Convert NWP layers to 3D (or more) dimensional datasets

[djhoese]

In GitLab by @djhoese on Aug 28, 2018, 15:45

Currently NWP (grib) layers are treated as 2D datasets with an associated pressure level. This causes issues with the current identification strategy (family, category, serial). The 'family' is meant to represent what layers should be presented in a similar way (same colormap, same color limits, etc). The 'category' is meant to denote a different grouping for each satellite/instrument/scene type (@rayg-ssec correct me or clarify if needed). The serial is to uniquely identify each layer in a family + category.

The NWP data only use pressure level in the CATEGORY identifier. This is useful because this means all pressure levels are presented the same (same FAMILY) but show up as separate "tracks" in the timeline. This is bad for making RGB layers where a pressure of 500hPa of Temperature is considered the same family as 600hPA of Temperature, resulting in unexpected behavior of you wanted to use NWP data in an RGB.

If SIFT could handle 3D products then this current set up should work because the pressure level would be what you are visualizing currently, but you can use some new UI element to switch between the different levels (a different animation order?).

[djhoese]

In GitLab by @djhoese on Aug 28, 2018, 15:47

changed the description