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 Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated.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.
Evan, > Thanks for the response.� I have been looking at the LDM website and > was wondering if you could help me understand the LDM process a bit > more by answering some questions I had.� Please excuse me if they are > overly trivial!<br> > > 1)� Can you describe in detail the distribution process for NEXRAD > level 2 data?� I am affiliated with CSU, so if I get an LDM server set > up, what is the protocol to ingest data?� How does this process differ > from a private company looking to use the data for research purposes? I believe he steps in distribution are: 1) radar sites send products to their NWS regional HQ-s using the LDM; 2) the regional HQ-s relay the products to the NWS national HQ using the LDM; 3) the nation HQ relays the data to about 4 or 5 other sites using the LDM; 4) 4 of those sites are university-affiliated (UCAR, NSF, OU, Purdue) and allow *.edu-s to connect to them and receive the products via the LDM. OU and Purdue also allow *.com-s to connect (for a price?). I could be wrong, however, so you should verify my assertions. One place to go is <http://www.roc.noaa.gov/NWS_Level_2/>. If the data is for CSU, then you should be able to receive the data from idd.unidata.ucar.edu and idd.cise-nsf.gov. If the data is for a commercial entity, then you're on your own --- although CSU might agree to send it to you. I note that the atmospheric science department at CSU is already receiving the data. > 2)� I read in the mail archives someone was using SuSe 9.3 to run the > LDM software.� Do you know if the latest version of Suse is compatible > with a binary distribution of the LDM software and/or what changes > would need to be made to the LDM code to make it work?<br> > <br> Due to the difficulty of the task, we don't distribute binary versions of the LDM package. The LDM package is extremely portable and should work on any UNIX-like system. > 3)� What is the format of the NEXRAD level 2 data feed from > LDM?� Is it > gridded NetCDF or would this process have to take place at the client > terminal?<br> Refer to the FAQ-link in the previous URL for information on the data format. It's not in netCDF format. The GEMPAK and IDV packages already know the data-format. A software library that knows the data format is available from Goddard Space Flight Center (Google "GSFC TRMM RSL"). Regards, Steve Emmerson Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: ALL-578381 Department: Support LDM Priority: Normal Status: Closed