SYNOP
Presentation of Surface Weather Observations
Unterstrich
 
  SYNOP is a program for geographical visualization of surface weather observations. Due to limitations of space available on a computer screen observations are presented by selection of only one or a few parameters:

  • Temperature, Humidity
  • MSL Pressure, MSLP Tendency
  • Extreme Values, e.g. Max. Gusts, Max. Temperature
  • Visibility, Ceiling, Type of Cloud, Significant Weather
  • Precipitation, Snow Depths, Duration of Sunshine

Single-parameter presentation increases the amount of non-overlapping observations significantly. Nevertheless, non-overlapping presentation causes some stations to be hidden. Weather watch requirements sometimes make it necessary to accept a certain degree of overlapping in order to detect signifant weather phenomena. The possibility to change the degree of overlapping continuously offers the choice between clear and complete presentation.

   
Cloud Types, Central Europe
Cloud Types,
Central Europe
Gale Low Lore, Northsea
Gale Low 'Lore',
Northsea
Maximum Temperatures and Sign. Weather, Europe
Maximum Temperatures
and Sign. Weather, Europe
 
 
  (Click picture for full size)

Apart from basic observations, deduced and problem-specific parameters can be visualized, e.g.
  
  • Freezing Level, Level of Snowfall,
  • GAFOR Codes, referred to Reference Level
  • Color State Presentation of Visibility and Ceiling
  • Lifting Condensation Level,
  • Windchill Temperature, Sultriness

GAFOR Categories Germany
GAFOR Categories
Germany
  
In addition to the presentation of single parameters, the complete observation of of each station can be shown in alphanumeric form or as WMO station symbol by a simple mouse button click. As it is sometimes difficult to find a desired station, a special Search function is available which also allows to show stations according to a specific filter one after another.

The Hitlist Hi / Lo function allows a special non-overlapping presentation in ascending / descending order. This prevents the suppression of significant stations by less significant stations. Sorted Hi, a ww=95 TS cannot be suppressed by a ww=51 drizzle, which could happen in unsorted presentation. These data are also shown in an alphanumeric list which can be saved as file or printed.