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Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Data Discussions in Japan and Singapore [February 11, 2013]
Chris Elvidge of the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) will have technical discussions on VIIRS data in Japan on February 18 and in Singapore on February 20. On February 18, Dr. Elvidge will visit the Japan Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Computer Center in Tsukuba. Since 2000, MAFF has received near real time Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS) data covering East Asia and the Western Pacific Ocean. The OLS data are used in urban studies and in analysis of fishing activity based on the detection of lit fishing boats. Recently NGDC established a similar data service for MAFF, at MAFF, Dr. Elvidge will gather feedback on the new NGDC data service and discuss MAFF's plans to provide VIIRS data services to universities and government agencies in Japan. On February 20, Dr. Elvidge will have discussions at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) and the National University of Singapore on the VIIRS Nightfire system developed at NGDC. The system detects combustion sources at night using the short-wave infrared band (M10) at 1.61 um. Six spectral bands are used to model the combustion source Planck curve, from which it is possible to estimate temperature (degrees K), source size (m^2), and radiant heat (mW). The discussions in Singapore will focus on the potential value of Nightfire data to augment fire observations from NOAA-POES and NASA MODIS. Singapore has ongoing air quality problems associated with trans-boundary smoke and haze generated by biomass burning. ASMC combines satellite observations of fires with air transport models to identify source areas for smoke and haze and to predict the onset of poor air quality.
( or 303-497-6121)
Data Centers Share Information on Software Development Practices [February 04, 2013]
The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) will brief the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) leadership on its successful use of a teaming approach to building software applications called Agile Development. Lisa Taylor will visit NODC on February 13th to share NGDC's experiences with Agile Development and discuss opportunities to partner on projects that will benefit both Centers. The Agile Development framework is designed to help organizations effectively manage software development projects by taking into account the fact that we can never gather all user requirements up front, the requirements we do gather will change, and there is always more to do than time and money will allow. The built-in structures for constant communication and feedback allow for clear direction, common focus, shared knowledge, transparency and high quality applications that exceed customer expectations. This meeting is part of a broader joint effort to increase collaboration and information exchange between the NOAA Data Centers.
( or 303-497-6767)
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