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CIMSS is pleased to announce the release of the International ATOVS Processing Package (IAPP), version 2.01. The software operates in the Unix environment on IBM, SGI, and Sun workstations. Documentation is included with the software, describing how to install the IAPP, the design structure, and how each module operates.
The IAPPv2.01 is designed to work with the AAPP (AVHRR and ATOVS Preprocessing Package) HIRS-3 level 1-D output file. The AAPP must be acquired independently from EUMETSAT. For information on AAPP, see http://www.eumetsat.de/en/ then click in the left frame on Programmes Under Development and EUMETSAT Polar Systems (EPS).
Below is a short description of the IAPP contents, licensing issues, and how to receive the package.
IAPP Contents
The IAPP currently uses radiances from HIRS-3, AMSU-A, and AMSU-B on NOAA-15, -16, and -17, preprocessed into the AAPP 1-D format, for retrieval. Ancillary data inputs for retrieval are high resolution topography (supplied), surface observations (see below) and numerical model data (see below). The IAPP performs temperature and moisture retrieval calculation on a 3x3 HIRS field of view (fov) matrix, or field-of-regard (FOR). HIRS and AMSU-A radiances are used for clear/cloudy fov determination. Depending on clouds, a HIRS + AMSU-A + AMSU-B retrieval, an AMSU-A + AMSU-B (i.e., no-HIRS) retrieval, or no retrieval is made for each FOR. The output file is in NetCDF format. Detailed information is provided in the documentation.
Surface data in the WMO Metar format is used, if available, to improve surface condition definition. If surface observations are not available, numerical model data is used (see next item) to define surface conditions, or, with neither available, window channel radiances are used to best approximate surface conditions. We strongly recommend using Metar surface information and/or NWP output to better describe surface conditions in retrieval processing.
Numerical model output can be used as a first guess field for the atmosphere and surface. Any model can readily be adapted to fit into the IAPP retrieval scheme. Clearly written documentation makes this task relatively straightforward. Alternatively, a regression scheme, based on synthetic radiance calculations, can be used to provide a first guess. Again, detailed information is provided in the documentation.
Licensing
The IAPP source code will have licensing restrictions in that you can use it at your or your customer's site, but cannot re-distribute any portion of the software. For educational use, the IAPP license is $3,000. For operational or commercial use, the IAPP license is $10,000. CIMSS has spent over $150,000 U.S. in developing IAPP, the funding derived entirely from ITPP licensing revenue. Continued development of the IAPP will require new funds from licensing the IAPP. All future upgrades to the IAPP will be at no additional cost to the licensee. Thus, your licensing fee is going to improve the capabilities of the package.
Obtaining IAPP
Send an email to me at thomas.achtor@ssec.wisc.edu, requesting the current release of IAPP, either via ftp or on CD-ROM via the postal service. If using ftp, we will respond with an ftp address and instructions to download the package, which amounts to about 35 mb. If you cannot obtain the IAPP via ftp, we can send you the package on CD-ROM, but it will take a week or two longer. Also, please supply a purchase order with your name and mailing address as the contact point for the license and the address to which to send the invoice. If the IAPP software is for another organization, also provide the name of a contact person (scientist preferred) and his/her email and postal addresses.
Thomas H. Achtor
Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies
Space Science and Engineering Center
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Phone 608-263-4206
Fax 608-262-5974
Email thomas.achtor@ssec.wisc.edu
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