Incorporating emergency management needs in the development of weather radar networks

The Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) is developing networks of lowpower, low-cost radars that adaptively collect, process, and visualize high-resolution data in the lowest portion of the atmosphere. CASA researchers are working with emergency managers (EM) to ensure that the network concept is designed with EMs’ needs in mind. Interviews, surveys, analysis of product usage logs, and simulated scenarios are being used to solicit EM input. Results indicate the need for products for both high- and low-bandwidth end users, visualizations for velocity products that are more easily interpreted, and enhanced training. CASA researchers are developing interventions to address these needs.