Slidell, LA--Through the NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, WorldWinds, Inc. is introducing new data products into the existing television broadcast supply stream through already established commercial weather display packages.WorldWinds collaboration with Baron Services, Inc., of Huntsville, AL, helped to identify and develop eleven potential new products with an expectation to have 5-6 new NOAA derived products permanently embedded into Baron Services' OMNI and VIPIR commercial weather display systems.
During the three week beta test period, a seven station beta test group was educated on the product’s scientific merit and each station was updated daily as to the product's application.During this beta test period, the product was shown during weather segments by three US television stations and the results proved favorable.
Brad Huffines and Dale Bader of WAAY-TV, FOX 54 in Huntsville used the product during a modest return flow situation to explain the reason for shower chances the following day.
Bob Breck of WVUE-TV, FOX 8 in New Orleans used the product to show the continued flooding potential in Southern California on December 21, 2010.
Michael Coats of KIFI-TV in Idaho Falls showed the graphic during the Southern California event to explain why moisture would rise over sections of his viewing area.
The TV meteorologists felt that the product had merit and could be quite useful during major precipitation events.
“It was exciting to receive positive feedback from the meteorologist and reinforced that it was beneficial to the broadcast market for us to pursue the next phase,” said Elizabeth Valenti of WorldWinds.
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WorldWinds, Inc. develops cutting edge technology from NASA, the US Navy, NOAA, and other government partners into state-of-the-art products and services that benefit the public. WorldWinds is an active member of the EIGS geospatial technology cluster of the Magnolia Business Alliance (MBA). MBA’s goal is to impact economic development by serving as an advocate for small and medium sized businesses. For more information about WorldWinds, Inc., visit www.worldwindsinc.com.
