This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Gempak users, The Unidata release of GEMPAK 5.6.L.1 is now available for download from the UPC web portal my.unidata.ucar.edu. A few of the features included in this release are: - NDFD Encoder/Decoder modified to convert between the GRIB parameter id numbers and the GEMPAK parameter names using a table. Decoder modified to accept a user input skip factor to reduce the resolution of the output GEMPAK grid. - NWX Append Mode Option Added to the "Text Report" GUI's text window. - New Fire Weather Grid Diagnostics added. - Objective Dvorak Technique(ODT) incorporated into N-AWIPS (NODT - Numerous additions and improvements were made to the display of TAF parameters in SFMAP and NMAP2 , including low-level wind shear, color-coded ceilings MSL, and display of various combinations of prevailing, temporary and probability weather and flight conditions. - The cloud height calculation has been modified to use the previous sounding report if the latest is not available. - Improvements to Level II radar display decoder and display programs - updated PDF documents For additional information on new features and changes in GEMPAK 5.6.L.1, see: http://my.unidata.ucar.edu/content/software/gempak/GEMPAK5.6/whats_new.html#5.6L as well as online documentation. To download, see: http://my.unidata.ucar.edu/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=3 Steve Chiswell Unidata User Support