter "80[F]". The "[F]" is an optional unit.
- In the second row under Property select TD - dewpoint temperature
- Select ">".
- Under Value enter "70[F]".
- Press the Apply Filters button.
- Click on one of the stations on the map and return to the control window to see the data values in a table format (found under the Plot tab).