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 Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated.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.
> I am looking to make a high resolution radar image using your GEMPAK > software. I'd prefer to use your 1km images but I think the resolution > may not be good enough (of course I realize I'd be limited by the level > 3 data resolution). But in a nutshell I'd need a very smooth/contoured > image and I'm not sure how to accomplish that. I would have to winterize > the images as well for snow/ice using the RUC. > > So I have a few questions: > > 1. Can I accomplish the higher res look I need by using some type of smoothing > algorithm built into your software using your 1km mosaic? How many pixels > high/wide can the image be? > Hi Jeff, While GEMPAK does not contain any smoothing function for rasterized radar images, the NEXRAD level3 high-res N0Q reflectivity product will display with 95 color levels. With the programs 'nex2gini' or 'nex2img' you can create a composite of N0Q while specifically defining the boundaries and size of the image. See the manual page for a description of the program and example: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/cgi-bin/gempak/manual/programs_index?nex2img > 2. Do I need NOAAPort to get the necessary raw radar files if I decide to use > GEMPAK to make the mosaic. Where can I obtain the raw data? You will probably want to use the LDM ( http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/ldm/ ) to ingest NEXRAD images for processing with GEMPAK. > 3. Can I use level 2 data to make a mosaic? Unfortunately, no > 4. What costs may be involved? Software offered by Unidata is freely available, with site registration, but data availability may be difficult for you as you are not on a university network. You'll want to read through Unidata's data usage policy here: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/data/data_usage.html Best, Michael James Unidata Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: ISV-733086 Department: Support GEMPAK Priority: Normal Status: Open