Data and weather graphics systems

Displaying high-quality television weather forecasts can sometimes present huge challenges to broadcasters. For a start, there is no standard format to follow. Regional differences, both cultural and technical, make it difficult to bolt weather on to many standard graphics systems broadcasters may have already installed. Before weather graphics systems can generate an easily-understood, informative weather display, they must first access or ingest timely weather data, such as current temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind, as well as future forecasts. Then a designer has to consider how frequently the systems will receive the data and how often they will need to display a new, updated weather show. For a rolling, 24-hour news channel, frequent data updates and real-time rendering would be essential to generate the latest weather graphics. When investing in weather graphics technology, broadcasters have to consider two main aspects: How well will the graphics system display a memorable weather show that complements the branded look and feel of the channel, and what kind of weather data will be used to drive it?