Implementation and Development Plan of MICAPS4

Marked by refined weather forecasts, modern weather forecasting demands for higher spatial and temporal resolution of weather data applications. However, the existing forecast analysis system-MICAPS3 (Meteorological Information Comprehensive Analysis and Processing System Version 3) cannot meet needs of using real-time meteorological data with big data characteristics. Besides, MICAPS3 cannot provide sufficient support for numerical weather prediction model, ensemble prediction model and grid forecasting product, which are playing increasingly important role in the professional forecasting fields. Therefore, China National Meteorological Center launches development of MICAPS4, aiming to build an advanced, efficient, intelligent, convenient and open modern weather service forecast platform.Firstly, established a real-time forecasting system based on big data technology to solve the key technical problems of data processing, storage, analysis and display efficiency. Secondly, set up several specialized platforms to meet needs of different complex forecasting business. MICAPS4 combines information technology with forecasting technology and forecasting business processes to solve the key technical problems of the platform integration of modern forecasting methods and the production of refined forecast, many of specialized platforms based on MICAPS4 basic framework have promoted the application of business in China National Meteorological Center and many provinces. CIMISS (China Integrated Meteorological Information Sharing System)-MICAPS4 massive data storage environment has greatly reduced the workload of system deployment and localization, improved data analysis and data storage access efficiency significantly. Besides the utilization of the big data technology, MICAPS4 client is also upgraded in underlying rendering engine using parallel computing framework, and it can display high resolution data in high efficiency including the stream animation as a result. MICAPS4 client follows the OGC (open geospatial consortium) standards, to achieve the standard of geographic information and the intervention of WMTS (Web map tile service). The client of MICAPS4 allows users to customize data display style conveniently and support the forecast product rapid manufacturing. Flat design interface is adopted and users can switch between black theme and white theme quickly, to reduce visual fatigue and support the forecast product rapid manufacturing.MICAPS4 is a modern full-purpose forecaster work station system for processing and displaying meteorological data. The multi-window technology and specialized applications make MICAPS the ideal tool not only for operational weather forecasting, but also for other applications where meteorological information plays a vital role.