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Available Modules

Basic Module

RAOB Lite

Analytic Module

Interactive & Hodo Module

Standard Soundingram Module

Advanced Soundingram Module

High-Altitude Module

Special Data Decoders Module

Radiometer Decoders Module

Advanced Radiometer Decoders Module

Binary Data Decoders Module

Sodar/Lidar Data Decoders Module

Aerosol Data Decoders Module

Doppler Decoder/Display Module

Encoders Module

STANAG Encode/Decode Module

Standard Vertical
Cross-Section Module

Advanced Vertical
Cross-Section Module

Real-Time Processor Module

Turbulence &
Mountain-wave Module

Fronts and Forecast Module

Standard Merge Module

Advanced Merge Module

Advanced Export Module

Binary Data
Decoders Module

NOTE: Prospective RAOB customers are encouraged to send ERS a sample of their binary data just to be sure RAOB can successfully process it. Any files greater than 2 gigabyte in size may cause memory problems. If a binary decoder is not able to process a particular variable, just submit a request to ERS for assistance.

• BUFR: RAOB can process the special WMO code form FM 94 BUFR (Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data) containing various forms of binary meteorological data including sounding data. This decoder only processes the sounding data formats, including the unique formats produced by the United States’ NWS, including the NWS RUC NCEP forecast soundings. All BUFR data is automatically converted to RAOB’s CSV format for display purposes. Currently, only the most common sounding data types are decoded, but if a customer encounters a BUFR sounding datafile that does not process, please notify ERS for resolution. All processed data is automatically converted into the RAOB CSV format for easier viewing of source data.
• GRIB: GRIdded Binary (GRIB) data is defined by WMO FM-92 documents. RAOB can process most GRIB Version 1 data. RAOB can only process GRIB Version 2 data if it does not require access to expensive 3rd party compression schemes (such as JPEG2000). Similar to BUFR binary data, the decoded GRIB data are also automatically converted to RAOB’s CSV format for display purposes. Currently, only the most common gridded / regional data fields are decoded, but if a customer encounters a GRIB sounding datafile that does not process, please notify ERS for resolution.
• netCDF: netCDF (network Common Data Form) is another form of binary data that contains data arrays in grid format, similar to GRIB data -- however it is much more complex.  Before ordering this module to process netCDF files, you must first send a sample to ERS to determine if RAOB is able decode it. This format was developed at the Unidata Program Center in Boulder, Colorado. The netCDF decoder uses the same user display screen as used by the GRIB decoder. RAOB uses the “ncdump” utility to retrieve sounding data for specific locations. This utility was also developed by the Unidata personnel.  Because of the netCDF's ability to output data files in essentially unlimited data constructs and definitions, it is not possible to decode all files, especially the gridded data.  Therefore, only the most commonly defined, and standard nomenclature data fields are decoded.  NOTE: Before ordering this module to process netCDF files, you must first send a sample to ERS to determine if RAOB is able decode it.