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obs-monitor

Obs-monitor is a tool designed to monitor the assimilated data in weather models. It can be used to monitor satellite radiance, ozone, conventional data sources and the GSI minimization process. Obs-monitor generates automated reports notifying users of potential problems and generates graphics to visualize the assimilation results.

Obs-monitor is the successor to GSI-Monitor. Rather than the 4 disparate components of GSI-Monitor, obs-monitor's intent is to provide a unified monitoring platform. It uses input yaml files to control operation and output in an effort to provide a simple user interface.

To install obs-monitor please see Install obs-monitor.

Overview

Obs-monitor has two distinct functions:

• Data Extraction

Select data is extracted from model output files and saved to intermediate files. Operationally model output files are generally available for 3-10 days, then written to tape archive. The intermediate files are an efficient means to make monitoring data easily accessible and allows for plots spanning 30 days or more.

Obs-monitor's data extraction process is currently being implemented. However, it can use the intermediate files extracted by GSI-Monitor components. This legacy data is typically in Fortran binary files (.ieee_d) but also includes some csv formatted files.

• Image Generation

Image generation is a multi-stage process, but is only a single step from the users' perspective. The user initiates the plot script and provides an input yaml file. The yaml file specifies which satellite instruments, conventional data observations, and minimization plots are to be generated using specified plot templates. Within obs-monitor the templates are then expanded into detailed yaml files and submitted to eva to generate plots.

For detailed instructions for image generation please see: Image Generation Detailed Instructions