JMA Virtual Laboratory for satellite training and data utilization

Established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), the Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) is a global network of specialized training centres and meteorological satellite operators working together to improve the utilisation of data and products from meteorological and environmental satellites.

VL Resource

SATAID

In preventing meteorological disasters such as typhoons and heavy rain, the importance of meteorological satellites to weather forecasts is unquestionable. However, to utilize meteorological satellites more effectively, it is necessary to analyze images and extract information from them. There is currently no other way than analyzing satellite images subjectively through human eyes and an analysis of high quality requires one to master the skill of analyzing images.

The recent development of computers has made it easier to display satellite images on computer screens. The Meteorological Satellite Center has developed a Computer Aided Learning system (MSC-CAL) to display satellite images for learning and to train for improving image analysis skills. It is called "SATAID" (Satellite Animation and Interactive Diagnosis).

The system comprises various functions to analyze satellite images and using these functions allows one to conduct an analysis equivalent to the analyses being conducted in the Meteorological Satellite Center. It can also be used for monitoring real situations.

The latest version of SATAID programs can be downloaded from the WIS website. Installation of the latest version is recommended. The program version can be checked under the Property section of the runtime file or in the program itself under the Help-About menu option.