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Available Modules

Basic Module

RAOB Lite

Analytic Module

Interactive & Hodo Module

Soundingram Module

High-Altitude Module

Special Data Decoders Module

Radiometrics (RDX)
Data Decoder Module

Binary Data Decoders Module

Sodar/Lidar Data Decoders Module

Encoders Module

Standard Vertical
Cross-Section Module

Advanced Vertical
Cross-Section Module

Real-Time Cross-Section
Processor Module

Turbulence &
Mountain-wave Module

Fronts and Forecast Module

Module Options

Nomogram Options

Severe Weather Table

Binary Data
Decoders Module

• BUFR: RAOB can process the special WMO code form FM 94 BUFR (Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data) containing various forms of binary meteorological data including sounding data. This decoder only processes the sounding data formats, including the unique formats produced by the United States’ NWS, including the NWS RUC NCEP forecast soundings. All BUFR data is automatically converted to RAOB’s CSV format for display purposes. Currently, only the most common sounding data types are decoded, but if a customer encounters a BUFR sounding datafile that does not process, please notify ERS for resolution.All processed data is automatically converted into the RAOB CSV format for easier viewing of source data. Sounding data can then be saved (or exported) in either RAOB’s “Raw” or “CSV” formats, or transformed into the common WMO coded (TTAA, etc) format.
• GRIB: GRIdded Binary (GRIB) data is defined by WMO FM-92 documents. RAOB currently only processes Version 1 GRIB data, however, work is underway on a Version 2 decoder. Similar to the BUFR decoded data, the decoded GRIB data are also automatically converted to RAOB’s CSV format for display purposes. Currently, only the most common gridded / regional data fields are decoded, but if a customer encounters a GRIB sounding datafile that does not process, please notify ERS for resolution.
• netCDF: netCDF (network Common Data Form) is another form of binary data that contains data arrays in grid format, similar to GRIB data. It was developed at the Unidata Program Center in Boulder, Colorado. The netCDF decoder uses the same user display screen as used by the GRIB decoder. RAOB uses the “ncdump” utility to retrieve sounding data for specific locations. This utility was also developed by the Unidata personnel. Currently, only the most common data fields are decoded, but if a customer encounters a netCDF datafile that does not correctly process, please notify ERS for resolution.
• If a user needs other sounding data parameters decoded, then just submit a request to ERS.