This is the sub-system responsible for the processing and post-processing of the various types of data and products stored by the DBMS to generate and display a range of products. The level of activity implementations for this sub-system depends much on the availability of resources at the centre concerned and can include some or all of the following activities. It should be emphasised that the activities listed below are independently implementable.

• Displaying various products from other centres
• Preparing, displaying, and printing aviation products
• Plotting and analysis of data for forecasting
• Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)
• Preparing and displaying TV images for broadcasting purpose
• Climatological analysis, prediction and publications, and Database Management
• Internal Web
• The Internet

The following are resource requirements for each of the above elements. In a number of cases the Computer (PC) hardware specifications may be similar, and for this reason generic specifications are annexed and where applicable are referred to.

Function: To automate the plotting of meteorological data available from the DBMS, the requirements are:

Requirements:

• 1 type (b) configuration PC System
• 2 Plotting Tables, e.g. HP

• Missir Aero (Corobor France)
• AFDOS (China )
• Metgis - in-house developed by South Africa Weather Bureau (SAWB)

Function:

To further quality control, process and archive meteorological data for non-real time applications. Preparation of non-real time products and climate research.

Requirements:

• Type (a) configuration of PC System
• Type (b) configuration of Workstation/File Server
•  
• Postscript high capacity printer
• Colour Printer
• Scanner (colour)

• Compilers FORTRAN 77, C++
• Oracle DBMS
• Graphics
• File Server Software
• CLICOM
• Climlab developed by Nairobi NMC
• Climosdeveloped by SAWB
• Publishing package

Note: The type of a PC system has, as a backup device:

• The 24 GB Magnetic Tape Cartridge
• The 650 MB CD ROM Writer

Function:

To prepare products that are put on the media. Apart from text forecasts, the module is also used in the preparation of TV forecasts. DBMS stored data/products are used to produce images for TV broadcasts.

• 2 Types (a) configuration PC system
• 2 TV Screens
• 2 Video Recording Decks
• 2 Video Camera
• 1 Power Beam Projector
• 1 Mixer, Amplifier system
• Screen and overhead projector, lights

• Missir-Vision (Corobor - France)
• AFDOS (China)
• PCGRIDS (NOAA- USA)

Function:

The DBMS sub-system would decode, quality controlled and stored the data/products, and this module would then display or print. Apart from merely displaying and/or printing the DBMS stored products a forecaster can also process further these stored data to generate value-added products. In doing so the forecaster may also make use of NWP data/products. However, to receive NWP data/products it requires high-speed data links. And to be able to further process such NWP data it requires high specification workstations.

The data/products processing operations may consist of:

• Data plotting, isolines contouring, shading
• Zooming, movie loops
• Vertical Cross Section
• Superimposition of data

on the following types of data:

• NWP, Radar, Graphs
• Satellite, Soundings, etc.

Requirements to implement this module will depend on whether the simple or the advanced option is being implemented.

• Type (a) configuration PC System with a 21" SVGA monitor
• Printer (Laser )

• Missir Aero (Corobor - France)
• PCGRIDS (NOAA - USA)
• AFDOS (China)

• UNIX Workstation with graphics card running at 500 MHz or faster
• 256 MB RAM
• 30 GB Hard Disk
• 19" SVGA Monitor
• CD ROM
• Streamer Tape
• Laser Printer
• UPS and Surge Protector

• A relational DBMS, e.g. Oracle
• A GKS
• SYNERGIE (Meteo France )

There are two aspects of NWP, one aspect involves the reception and usage of NWP products, and the other aspect involves the actual generation of NWP products. Resource requirements for the realisation of these two aspects are inherently different. But both aspects require a high speed link to the NWP data/product’s source - 64 kbps preferred.

NWP Products Visualisation: This can be achieved using the aviation application Module covered above.

NWP Products Generation: When it comes to deciding on the requirements for the generation of NWP products the spectrum is very wide, a spectrum which depends, among other things, on:

• NWP Model Type (Global or Limited Area)
• If model is Non-Global, other factors to be considered include:

• Mesh size in geographical latitude/longitude
• Total data grid points
• Number of layers in the vertical
• Boundary data (normally obtained from global models)

Whether an RSMC runs a Global Model (GM) or a Limited Area Model (LAM), it must have good GTS links to assimilate the model data needed. To run a GM model, it requires multiprocessor super computers, which very few RSMC in RA I can afford, the SAWB is one exception. With its two 10-processor, Cray super computers and super workstations as pre-processors, the SAWB is running both the GSM and the ETA-co-ordinated regional model. No attempt will be made here to provide the requirement for running a GM.

There are several operational Limited Area (Regional) NWP models. To run any of such models require:

• Initial and boundary conditions from a GM model can be obtained through bilateral arrangements with the GM’s owners and can be downloaded via high-speed GTS links or the Internet.
• Computing capacity, which is variable depending on the total data grid points, total number of layers and mesh size. For example, the application of the NCEP Regional Spectral Model which has a horizontal resolution of 50 kms with 28 vertical layers, to a domain defined by 20⁰ East - 55⁰ East and 15⁰ N and 15⁰ S to provide a 48-hour forecast, the following computing resources would be adequate.

• Workstation, e.g. Sun SPARC, Silicon Graphics, Mercury, etc., with a dual processor running at 500-600 MHz
• 1 GB RAM
• 30 GB Hard Disk drive
• CD ROM drive
• 24 GB Backup Tape Cartridge Drive
• Postscript Printer
• UNIX Operating System
• High speed "initial + boundary data collection" platform (e.g. AMSS) or Internet

• Model Program
• Products displaying program

Function: A server connected to the internal LAN to provide email and Web Pages for internal use only.

Hardware: Type (a) configuration PC System

Software: Web Browse with e-mail *

Note: The Win 2000 Operating System can be appropriately configured to provide both the e-mail and browser functions.