User Evaluations of Adaptive Scanning Patterns in the CASA Spring Experiment 2007

The Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) is creating a new paradigm for weather observation based on low cost, densely spaced networks of X-band radars. These networks adapt their scanning strategy based on the evolving weather and user needs for data. This paper presents the results of an evaluation by National Weather Service forecasters and academic researchers of the dynamically reconfigurable radar scanning patterns that operated in CASA´s prototype test bed in southwest Oklahoma in spring 2007. The evaluation demonstrates that a pilot group of users were satisfied overall with CASA´s scanning patterns. The evaluation also uncovered needed improvements to the scanning strategy that have been subsequently implemented. Through this iterative cycle of design, implementation, evaluation, we have demonstrated the flexibility of the system architecture and our ability to modify existing and add new capabilities to increase the benefits of CASA radar systems.