Forecast Applications Branch (NOAA/GSD)

Introduction:

The Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) integrates data from virtually every meteorological observation system into a very high-resolution gridded framework centered on a forecast office's domain of responsibility. Thus, the data from local mesonetworks of surface observing systems, Doppler radars, satellites, wind and temperature (RASS) profilers (404 and boundary-layer 915 MHz), radiometric profilers, as well as aircraft are incorporated every hour into a three-dimensional grid covering a 1040km by 1240km area. LAPS has analysis and prediction components. The prediction component is being configured using the RAMS, MM5, WRF, and ETA models. Any or all of these models, usually being initialized with LAPS analyses, are run to provide short-term forecasts. We produce ensemble forecasts using multiple models and initialization methods, with verification . We have several online LAPS presentations.

LAPS Real-time Analyses and Forecasts:

Figure: Current 24-hour cloud forecast loop from LAPS using MM5 as the forecast model. Hydrometeor species are color coded. Graphics produced using Vis5D. (Click on the image for a more detailed view.)

• Analyses for Colorado and other domains
• Forecasts for Colorado and other domains
• On-the-Fly Analyses/Forecasts
• Verification: Ensemble, PADS

LAPS is run in real-time at GSD for a domain centered on the Denver, CO Weather Forecast Office. Local implementations include our branch machine (toro) and the AWIPS/ WFO-Advanced workstation. Analysis and forecast output is often shown at the daily weather briefings. LAPS is an integral part of the Water In All Phases (WIAP) project and is being used in support of the ongoing Hydrometeorological Test Bed (HMT) experiment.

LAPS has been ported to many locations, including universities such as Univ. of Oklahoma ("OLAPS"), and Univ. of North Dakota. LAPS is running on-site at each National Weather Service Forecast Office (WFO) as an integral part of AWIPS. We are also running the system externally to AWIPS at WFOs in Seattle, Atlanta (Olympics), Lubbock, Fairbanks, Sterling, Monterey, Reno, and Davenport. Our software is also being implemented at various U.S. government agencies such as Federal Highways Administration (MDSS), Range Standardization and Automation (RSA) at the U.S. Space Centers, National Ocean Service, U.S Forest Service, and for international government weather bureaus such as China, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea.

Publications:

• By Year - 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 2004
  
• By Topic
  
• Other Presentations

LAPS FAQs (information summary website)

LAPS Software:

FAB Staff:

Steve Albers                                        Steve.Albers@noaa.gov
Chris Anderson                                      Christopher.J.Anderson@noaa.gov
Dan Birkenheuer                                     Daniel.L.Birkenheuer@noaa.gov
Isidora Jankov                                      Isidora.Jankov@noaa.gov
Ok-Yeon Kim                                         Okyeon.Kim@noaa.gov
Paula McCaslin                                      Paula.McCaslin@noaa.gov
John McGinley (branch chief)                        John.A.Mcginley@noaa.gov
Paul Schultz                                        Paul.J.Schultz@noaa.gov
Jared Seehafer                                      Jared.Seehafer@noaa.gov
John Smart                                          John.R.Smart@noaa.gov
John Snook                                          John.Snook@noaa.gov
Ed Szoke                                            Edward.J.Szoke@noaa.gov
Diane Vinaske (secretary)                           Diane.Vinaske@noaa.gov
Linda Wharton                                       Linda.Wharton@noaa.gov
Yuanfu Xie                                          Yuanfu.Xie@noaa.gov
Huiling Yuan                                        Huiling.Yuan@noaa.gov

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