Friday 27th July 2007

Weatherscape XT has improved its ‘Cyclone Tracker’ capabilities within its acclaimed Weatherscape XTweather graphics system. The system enables the automated display of global cyclone, hurricane or typhoon information.

Data such as current position, name, category number and maximum central wind speed as well as historical track and forecast position are automatically plotted and displayed on the Weatherscape XT globe for any location in the world. Other data such as areas of hurricane, strong gale, gale and storm force winds are also plotted graphically, if the information is available from the hurricane reporting centre.

Using the most innovative computer graphics, Cyclone Tracker creates cyclone scenes easily and quickly, displaying customised, animated tracking of cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons using the most up-to-date weather data.

“The Cyclone Tracker feature of Weatherscape XT presents vital information to viewers including past cyclone tracks and their forecast position,” says Tom Sutherland, International Sales and Marketing Manager, Metra.

Data can be automatically downloaded into Cyclone Tracker or can be drawn manually and then edited as required, and with connection to Metra’s Cytrack Database, the most current cyclone data for any location in the world is presented.

“The cyclone can then be animated along its track over a specific period of time and all other informationrelating to cyclones, such as wind speed, can be displayed.

Another great advantage is that it’s all fully editable,” says Mr Sutherland. “Model data and satellite images are also really easy to customise and include,” he adds. Weatherscape XT is extremely versatile, recognising most meteorological data and interchange formats.

Weatherscape XT makes the automatic downloading of meteorological data simple with its Download and Ingest Manager.

Weatherscape XT is a full turn-key system for weather graphics presentation providing a fully customised solution for weather graphics and meteorological data. Weatherscape XT is currently used by the World’s leading broadcasters including BBC, Channels Seven, Nine and SBS in Australia, and CNBC stations internationally.

“At Metra our expertise is not only in providing the software and systems to create the weather shows viewers want to see, but as we are a full service meteorological company we also have an intimate understanding of weather, and importantly, weather data,” says Mr Sutherland.

Cyclone Tracker is just one feature of Weatherscape XT that enables Metra to deliver the best in weather presentation software and lead the field in providing innovative solutions for their customers.

Metra will be showing Weatherscape XT’s exciting latest features, including Cyclone Tracker, at IBC in September.

For further information contact:
Tom Sutherland, International Sales and Marketing Manager, Metra
Telephone: +61 (0) 4472 66771
email: tom.sutherland@metra-info.com or www.metra-media.com