An innovative software framework is introduced as a tool to interactively visualize large three-dimensional datasets generated in real-time by high-resolution regional weather and climate models. The integrated system consists of a state-of-the-art, high-resolution coupled regional climate model, developed at Texas A&M University, and a combined, high-performance 3D visualization package and graphical user interface (GUI), developed by IBM Research. 

By offloading data processing and rendering to GPUs, this framework is able to efficiently run both the climate model and the visualization engine at the same time, and display highly detailed three-dimensional images on a remote client equipped with a custom GUI. The client features controls to navigate through the model-generated data both in space and time, in addition to the capability of restarting the climate model with initial conditions modified according to the user’s input in the three-dimensional space.

While showcasing the latest technology in high-resolution regional climate forecasting, remote 3D visualization, and steering of critical applications, the presented software framework provides a compelling example of integrated approach to the design of effective impact-based decision support systems (IDSS) aimed at improving community resilience, as envisioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) initiative