Puma 2015

SYNERGIE V4.7

User Manual
Version 2.3 – November 2015
SYNERGIE

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This document is provided for information purposes only. The responsibility of
METEO FRANCE can in no way be engaged in the event of damage resulting from
application of this document. Corrections or modifications may be made to the
content of this document without prior notice.
All translation, adaptation and reproduction rights by any method whatsoever are
reserved for all countries.
The French law of March 11 1957, under the terms of paragraphs 2 and 3 of article
41 only authorizes «copies or reproductions strictly reserved for the private use of
the copier and not for collective use», and concerning analyses and quotations
taken as an example or for purposes of illustration stipulates that «any complete
or partial representation or reproduction made without the permission of the
author, or of his beneficiaries or successors, is unlawful» (paragraph 1 of article
40).
Such representation or reproduction, by whatever means, would therefore be an
infringement of copyright penalized by articles 425 and subsequent of the French
Penal Code of Law.

© METEO FRANCE / MFI, Toulouse, 2015

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Creation

Responsibilities Name - Function Date

Written by Isabelle Erlich – Documentation December 5,
manager 2010
Authorized by Julien Camozzi- Product manager

Modifications

Issue Date Modified by Modified Description of evolution

pages
1.0 N/A Initial version
2.0 December 5, IE New features of the V4.3
2010
2.1 February 17, IE All New features of the V4.5
2011
2.2 February 25, IE All New icons of the V4.6
2014
2.2.1 February 25, IE Chapter 21, New screenshots in chapter
2015 Chapter 22 21. New chapter
Streamlines production
2.3 October 2015 IE New features of the V4.7.

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Table of contents

Preface ................................................................................................................................ x
Objective of this document ....................................................................................................... xi
Software release ....................................................................................................................... xi
Typographic conventions .......................................................................................................... xii
Representation of the keyboard and of procedures .................................................................................... xii
Representation of functions and entry fields ............................................................................................... xii
Representation of the mouse buttons ........................................................................................................ xiii
Icons used .................................................................................................................................................... xiii

1. General Points .......................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1. Presentation of SYNERGIE ............................................................................................. 1-2
1.1.1. The objectives ............................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.1.2. The upgrades ............................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.1.3. The internal actors ..................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.4. The main characteristics ............................................................................................................ 1-2
1.2. Architecture of the application ...................................................................................... 1-3
1.3. Synergie configurations ................................................................................................. 1-5
1.3.1. Client/server .............................................................................................................................. 1-5
1.3.2. Standalone ................................................................................................................................. 1-5
1.4. System components ...................................................................................................... 1-6
1.4.1. Software configuration .............................................................................................................. 1-6
1.4.2. Data............................................................................................................................................ 1-6
1.4.3. Server ......................................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.5. User interface................................................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.1. General points............................................................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.2. Work screen description ............................................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.3. Using the mouse ........................................................................................................................ 1-9
1.5.4. The mouse cursor ...................................................................................................................... 1-9
1.5.5. Using the keyboard .................................................................................................................. 1-10
1.5.6. The windows ............................................................................................................................ 1-10

2. Starting and Quitting ................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1. Starting SYNERGIE ......................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2. Quitting SYNERGIE ........................................................................................................ 2-2

3. Configuration ........................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 3-2
3.2. Choosing the Configuration mode ................................................................................. 3-2
3.3. Exiting the configuration mode ..................................................................................... 3-3
3.4. Selecting the areas ........................................................................................................ 3-3
3.4.1. Selecting the area to be modified .............................................................................................. 3-4
3.4.2. List of areas ................................................................................................................................ 3-5
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3.5. Selecting the screens ..................................................................................................... 3-6

3.6. Choice of profiles .......................................................................................................... 3-7
3.7. Macros management .................................................................................................... 3-7

4. Standard Functions .................................................................................................. 4-1

4.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.2. Modifying the viewing parameters ................................................................................ 4-3
4.2.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................... 4-3
4.2.2. Data visualisation preferences ................................................................................................... 4-3
4.2.3. Map background visualisation preferences ............................................................................... 4-4
4.2.4. Orography visualisation preferences ......................................................................................... 4-6
4.3. Data superimposition .................................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.2. Common superimpositions ........................................................................................................ 4-8
4.3.3. Superimposition function .......................................................................................................... 4-9
4.3.4. Toggles Management menu .................................................................................................... 4-11
4.3.5. Superimposition viewing parameters ...................................................................................... 4-11
4.4. Record the window in a macro .................................................................................... 4-12
4.5. Printing a window ....................................................................................................... 4-12
4.5.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................. 4-12
4.5.2. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 4-12
4.6. Exporting in geoTIFF .................................................................................................... 4-13
4.6.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................. 4-13
4.6.2. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 4-13
4.7. Standard mouse working modes ................................................................................. 4-14
4.7.1. Zoom ........................................................................................................................................ 4-15
4.7.2. External zoom .......................................................................................................................... 4-18
4.7.3. Magnifying glass....................................................................................................................... 4-20
4.7.4. Ruler ......................................................................................................................................... 4-21
4.7.5. Metgram .................................................................................................................................. 4-23
4.7.6. Display & management of watched points .............................................................................. 4-27
4.7.7. Annotations ............................................................................................................................. 4-33
4.8. Gauges ........................................................................................................................ 4-36
4.8.1. Fixed gauge .............................................................................................................................. 4-37
4.8.2. Mobile gauges .......................................................................................................................... 4-38
4.9. Animation ................................................................................................................... 4-40
4.9.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................. 4-40
4.9.2. Simple animation ..................................................................................................................... 4-40
4.9.3. Synchronized animations ......................................................................................................... 4-44
4.9.4. Quit the animation ................................................................................................................... 4-45
4.10. Changing ranges and runs ........................................................................................ 4-46
4.10.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................. 4-46
4.10.2. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 4-46
4.11. Sliding zoom ............................................................................................................ 4-47
4.11.1. Presentation............................................................................................................................. 4-47
4.11.2. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 4-47
4.12. Shortcut keys........................................................................................................... 4-48
4.12.1. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 4-48

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4.12.2. List of shortcut keys ................................................................................................................. 4-48

5. Macros ..................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.1.1. Definition ................................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.1.2. Limitations ................................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.1.3. Macro management .................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.2. Implementation ............................................................................................................ 5-3
5.2.1. Recording a macro ..................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.2.2. Replaying a macro...................................................................................................................... 5-5
5.2.3. Quit macros................................................................................................................................ 5-6
5.3. Configuration ................................................................................................................ 5-6
5.3.1. Managing the folders ................................................................................................................. 5-7
5.3.2. Managing the macros ................................................................................................................ 5-7

6. Models ..................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 6-2
6.1.1. Choosing the vertical coordinate ............................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2. Choosing the parameter ............................................................................................................ 6-2
6.1.3. Choosing the vertical level and the range.................................................................................. 6-4
6.1.4. Choosing the run ........................................................................................................................ 6-4
6.1.5. The different features ................................................................................................................ 6-4
6.2. Implementation ............................................................................................................ 6-5
6.2.1. Defining the parameters ............................................................................................................ 6-5
6.2.2. Description of the viewing window ........................................................................................... 6-8
6.2.3. Exit Models ................................................................................................................................ 6-9
6.3. Difference field ........................................................................................................... 6-10
6.4. Displaying the orography ............................................................................................ 6-11
6.4.1. Model orography ..................................................................................................................... 6-11
6.4.2. Grid orography ......................................................................................................................... 6-11
6.4.3. Land-sea mask ......................................................................................................................... 6-11
6.4.4. Land-sea mask ......................................................................................................................... 6-12
6.5. Data viewing preferences ............................................................................................ 6-13
6.6. Changing levels directly ............................................................................................... 6-15
6.7. Animation with constant validity date ......................................................................... 6-16
6.8. Vertical cross-sections ................................................................................................. 6-17
6.9. Mixing HEIGHT and PRESSURE levels ........................................................................... 6-21
6.10. Hovmoller diagram .................................................................................................. 6-23
6.11. Vertical profile ......................................................................................................... 6-25
6.12. Trajectory ................................................................................................................ 6-27
6.12.1. Calculate and plot a trajectory................................................................................................. 6-27
6.12.2. Trajectory paths ....................................................................................................................... 6-29
6.12.3. Exiting the trajectory mode ..................................................................................................... 6-30
6.13. Air Mass .................................................................................................................. 6-31
6.14. Displaying a panel of levels or ranges ...................................................................... 6-33
6.15. Rainfall accumulation .............................................................................................. 6-34
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6.16. Extrema on the vertical ........................................................................................... 6-35

7. Waves ...................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 7-2
7.1.1. Parameters................................................................................................................................. 7-2
7.1.2. Ranges ........................................................................................................................................ 7-2
7.1.3. Run ............................................................................................................................................. 7-3
7.1.4. Display functionalities ................................................................................................................ 7-3
7.2. Implementation ............................................................................................................ 7-4
7.2.1. Defining the parameters ............................................................................................................ 7-4
7.2.2. Description of the displaying window........................................................................................ 7-6
7.2.3. Quit Waves................................................................................................................................. 7-7
7.3. Modifying the displaying options .................................................................................. 7-8

8. Plotting ObsDB ......................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 8-2
8.1.1. Pointing ObsDB access ............................................................................................................... 8-2
8.1.2. Close the Pointing ObsDB window............................................................................................. 8-2
8.2. Observation at the surface ............................................................................................ 8-2
8.2.1. Implementation ......................................................................................................................... 8-2
8.2.2. Display preferences ................................................................................................................... 8-8
8.2.3. Conditional plotting ................................................................................................................. 8-11
8.2.4. Gauges ..................................................................................................................................... 8-12
8.3. Radiosounding Observation ........................................................................................ 8-15
8.3.1. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 8-15
8.3.2. Viewing preferences ................................................................................................................ 8-16
8.3.3. Conditional plotting ................................................................................................................. 8-16
8.3.4. Gauges ..................................................................................................................................... 8-16
8.3.5. Vertical profile ......................................................................................................................... 8-16
8.3.6. Refresh ..................................................................................................................................... 8-18
8.3.7. Scan .......................................................................................................................................... 8-18
8.3.8. Selecting several levels ............................................................................................................ 8-18
8.3.9. Aircraft flight path.................................................................................................................... 8-18
8.4. Min. & Max. ................................................................................................................ 8-20
8.4.1. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 8-20
8.4.2. Preferences .............................................................................................................................. 8-20
8.4.3. Conditional plotting ................................................................................................................. 8-20
8.4.4. Gauges ..................................................................................................................................... 8-20
8.5. Accumulated precipitations ......................................................................................... 8-21
8.5.1. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 8-21
8.5.2. "Since" RR accumulations ........................................................................................................ 8-22
8.5.3. "During" RR accumulations ...................................................................................................... 8-22
8.5.4. Preferences .............................................................................................................................. 8-23
8.5.5. Conditional plotting ................................................................................................................. 8-23
8.5.6. Gauges ..................................................................................................................................... 8-23

9. Satellite imagery ...................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1. Presentation ................................................................................................................. 9-2
9.2. Implementation ............................................................................................................ 9-2
9.2.1. Defining the parameters ............................................................................................................ 9-2
9.2.2. Viewing window description ...................................................................................................... 9-5
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9.2.3. Quitting the satellite imagery .................................................................................................... 9-7

9.3. Colormap modification .................................................................................................. 9-8
9.4. Implementing specific gauges ...................................................................................... 9-11
9.4.1. Descriptive gauge..................................................................................................................... 9-11
9.4.2. Surface gauge........................................................................................................................... 9-12
9.5. Specific function Modes .............................................................................................. 9-13
9.5.1. Display mode “ Under “ ........................................................................................................... 9-13
9.6. Specific features of animation ..................................................................................... 9-15
9.6.1. Default Standard (STD) Mode .................................................................................................. 9-15
9.6.2. SPE Mode ................................................................................................................................. 9-16
9.7. Temporal accumulation of data ................................................................................... 9-17
9.8. Mosaicking images ...................................................................................................... 9-18
9.8.1. Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 9-18
9.9. Dating and Quality Metadata ...................................................................................... 9-21

10. Lightning ..............................................................................................................10-1

10.1. Presentation ............................................................................................................ 10-2
10.1.1. Origin of data ........................................................................................................................... 10-2
10.1.2. Data types ................................................................................................................................ 10-2
10.1.3. Display features ....................................................................................................................... 10-2
10.2. Implementation....................................................................................................... 10-3
10.2.1. Defining parameters ................................................................................................................ 10-3
10.2.2. Description of the viewing window ......................................................................................... 10-5
10.2.3. Quitting the Lightning module ............................................................................................... 10-12

11. Metgrams .............................................................................................................11-1

11.1. Presentation ............................................................................................................ 11-2
11.1.1. Choice of parameter ................................................................................................................ 11-2
11.1.2. Choice of site ........................................................................................................................... 11-2
11.1.3. Choice of time limits ................................................................................................................ 11-2
11.2. Implementation....................................................................................................... 11-3
11.2.1. Defining the interface .............................................................................................................. 11-3
11.2.2. Description of the viewing window ......................................................................................... 11-8
11.2.3. Quitting the Metgram ............................................................................................................ 11-10
11.3. Scan....................................................................................................................... 11-10
11.4. Reference line ....................................................................................................... 11-11
11.5. Descriptive gauge in the metgram window ............................................................ 11-12
11.6. Display parameters................................................................................................ 11-13

12. Vertical Profile......................................................................................................12-1

12.1. Presentation ............................................................................................................ 12-2
12.2. Implementation....................................................................................................... 12-3
12.2.1. Defining the parameters .......................................................................................................... 12-3
12.2.2. Viewing window description .................................................................................................... 12-6
12.3. CAPE ...................................................................................................................... 12-10

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12.4. Modifying the forecast Tx and calculating the associated Lifted Index ................... 12-11
12.5. Hodograph ............................................................................................................ 12-13
12.5.1. The hodograph window ......................................................................................................... 12-13
12.5.2. Displaying the wind vectors ................................................................................................... 12-14
12.5.3. Displaying the helicities ......................................................................................................... 12-14
12.5.4. Saving helicity values ............................................................................................................. 12-15
12.5.5. Colour-management .............................................................................................................. 12-16
12.5.6. Animations ............................................................................................................................. 12-17

13. Alphanumeric Viewing .........................................................................................13-1

13.1. Presentation ............................................................................................................ 13-2
13.2. Implementation....................................................................................................... 13-2
13.2.1. Defining the parameters .......................................................................................................... 13-2
13.2.2. Viewing .................................................................................................................................... 13-3
13.3. Configuration .......................................................................................................... 13-5
13.3.1. Selection of the parameter type .............................................................................................. 13-5
13.3.2. Selection of the classes ............................................................................................................ 13-5
13.3.3. Selection of the user profile..................................................................................................... 13-6

14. External applications ............................................................................................14-1

14.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 14-2
14.1.1. User desktop ............................................................................................................................ 14-2
14.2. Eumetsat training .................................................................................................... 14-3
14.3. Noaa-NCEP Forecast ................................................................................................ 14-3
14.4. Png images .............................................................................................................. 14-5
14.5. Product navigator .................................................................................................... 14-6

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Preface

Objective of this document

Software release
Typographic conventions

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Objective of this document

This document contains the main indications necessary in order to implement and use the
SYNERGIE software.

This manual is structured as follows:

• the Preface places it in relation to the existing documentation and presents the
typographic conventions used in the manual,
• the General Points chapter presents the SYNERGIE software and the user interface,
• the Starting and Quitting chapter tells how to start SYNERGIE and how to quit,
• the following chapters describe the various SYNERGIE data visualization modules,
• the Macro chapter tells how to record and re-use your work screen,
• the Configuration chapter tells how to customize the software,

The software installed on your machine may not necessarily include all the units described in
this document.

Software release
This document describes how to use SYNERGIE V4.7.

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Typographic conventions

Representation of the keyboard and of procedures

The characters that must enter on the keyboard are represented as follows:
Characters to type
Special keys are represented between brackets:
Example: [Return]
If it is required to press two keys simultaneously, they are separated by a "+".
Example: [Ctrl]+C
The procedures are preceded by an arrow  and are in numbered paragraphs:
Example:
 Use a function
1. Click on the selection button in the menu bar.
2. Click on the OK button in the dialogue window.

Representation of functions and entry fields

Functions, buttons and entry fields in windows are represented in bold Arial characters.
Example:
The Model function
The OK button
The Selection field

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Representation of the mouse buttons

The three mouse buttons are represented as follows:

• Left button: <L>

• Center button: <C>
• Right button: <R>

Example: Click on the mouse <R> button.

Every time there is no indication about which button to use, the left button must be used.

Icons used
In order to attract the reader's attention to certain points in the documentation, the following icons
are used:

Warning !

Remark

Mouse action

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SYNERGIE General Points

1. General Points

Presentation of SYNERGIE
Graphical User interface

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SYNERGIE General Points

1.1. Presentation of SYNERGIE

SYNERGIE is a powerful tool for the operational meteorology forecaster. With
SYNERGIE, not only is it possible to display meteorological data, but also to extract
information from this data, as well as enter expertise data or format documents
produced by forecasters.

1.1.1. The objectives

SYNERGIE was designed to meet the following requirements:

• growing quantity of information to be analyzed,
• necessity of powerful tools,
• digitizing of forecasters' expertise,
• coordination between forecasters.

SYNERGIE assists forecasters in all of their activities: understanding the situation,

sending forecasts, conceptual forecast modelling, exchanging individual
assessments between forecasters, and forecast results presentation in the form of
documents.

1.1.2. The upgrades

SYNERGIE is upgraded at a rate of one version per year in order to integrate:

• new WMO formats,
• new data,
• new methodologies,
• new features.

1.1.3. The internal actors

SYNERGIE has been continuously developed by Méteo-France since 1989. The

development under the supervision of a program manager involves the central
services and regional services of Météo-France.

1.1.4. The main characteristics

SYNERGIE has the following characteristics:

• quick access to many types of data
• numerous operational modes
• numerous types of data presentation
• an efficient and flexible macro-instruction system
• well adapted assessment data graphic production tools
• an open and modular design
• an ergonomic interface based on the multiple window concept
• easy of use

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1.2. Architecture of the application

SYNERGIE is a modular, configurable application.
It is described as being modular because it is made up of independent computer
modules.
An Aeronautical forecaster using SYNERGIE does not have the same needs in terms
of types of data and fields of study as a Marine forecaster.
Thanks to this modularity, SYNERGIE can be functionally adapted to each type of
user.
It is described as being configurable because a SYNERGIE user can, if he so chooses,
configure and customise his working environment. He can choose his own fields of
study. He can also save the way his work screens are organised in a Macro and use
this configuration again at will.
Thanks to these two characteristics, SYNERGIE can be tailored to each forecaster
for simpler and more effective use.

SYNERGIE
All modules

Functional
Administrator adaptation
Unix compilation options
Examples:

SYNERGIE SYNERGIE SYNERGIE

Marine Aeronautical International

User Personal
Configuration and
Customisation adaptation

Context and options Context and options Context and options

of forecaster A of forecaster B of forecaster C

Figure 1-1: Configuration and customisation of SYNERGIE

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SYNERGIE General Points

SYNERGIE provides forecasters with a set of tools that allows them to choose the
meteorological data they need.
The forecaster views the available data in the system and analyses it using the tools
provided by the application.
The analysed data is displayed on the screen.

Meteorological data

Application parameter settings

- Field
- Type of data
- Date
SYNERGIE
-...

SYNERGIE
Database

Data analysis
- Superimposition
- Animation
- Vertical cross-sections
- Zoom
- Scanning
- Graphs
- Entry of investigation data

Figure 1-2: General principle diagram of the application

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SYNERGIE General Points

1.3. Synergie configurations

SYNERGIE software is modular and can be used in different configuration
depending of the forecasting office needs.

1.3.1. Client/server

In this configuration clients (user application) and servers (data management) are
installed on different computers. This configuration provides a collaborative
environment (users can work together from different workstation).

Figure 1-3: Client/server configuration

1.3.2. Standalone

In this configuration client and server are installed on a single computer. This
configuration is optimal when less than four clients are necessary.

Figure 1-4: Standalone configuration

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SYNERGIE General Points

1.4. System components

The current version of SYNERGIE was developed in UNIX in the C, Fortran and C++
languages with:
• the XWindow windows system,
• the Motif graphical library,
• CORBA middleware.

1.4.1. Software configuration

SYNERGIE is developed with the following software configuration:

• Linux Redhat / CentOS
• X11R6
• GKX
• Magics 5.4
• Motif 1.2
• PostgreSQL (from Synergie version 4.3. Oracle V8 on the previous
versions)
• C ANSI, Fortran F77, C++
• Corba
• Applix 4.4

1.4.2. Data

SYNERGIE makes it possible to display all the data that interests the forecaster in
various forms, to help him to extract the relevant information:
• outputs from the atmospheric numerical models and wave models
(deterministic and overall forecasts),
• observed data,
• soundings,
• satellite images and derived products,
• radar images,
• lightning impacts,
• alphanumeric bulletins,
• T4 documents (faxes),
• Investigation data entered by the forecasters at the different SYNERGIE
sites.

1.4.3. Server

SYNERGIE is developed with the following server configuration:

• Http server with implementation of Web Service for data request (WMS,
SOAP/REST)
• Web system monitoring of the server

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1.5. User interface

1.5.1. General points

1.5.1.1.Multi-windows
The SYNERGIE user interface is based on the multiple windows concept. In this way,
it is possible to simultaneously view different types of data which cannot be
superposed (i.e. latitude-longitude and upper-air sounding maps) enabling the data
to be examined and compared.

SYNERGIE can be used with one, two, three or four colour screens.

1.5.1.2.Screen resolution
The best quality is currently obtained by 1280x1024 screens with an 81,1 kHz
horizontal and a 76 Hz vertical refreshing frequency. These screens are anti-
reflection treated.

Nevertheless, meteorological forecasting requires in some cases working with

documents with a finer resolution. The scanning function was developed to meet
this requirement.

1.5.1.3.Character size
The default character size is 2 mm and corresponds to an optimal use of the screen.
For sustained work on a workstation, the correct eye distance is about 50 cm.
Nevertheless, this character size can be changed.

1.5.1.4.Graphical User interface

The man-machine dialogue was designed in a very graphic way in order to speed up
learning, simplify use and relieve the user's memory of congested unproductive
information.

1.5.2. Work screen description

A window may be enlarged to its maximum size at any time in order to use the full
screen.

It is possible to communicate with the system using:

• the keyboard and the mouse to choose functions and enter data,

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SYNERGIE General Points

• the monitor screens to view data and other information.

In any screen, it is possible to open all the windows dedicated to a particular job.
These windows can be organized at will thanks to the Window Manager functions:
Move, Resize, Iconify, Maximize.

Figure 1- 5: Example of organization of a SYNERGIE work screen

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SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.3. Using the mouse

The mouse has three buttons. Selection in the main menu or in the definition
window, is performed using the left button.

In the visualisation windows, each button has a different role depending on the
mouse work role. Generally:

The button… …is used to…

Left <L> - selecting

- validating

Middle <M> - moving

Right <R> - cancelling

- functions specific to the work mode

1.5.4. The mouse cursor

The mouse allows a cursor on the screen to be moved. The changes shape
depending on its position on the screen and/or the task that is in progress:

on the background screen, it takes the shape of a cross,

in a window and on a window title bar, it takes the shape

of an arrow

On the edges of the window, it takes the form of the arrow symbols
allowing the size of the window to be changed

Inside of an area requiring text to be entered

while moving a window

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SYNERGIE General Points

when the cursor strays outside of a current pop-up window

when the software is processing data

The behaviour of the mouse cursor in the working area is managed by:
• the standard working mode
• the gauge mode
The two modes cannot be activated simultaneously.

1.5.5. Using the keyboard

It is possible to use the keyboard to enter information in the entry fields in the
dialogue windows. Numerous operations performed with the mouse can also be
performed with the keyboard.

In a dialogue window, pressing:

• [Space] is equivalent to clicking on OK,
• [Esc] is equivalent to clicking on Cancel,
• [Tab] moves the selection from one entry field to another,
• [↓][↑] allows the vertical movement between elements in a list.

In a viewing window, pressing:

• [Alt]+Q allows the window to be exited.

1.5.6. The windows

SYNERGIE is comprised of various windows:

• the general menu window,
• dialogue windows,
• viewing windows,
• acknowledgment windows,
• confirmation windows,
• error windows,
• help windows,
• sub-windows,
• pop-up windows,
• pop-up menus.

Page 1-10
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.1.Window functions
Motif windows all include the following elements:

Figure 1-6: Window structure

These windows can be moved, brought to the front when they are hidden by other
windows or reduced to icons (iconified) in order to optimise the work screen. Only
the viewing windows can be resized.

 Move a window
1. Click on the title bar of the window to move.
The window becomes active.
2. Hold the mouse button pressed and move the window.
3. Release the mouse button when the desired position is reached.

If the title bar becomes inaccessible after having resized the window, it is possible
to move the window by placing the mouse cursor in the window and pressing
[Alt]+[F7]; then move the mouse.

 Bring a window to the front

1. Click anywhere in a window or on its borders.
The window is brought to the front of the screen.

It is possible to resize a viewing window if it takes too much room on the screen.

Page 1-11
SYNERGIE General Points

 Resize a window
1. Point to a window side or to one of the corner handles with the mouse
pointer.
When the cursor is at the right location, it changes shape:

: on the side and on a corner.

2. Drag the mouse.
The window grows larger or smaller, depending on the mouse movement,
while keeping its initial proportions.
3. Release the mouse button when the window reaches the desired size.

To instantly display a window at its maximum size, it is possible to enlarge it to its

full screen (maximize it).

 Enlarge a window to full screen

1. Click on the maximize window box in the upper right corner of the window.
The window fills the whole screen.
2. To restore the window to its initial size, click a second time on the maximize
window box in the upper right corner of the window.

If a window no longer needs to be displayed, but the user does not want to
interrupt the processing in it, it is possible to reduce it to an icon (iconify it).

 Reduce a window to an icon (iconify)

1. Click on the iconify window box in the upper right corner of the window.
The window turns into an icon. To open the window again, double-click on
the corresponding icon.

An icon continues to use memory resources. Reduce the size of a window as much
as possible before minimizing it.
Avoid minimizing full screen windows.

1.5.6.2.Colour of elements in windows

It is possible to change the colour of window background and elements (title bar,
borders, buttons, name, etc.). Therefore, SYNERGIE will not necessarily use the
same colours for two different users.

In this user manual, the following expressions are used:

• selection colour,
• colour for authorized or possible action,
• colour for unavailable action,

Page 1-12
SYNERGIE General Points

• information colour.

The selection colour is the colour which the element becomes when selected by
clicking on it with the mouse; this applies to radio button, icon-button, list elements
and checkbox:

Action button

Selection button

Radio button (exclusive choice)

Radio button (multiple choice)

Checkbox to be ticked Pmer

Element from a list

The authorized action colour shows elements which can be selected.

The unavailable action colour shows inaccessible elements.
The information colour shows parts of the screen which are there only for
information and cannot be selected.

1.5.6.3.Menu window
The menu window appears when SYNERGIE is started.

Record working mode

Quit
macro

Data
Viewing

Production
tool

Replay
macro Tools

Figure 1-7: SYNERGIE Menu

An information display is provides when the mouse cursor is positioned over a

button. After clicking on the button, the colour changes to show it has been
selected.

Page 1-13
SYNERGIE General Points

The various menu buttons are briefly described below:

• the general function buttons:

Button Meaning Function:

Exit the visualisation mode Exit the SYNERGIE application

Windows closing Close the windows opened on the

selected screens except the menu

Replay situations Access to all past situations saved

on the workstation

Printer Print the contents of the window

System supervision Display the loading statistics (swap,

disk, number of processes)

System information Display all received system

messages – Warnings, Error & logs

Schedule Display all the data and agenda

messages that have been received

Button Meaning Function:

Watch: depending on configuration: Watch the values of observed

the values given in the QC messages parameters

Watch: depending on configuration: Watch the precipitation

the precipitation accumulation accumulation
calculations
Watch: depending on configuration: Watch arrivals of selected alert
arrival of selected messages messages

Watch: depending on configuration: Watch lightening information

lightening information, image
information.
to record a work screen
configuration in order to replay it
later.
Record macros The icon symbolizes the
transformation of several
elementary actions into one global
action.

Page 1-14
SYNERGIE General Points

• the software working mode buttons:

Button Meaning Function:

Viewing working mode display the normal working mode

Superimposition working mode indicates that the Menu window

offers different data types
superposition
Configuration or Personal options to set up the meteorological data
working mode study environments

Change viewing server to change the data server for

viewing
Change production server to change the data server for
production

The general behaviour of the interface changes depending on the current working
mode.

Page 1-15
SYNERGIE General Points

• the data viewing buttons:

Button Function:

Models to get output from models

Waves to get output from NWP models of

the sea state

Plotting to get plotted maps of observed

meteorological data

Satellite images to display satellite images

Radar images to display radar images

Lightening to display lightening impact

Vertical profiles to display vertical profiles,

Object viewing to view objects entered using the

production application,

Alphanumeric viewing display alphanumeric messages

Fax viewing to obtain meteorological data in fax

form

Page 1-16
SYNERGIE General Points

• the production buttons:

Button Function:

Expert production Produce objects using the

production applications

• a replay macros button:

Button Function:

Execute macros Replay pre-recorded macros. The

icon symbolizes the transformation
of a global action into several
elementary actions

• a parameter calculation button:

Button Function:

Tools Use conversation rules of

meteorological parameters as well
as a calculator

Page 1-17
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.4.Dialogue windows
The dialogue windows are activated by clicking on one of the viewing icon-buttons
in the menu. These windows allow the user to choose the selection parameters for
the data to be viewed. These parameters are chosen with the help of buttons, radio
buttons, scroll bars and lists.

Selection by button

Figure 1-8: Example of selection by buttons

• A button chosen by clicking on it with the Left <L> mouse button changes to the
selection colour.
The buttons which correspond to unavailable choices are displayed in a neutral
colour and trigger no action.

• The scroll bar allows an integer value to be chosen, generally a date and time.

It is possible to select a value:

• either by moving the horizontal scrolling cursor with the mouse,
• or by clicking on the left and right scroll arrows,
• or by clicking in the scroll bar.

By default, the displayed dates and times correspond to the latest data which has
arrived in the data base.

Page 1-18
SYNERGIE General Points

Selection by scroll lists

Figure 1-9: Example of selection by scroll list

• The scroll lists allow a choice to be made after consulting a list.

• It is possible to scroll through the list by clicking on the scroll cursor or on the
scroll arrows. It is possible to use the keyboard arrows [↓][↑] to fine tune the
choice. It is possible to enter the choice into the selection field.
To choose an element, click on its name in the list; it changes colour and its
name appears in the selection field beneath the list.

• Four action buttons are always present at the bottom of the windows.

OK validates the choices made and sends a display request

Quit closes the dialogue or selection window
Cancel cancels the current choices, the window stays open and the
latest validated choices are displayed
Help displays a help window

Page 1-19
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.5.Viewing window
The viewing windows appear once a set of parameters proposed in a dialogue
window have been validated.

Figure 1-10: Example of viewing window

The viewing window contains the following elements:

• The window title recalls the type, the network and the validity date for the
displayed data.

• The icon-button allows the user to exit the window.

• The icon-button allows the user to print the view on paper.

• The icon-button allows the user to display an information window.

• The pop-up menu contains the mouse mode icon-buttons. These

buttons allow actions specific to the type of data being viewed and will be
described in detail in the following chapters.

This pop-up menu is replaced by icon-buttons if the viewing window is large enough
to contain all the buttons for the data being viewed.

• Check boxes or toggles which allow complementary data to be displayed.

The box selected changes colour.

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SYNERGIE General Points

• A sandglass in the lower right corner of the window measures how long a viewing
window has been inactive. Its duration is set by the administrator. When the
sandglass is empty the window disappears.

Sandglass is ¼ empty: the

window has been inactive for 15
minutes

An iconified window is still active: it uses up memory. After one hour of inactivity, it is
destroyed automatically. To avoid the destruction of the window, click in it.

• The geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude) are displayed as soon as place

the mouse cursor is placed on the view. The coordinates display follows the
mouse cursor movements in real time.

• The gauge indicates:

• the progression of SYNERGIE before data display,
• the gross value of the displayed meteorological information (field,
image...), as well as any indication pertaining to it (height of radar beam,
etc.)

1.5.6.6.Acknowledgment window
The acknowledgment windows appear when an irreversible function in SYNERGIE is
activated.

For example, when the user wishes to quit the software, a message is displayed:

Figure 1-11: Example of acknowledgement window

The user must click on Yes to confirm their action. It is possible to cancel this
action by clicking on No.

Page 1-21
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.7.Error window
The error window indicates an error which has occurred in a process or a data
entry.

Figure 1-12: Example of error window

After reading the message, the user must click on OK to resume their work.

1.5.6.8.Help and information windows

Help windows

A help window appears each time the user clicks on the help button.

Figure 1-13: Example of help window accessed from a viewing window

The information displayed in this window is about the current function.

Information windows

An information window appears if the icon-button in the viewing windows is

clicked.

The information displayed in the information windows is relevant to the viewing

options of the meteorological parameters used in the current window.

To close the help or information windows, click on the quit button.

Page 1-22
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.9.Sub-windows
Sub-windows are viewing windows requested from another viewing window (their
parent window).

Figure 1-14: Example of sub-window

These windows do not have iconify or maximize buttons. They cannot be resized.
Closing the parent window causes the sub-window to be closed.

In SYNERGIE, the user will encounter three types of sub-windows:

• the help windows,

• the cross-section windows,
• the vertical profile windows.

Page 1-23
SYNERGIE General Points

1.5.6.10.Pop-up menu
The pop-up menus are menus which also appear locally. They are in dialogue
windows on entry fields that look like:

To display the pop-up menu, it is necessary to click in the box where the option is
displayed.

 Select an item in a pop-up menu

1. Click in the box of the required option.
The pop-up menu appears:

Figure 1-15: Activated pop-up menu

2. Click on the desired item.

The item is displayed in 3D.
The selected item then appears in the box. The contents of the dialogue
window change according to the selection. The size of the window stays the
same.

Page 1-24
SYNERGIE Starting and Quitting

2. Starting and Quitting

Starting SYNERGIE
Quitting SYNERGIE

Page 2-1
SYNERGIE Starting and Quitting

2.1. Starting SYNERGIE

To start SYNERGIE on a workstation, it is necessary to enter the login and password
corresponding to the software.

 Starting SYNERGIE

1. Turn on the workstation.

2. When the system asks for the Login, enter synergie.
The system asks for the password.
3. Enter the user password.

Each user has a different password. It is assigned by the person in the department
who is responsible for the software.
The SYNERGIE Menu screen is displayed on the screen:

Figure 2-1 : Example of a SYNERGIE Menu window

The work session can now begin.

2.2. Quitting SYNERGIE

At the end of the work session, the SYNERGIE software must be exited correctly

 Quitting SYNERGIE

1. Click on the icon.

All the software windows are closed. The user is now disconnected.

Page 2-2
SYNERGIE Configuration

3. Configuration

Presentation
Choosing the configuration mode
Exiting the configuration mode
Selecting the areas
Selecting the screens
Choice of profiles
Macros management
Adding a forecasted radiosounding point on the fly

Page 3-1
SYNERGIE Configuration

3.1. Presentation
With SYNERGIE, it is possible to configure the selection parameters which are
proposed in each unit.

It is possible to configure:
• the areas,
• the display screens,
• specific additional elements (depending on the application).

The configuration is performed:

• either by activating the Configuration mode

• or in the data viewing unit dialogue window

Configuration is only for the current session. Modifications are not saved. At the
beginning of each work session, the default options set at the installation of
SYNERGIE are taken into account.

3.2. Choosing the Configuration mode

Select the Configuration mode in the SYNERGIE general Menu window.
 Choose the Configuration mode
1. Click on the Configuration or User options icon-button, represented by a

figure: in the Menu.

2. The Menu window changes appearance:

Figure 3-1: Menu window in Configuration mode

The user is now in the Configuration mode.

3. Click in the menu on an icon-button representing one of the SYNERGIE
modules, for example Models.

The unavailable icon-buttons correspond to modules which can be configured

directly in viewing mode.

Page 3-2
SYNERGIE Configuration

3.3. Exiting the configuration mode

To return to the normal working mode of SYNERGIE, the user is required to exit the
configuration mode.

3.4. Selecting the areas

A forecaster's work generally covers from one to three geographic areas.
It is possible to set the parameters for the three proposed areas in the dialogue
window which is displayed for each SYNERGIE module.

 Configure the areas

1. In viewing mode, click on the icon-button corresponding to a SYNERGIE
module in the menu window.
2. In the dialogue window of the module, the proposed areas are displayed as
follows:

Figure 3-2: Area selection window

3. Click on the button.

The area configuration window appears:

Figure 3-3: Geographical domains selection window

Page 3-3
SYNERGIE Configuration

4. Click on the radio button of an area to configure.

5. Select an area in the list.
6. Click on Apply.
The radio button takes the name of the selected area. A preview image of
the area is displayed in the right-hand part of the window.
7. Repeat operations 3 to 5 for each radio button if needed.
8 Click on OK.

3.4.1. Selecting the area to be modified

As soon as you click on one of the 4 areas, it is highlighted and an overview of this
area together with its characteristics appears on the right-hand side of the screen.

Page 3-4
SYNERGIE Configuration

3.4.2. List of areas

A list of areas is proposed, allowing you to select the area that corresponds to your
requirements.

As soon as you click on an area, the overview mentioned above is updated and the
area selected appears in the Selection box.

Functions for filtering the content of the list of areas, and sorting functions are
available.

 Sorting the list

1. Drop down the Sort list:

Page 3-5
SYNERGIE Configuration

2. Select a sorting order.

3.5. Selecting the screens

If the SYNERGIE workstation has several screens, it is possible to select which
screen the user wishes to use for displaying.

 Choose the screen

1. In viewing mode, click on the icon-button corresponding to a SYNERGIE
module in the menu window.
In the dialogue window of the module, the icon representing the screen on
which the data is to be displayed areas is displayed as follows:

Figure 3-4: Screen selection in a module dialogue window

2. Click on an icon representing a different screen.

It changes to the selection color.

Page 3-6
SYNERGIE Configuration

3.6. Choice of profiles

See the chapters concerned with the Fax and Alphanumeric visualisation
modules.

3.7. Macros management

See the chapter Macro.

Page 3-7
SYNERGIE Configuration

Page 3-8
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4. Standard Functions

Presentation
Modifying the viewing parameters
Data superimposition
Record the window in a macro
Printing a window
Standard mouse working modes
Gauges
Animation
Changing ranges and runs
Sliding zoom
External zoom
Magnifying glass
Keyboard shortcuts

Page 4-1
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.1. Presentation
This chapter presents the functions which are common to all the data viewing
windows in SYNERGIE.
The functions are presented in the order in which their buttons are displayed in a
viewing window:
Buttons Action

Modify the visualisation settings

Superimpose the data
Animate the images

Record the window into a macro

Print the window

Export the view in geoTIFF format

Perform the zoom

Activate a zoom in a sub-window

Activate the magnifying glass

Activate the sliding zoom
Activate the ruler
Display a metgram
Display & manage the watched points
Write annotations

Change the time ranges or the run time

Link the gauge to the mouse cursor, to provide additional

information on the point of the mouse cursor location

In any given window, only those functions which are relevant to the displayed data
are proposed.

Page 4-2
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.2. Modifying the viewing parameters

4.2.1. Presentation

It is possible to use this function to modify the default parameters for:

• Viewing data. When a plotting map is superimposed and the corresponding

satellite image, for instance, this function allows the display of the image to
be modified,
• Viewing map backgrounds.
• Geographical relief – orography

The recording as a macro of one or several windows, allows viewing parameter

preferences particular to each window to be made.

4.2.2. Data visualisation preferences

4.2.2.1. Presentation
Please refer to each specific application to know the data visualisation
characteristics which may be customised by the user.

The access to the preferences in each application is not yet described in this
document.

4.2.2.2. Implementation

 Activate viewing parameters configuration

1. In a viewing window, click on the icon-button.

The parameter configuration dialogue window appears:

The configuration possibilities that are offered differ depending on the type
of data that is selected. For example, it is possible to modify the colourmap
for radar or satellite data, the colour of the isolines for model data, or define
the elements that are to appear on a map background.

Page 4-3
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

 Modify the viewing parameters

1. Select a data type to modify in the list of data being viewed. The following
window is displayed:

Figure 4-1: Viewing parameters configuration window

2. Set the display parameters (colour, thickness, ...).

3. Click on OK.
The display is refreshed according to the selected viewing parameters.

4.2.3. Map background visualisation preferences

4.2.3.1. Presentation

Composition of the map background

The map background is composed of the following elements:

• Map type elements
• Communes
• Grids
• Points to be monitored

The precision of the available data is generally adapted to the domain of

visualization in order to achieve a harmonization between the performance and
quality of the data.

The available data is related to the version of Synergie that is installed.

Page 4-4
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

Data type and data format

The map type elements include geographical information such as : coastlines,

frontiers, rivers, lakes, road & rail networks, & administrative boundaries (where
applicable).

The grids show the meridians and parallels, every n degree, and allow the latitudes
and longitudes to be seen.

The points to be monitored are those which are deemed pertinent by the user/
forecaster.

4.2.3.2. Implementation

 Modify the map background

1. Select Background Vector map in the items list.

The map background parameters are available regardless of the displayed

data.
The following window is displayed:

Figure 4-2: Background vector map configuration window

2. Click on the tab corresponding to the type of element to be displayed.

3. Click on the check boxes of all the elements to be displayed.
4. Define the parameters of each element to be displayed :

In the tab… … perform the following actions:

Background Select all geographical elements to be displayed,

Page 4-5
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

In the tab… … perform the following actions:

and eventually modify their characteristics.
Points Tick Cities to display cities with colored points
Areas Select all elements to be displayed, and
eventually modify their characteristics.
Grid Modify eventually grid parameters (latitude,
longitude)
Watched points Select the centre of interest, and eventually
modify point colors.

5. Click on OK.
The elements of the map background are displayed in the viewing window
according to the selected parameters.

4.2.4. Orography visualisation preferences

The orography can be displayed from a view of a model, or from a plot on an area
that is a cylindrical, mercator, or stereo-polar projection.
SYNERGIE offers the following resolution approximately for orography:

• 1.5 km over a country the size of France,

• 4.5 km over a continent such as Europe,
• 14 km over a GLOBAL area.

The altitude of a point is available in the gauge in the form of a class of values (90
classes defines for 38 colours). Each time the Orography check box is present in a
viewing window, it is possible to display the orography by selecting the box.

To display the land/sea mask, the viewing parameters' configuration functions must
be used.

For a particular area where no orography image is available, a specific request to

the person responsible for map backgrounds at MFI, via your local SYNERGIE
administrator must be made.

Page 4-6
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.3. Data superimposition

4.3.1. Presentation

Data superimposition is possible in all the windows that display data over a
geographical area.

Super imposable data

It is possible to superimpose:
• the map background,
• the initial data,
• 8 additional types of data.

Activating superimposition

It is possible to activate superimposition in two different ways:

• by using the check boxes available in the upper left corner of the window;
they correspond to the most common superimpositions,
• by using the Superimposition function for the less usual superimpositions.

Order of superimposition
The order of superimposition is important. This is because the display area is the
one for the first data type displayed. Also, the specific display functions
(animation for example) depend on the first data type displayed.

Priority

Superimposition is performed in the following order of priority:

• orography
• satellite images
• FSI
• radar images
• model outputs: T, Theta, ThetaW, HU, PV, Wind, Rain
• other data

Page 4-7
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.3.2. Common superimpositions

Check boxes in the upper left corner of the window, allow the data to be
superimposed, to be selected. For each data type, SYNERGIE proposes a set of
"immediate" superimpositions, accessible through check boxes. It is possible to
display a maximum of 12 check boxes, provided that at least four are not selected.

To superimpose other data from those proposed by default, it is necessary to use

the Superimposition function.

 View common superimposed data

1. Click on the check box corresponding to the data to be displayed.
When the cursor is over the box, the complete data definition is displayed:

Figure 4-1 Definition of superimposable data

2. Click on a second check box to display additional data.

Figure 4-2: IR satellite superimposed on a wind plotted map

The data display colour changes automatically, depending on the type of

superimposed data, in order to ensure better overall legibility.
3. If the check box is once again clicked, the corresponding superimposed data
disappears.

Page 4-8
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

 Display several types of data simultaneously

1. Press [Ctrl] and hold it pressed down.
2. Click on all the check boxes corresponding to the data that requires
displaying.
3. Release the [Ctrl] key while still in the window. All the selected data is
displayed simultaneously in the viewing window.

4.3.3. Superimposition function

To superimpose data other than the "immediate" superimpositions, it is necessary

to activate the Superimposition function; choose a data type to superimpose, set
the data selection parameters then validate these choices.

 Activate the superimposition function

1. Click on the button.
The menu window appears at the front of the screen.
The superimposable meteorological data are indicated by the colour of the
corresponding icon-buttons: authorized choice colour. The other icon-
buttons cannot be selected.

Figure 4-3: Menu window in Superimposition mode

2. Click on the icon-button corresponding to the type of data to be

superimpose.
The parameters setting dialogue window appears.

 Set the parameters for the data selection

1. Display a parameter setting window.
The following example corresponds to the superimposition of the output
from a model on top of a plotted map.

Page 4-9
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

Figure 4-4: Waves window in Superimposition mode

The only authorized choices are those, which are consistent with the data
initially displayed.

SYNERGIE guides the user during the parameter selection process by forbidding any
inconsistent selection.

2. Choose the selection parameters.

3. Click on OK.
The data is displayed in the window in which the superimposition function
has been activated:

Additional
check box

Initial data

Superimposed data

Figure 4-5: Waves superimposed on temperatures

An additional check box corresponding to the new data appears in the

upper left-hand corner of the window.

Page 4-10
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.3.4. Toggles Management menu

 Accessing the toggles management menu

1. Click <R> on one of the toggles.
The following menu appears:

Figure 4-6: Toggles management menu

2. Activate or deactivate a toggle.

3. Click on OK.
The management menu closes and the toggles disappear or appear in the
working area according to the selections that have been made.

4.3.5. Superimposition viewing parameters

In order to improve the view of superimposed data in a given window, it is possible

to modify the viewing parameters using the button.

Page 4-11
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.4. Record the window in a macro

Each SYNERGIE window has a button to enable it to be recorded in a macro.

The use of macros is described in the Macros chapter.

4.5. Printing a window

4.5.1. Presentation

It is possible to print a viewing window on paper, or in a file in the following

formats:
• gif
• tif
• geoTIFF
• bmp
• jpg
• png
• ps
The print can be launched from the SYNERGIE menu window, or from a viewing
window:
• When creating a print from a viewing window, only that window is printed.
• When creating a print from the SYNERGIE menu window, the whole screen
is printed.

4.5.2. Implementation

 Launching a print
1. Click on the button in the SYNERGIE menu window, or in a viewing
window.
The printing parameters selection window appears.

Figure 4-7: Printing window

Page 4-12
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

 Printing on paper
1. Chose Printer (default selection).
2. Choose a printer using the pop-up menu.
3. Choose a print format using the radio button.
4. Click on OK.

The user is advised to maximize the window before printing it.

 Printing to a GIF format file

1. Chose File.
2. Enter a file name in place of the proposed default name.
3. Click on OK.

 Printing to a geoTIFF format file

The referenced geoTiff is a format in general use to store and exchange
geographical images.
1. Chose File.
2. Select the GeoTIFF format.

3. Enter a file name in place of the proposed default name.

4. Click on OK.

4.6. Exporting in geoTIFF

4.6.1. Presentation

It is possible to export any Synergie viewing window in geoTIFF format.

The referenced geoTiff is a format in general use to store and exchange
geographical images.

4.6.2. Implementation

1. Display a viewing window.

Page 4-13
SYNERGIE Standard Functions

2. Click .
A geoTIFF file is exported in the following directory:
/home/synergie/ARCHIVE/
The file is created with the following syntax:
[servername]_export_geotiff_[date]_[time].tiff

4.7. Standard mouse working modes

This part presents the working modes which are linked to mouse actions within the
working area.

Buttons Action

Perform the zoom

Activate a zoom in a sub-window

Activate the magnifying glass

Activate the ruler

Display a vertical profile

Display a metgram

Display & manage the watched points

Write annotations

The choice of working modes for the mouse is made by clicking on the
corresponding button situated at the top of the visualisation window. All actions
performed with the mouse in this window are subject to the specific conditions of
that working mode. For example, in the magnifying glass mode, a click activates or
deactivates the zooming of a square located under the mouse cursor.

If a mobile gauge is active, this is switched off, when one of the standard modes is
selected.

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4.7.1. Zoom

4.7.1.1. Presentation
Zoom mode is the default mouse mode in viewing windows. With the zoom
function, not only is part of the viewing window enlargened, but more information
is provided about the enlarged zone. This feature distinguishes the so-called
"intelligent" zoom from a simple magnifying glass.

In an "all data" display, at normal resolution, all the information cannot be

displayed and the missing information is just indicated by a cross. A zoom (or a
window enlargement) allows the missing information to be displayed. The zoom
also gives a better resolution for radar and satellite images.

If the zoom is not sufficient to display all the information, It is possible to zoom
again on a portion of the already enlarged zone defined previously. These
successive zooms are possible up to the maximum resolution of the viewing
function. In addition, it is possible to "export" the geographical area that has been
selected using the zoom, to another viewing window that has been drawn over the
same initial area.

A zoom frame can be resized, and keeps the width/height proportions of the original
window.
A window that has been zoomed can be animated.

4.7.1.2. Implementation

 Activate the zoom mode

1. On a viewing window, click on the icon-button.

The mouse switches to zoom mode.

 Perform a zoom
1. Click <L> in the viewing window to the left of and above the zone to enlarge
without releasing the mouse button.
A frame appears in the window.

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Selected button

Click point

Zoom frame

Figure 4-8: Zoom frame

2. Move the mouse cursor down and to the right without releasing the <L>
mouse button.
The frame grows larger with the mouse movement.
3. Release the mouse button when the frame reaches the desired size.

4. Click <L> inside the frame or click on .

The zone inside the frame is enlarged to occupy the whole window.

Figure 4-9: Zoom

Information that appeared too tightly grouped is now clearly displayed in the new
window.

If some information is still not legible despite the enlargement, It is possible to

repeat the zoom operation or enlarge the window to its maximum resolution.

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4.7.1.3. Moving the zoom frame

If the frame is not in the right place, it is possible to move it.

 Move the zoom frame

1. Click <C> and move the zoom frame to the desired location while keeping
the mouse button pressed. It is possible to also click outside the frame; in
that case, it disappears. To draw a new frame, click <L>.
When the frame is in the right place, click <L> inside the frame.

4.7.1.4. Exporting the domain

In order to make the display of two or more parameters coincide, it is possible to
"export" the area determined by the zoom to other viewing windows drawn on the
same initial area.

 Export a geographical domain

1. Click <R> in the window. A pop-up menu appears, proposing that you either
return to the initial domain, or that you export the domain.

Figure 4-10: Export menu

2. Select Export domain.

3. Select a target viewing window (it must have the same initial domain) and
click <R>.
4. Select Import domain in the pop-up menu.
The viewing window displays the data on the same geographical domain as
the original window.

4.7.1.5. Return to the previous domain or to the initial domain

 Return to the previous view or to the initial view

1. Click <R> in the window.
Select Previous domain or Initial domain in the pop-up menu.

4.7.1.6. Quit the zoom mode

To exit this mode, click on another one of the mouse mode definition buttons.

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4.7.2. External zoom

4.7.2.1. Presentation
The external zoom is a mouse mode which allows the user to obtain within a sub-
window:
• an enlargement of the viewing window
• more information about the enlarged zone

4.7.2.2. Implementation

 Activate the external zoom mode

1. In a viewing window, click on the button.

The mouse is in external zoom mode.
 Perform a zoom in a sub-window
1. Click <L> in a viewing window at the upper left-hand corner of the zone to
enlarge and keep the mouse button pressed.
A frame appears in the window.

2. Move the mouse cursor down and to the right without releasing the <L>
mouse button.
The size of the frame grows with the mouse movement.

3. Release the mouse button when the frame reaches the desired size.

4. Click <L> inside the frame, or click on .

The zone inside the frame appears in a new window:

Figure 4-11: External zoom window

The information that was crowded in the normal display is clearly displayed in the
external zoom window.

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In certain cases, it may happen that the zoom frame is hard to see (black frame on a
dark image).The cross-sections or forecast sounding locations are not visible in the
external zoom windows.

If the frame is not correctly positioned, it is possible to move it.

 Move the zoom frame

1. Click <C> on the frame.
The cursor turns into the following shape:
2. Move the zoom frame to the desired location, holding the mouse button
pressed.
3. Click <L> in the frame.
The display is updated in the external zoom window.

 Close the external zoom window

1. Click on in the external zoom window.
The window disappears.

4.7.2.3. Quit the external zoom mode

To quit the external zoom mode, click on one of the other mouse mode buttons.

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4.7.3. Magnifying glass

4.7.3.1. Presentation
The magnifying glass allows part of a viewing window to be enlarged. It is available
in the plotting viewing windows. All the points which make up the picture are
enlarged, including the plotted data.

4.7.3.2. Implementation

 Activate the magnifying glass

1. Click on the icon-button.

The cursor takes the shape of a magnifying glass : .

2. Click <L> on the center of the area that is to be enlarged.
A magnifying square appears at the cursor location.

Selected
button

Click point

Magnifying
glass frame

Figure 4-12: Magnifying glass on a temperature display

3. Move the cursor: the square follows the mouse movement. The cursor
position is indicated by a cross at the center of the square.

4.7.3.3. Return to the initial view

 Return to the initial view

1. Click <L> to erase the square.

4.7.3.4. Quit the magnifying glass mode

To exit this mode, click on another one of the mouse mode definition buttons.

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4.7.4. Ruler

4.7.4.1. Presentation
The ruler function is a mouse mode that is available in the windows which display
data over a geographical area.
The ruler function allows the distance between two distant points following the
Earth's surface, as well as the azimuth of the second point to be known.
This function can also calculate a moving speed from the first to the second point
when they belong to different time ranges.
Distance is expressed in kilometers and, the azimuth in degrees and hundredths
starting from the North clockwise, and speed is in kilometers per hour.

It is possible to activate the ruler on each of the time ranges consecutive to the
starting window.

4.7.4.2. Implementation

 Activate the ruler

1. Click on the button.
2. Click <L> in the viewing window, on the base point.

The mouse pointer turns into a cross surrounded by a double circle:

3. It is possible to either:
− Without releasing <L>, move the mouse cursor to the desired
point. The distance from the base point to the cursor is updated in
the window at the bottom center of the viewing window.
− Click <L> a second time on the destination point. The information
supplied by the ruler is displayed in a secondary window. It is
possible to then activate the zoom, or panning, or change time
ranges (to calculate a moving velocity).

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Starting point

Destination
point

Ruler
information

Figure 4-13: Ruler in a viewing window

 Modify the destination point

1. Click <L> on the destination point.
2. Drag and drop the point to the desired location.

 Calculate a speed
1. Click on the button.
2. Click <L> on the starting point.
3. Change the time range (in a radar window for instance).
4. Click <L> on the destination point.

The speed at which the point is moving between the starting point and the
destination point is displayed.

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Figure 4-14: Speed

4.7.4.3. Return to the initial view

Click <R> in the viewing window. The starting point disappears. The window reverts
to its initial aspect.

4.7.5. Metgram

A metgram window contains one or several graphs corresponding to the fields

superimposed in the viewing window. Each graph contains several curves. Each
curve corresponds to a point selected in a viewing window. Each curve is
represented by a check box allowing the curve to be activated or de-activated.

 Display a metgram

1. Click on the Metgram button.

2. Click <L> on the first point which serves as the basis for the metgram.
3. Click <C> to select a second point.
4. Click <C> to select another point.
5. Click <L> on the point to display the metgram window

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Setting graph
parameters

Coordinates of the
selected points

Figure 4-15: Metgram window

5. On the visualization window, click <R> to cancel all the positioned points.

 Display the gauge

1. Click on the button

2. Move the cursor on the metgram.
In general the gauge shows:
− The reference range
− The run on which the cursor is positioned, and between brackets,
the dates corresponding to this run.
− The value corresponding to the cursor position relative the graph
which is being taken into consideration.
If the cursor is placed on a point on the curve of the graph, the gauge
shows:
− In the colour of the curve, the exact value corresponding to that
point
− Other information regarding the curve.

 Set the gauge

1. Right click on the button.

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2. Choose the display type and Quit.

For example, If you have ticked All lines in all graphs, you will get the
following information:

 Display the slide rule mode

1. Click on the button.
2. Click on the <L> button to draw the rule at the date corresponding to the
position of the cursor.
3. Click <D> to delete or display once again the rule.
The duration between the rule and the cursor position is displayed in the
bottom right hand corner of the window.

If the gauge is active, it also displays information concerning the slide rule.

 Modify the display parameters of a metgram

1. Click on the button.
The following window appears:

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SYNERGIE Standard Functions

Figure 4-16: Metgram parameters

2. Choose the display parameters.

3. Click on OK.

 Close the metgram window

1. Click on .

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4.7.6. Display & management of watched points

4.7.6.1. Principle
The watched points can:
• Be viewed as elements in a map background,
• Appear simply as landmarks just like borders or coastlines.
• Be identified and described by passing over the mouse cursor
• Be managed interactively by using a mouse mode. With this mode, it is
possible to get:
− the selection of a list of points to be displayed
− the creation of a new list using old lists or new points
− the configuration of watched points (colour, symbol,…)

4.7.6.2. Definition of the watched points

Each point is defined by an index which contains the following elements:
• element: point, section, circle, polygon
• identifier
• label (for points only)
• latitude, longitude
• category
• colour
• annotations

4.7.6.3. Organisation of the watched points

The points are organized as follows:
• points corresponding to a particular type of data, such as airports, radar, for
instance (database level), are grouped in a dictionary,
• a center of interest groups a set of points representing part or all of certain
dictionaries for a certain objective: for instance, airports (user need level).
The centers of interest are proposed for display in the map background
viewing options.
A distinction is made between:
• the standard dictionaries and the centers of interest, non-modifiable
• the user dictionaries and the centers of interest, which are modifiable.

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4.7.6.4. Implementation

 View & identify the points

1. Display a model, plotting... viewing window.
2. Click on the button.
The point management mode is activated. The watched points in the first
center of interest in the list, or in the process of being selected in the map
background configuration, are displayed in the viewing window.
3. Place the mouse cursor over a watched point.
A specific gauge at the bottom of the viewing window displays the
description of the point.

Watched point

Comment Identifier

Figure 4-17: Watched points

 Remove the watch points from the visualization window

• Click once again on the button to remove the watched points.

 Exit the display & management mode

• Select a new mouse function mode.

The changing of modes will not remove the watched points which are
already displayed in the visualization window.

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 Activate the configuration of the points

1. Click <R> in the viewing window.
The Watched points window is displayed as below:

Create a center of Available Create a

interest dictionaries dictionary

Select the center

of interest

List of folders and

points of the center
of interest

Figure 4-18: Configuration of the watched points

 Create a new center

1. Click on the button.

The center management window appears:

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SYNERGIE Standard Functions

Figure 4-19: Center of interest management window

2. Enter the name of a center.

3. Click on .

4. Place the new center at the beginning of the list using the arrows.
5. Click on OK.

 Define the content of a center

1. Select a center in the Watched points window.
2. Double-click on a dictionary name in the left part of the window.
The points that make up that dictionary are displayed.
3. Select a point or a dictionary.
4. Click on to add the point or the dictionary to the list.
5. Repeat operations 2 to 4 as often as necessary.
6. Click on OK.

If the existing dictionaries do not contain the desired point(s), the points should be
created in a new dictionary or in an existing modifiable dictionary.

 Create new watched points

1. Click on in the menu of the Watched points window.

2. Select a dictionary in the right-hand part of the window.
The following window appears:

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Content of Create a new Return to

dictionary dictionary main
interface

Defining a
point

Figure 4-20 - Points creation window

Some dictionaries cannot be modified (no possibility of adding or

removing points). They are identified by a gray square.

3. Click on a point in the viewing window.

The latitude and longitude of the point are displayed in the point creation
window.

If the user clicks on an existing point, where the index already exists, it is possible to
modify it. The coordinates are positive for North and East, negative for South and
West.

4. Fill out the index of the point.

It is possible to give the point a label different from its identifier (for example Tlse
for Toulouse).

5. Click on to add the point to the current dictionary.

6. Repeat operations 3 to 5 to create all the points in the file.

We have seen how to create points. You can also create also: polylines, filled
polygons and circles with customized background colors by selecting a different
element type:

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7. Click on .
The watched points defined in this manner can then be added to any
viewing window as background elements, using the viewing parameters
modification menu.

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4.7.7. Annotations

4.7.7.1. Presentation
Annotations are graphical elements that aim to facilitate the forecaster's
reflections.
Annotations are entered on data viewing windows. They can be exported to an
object production window.

4.7.7.2. Teleconference (or Forum) mode

This mode allows annotations to be manipulated from several windows
simultaneously. These windows may be situated:
• On a same screen
• On different screens
• On different workstations

The windows that accept this working mode are:

• The windows for entering objects
• The visualization windows, during the entering of annotations

Several windows maybe placed in “teleconference” if they are connected to a

forum which is defined by a name (predefined during the configuration of
Synergie).

4.7.7.3. Implementation

 Define an annotation
1. Display a viewing window.
2. Click on the button.
The Annotation window is displayed:

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Teleconference
visualisation mode

Work
mode

Open Closed
curves curves

Text

Selection

Export

Figure 4-21: Annotation window

This window contains all the commands to enter and export annotations.
3. Click on the button corresponding to the type of annotation to enter (Open
curve, closed curve, or Text).

 Draw a pencil annotation

1. Click on the Pencil button.
2. Draw a curve in the viewing window, keeping the mouse button pressed.
3. Release the mouse button.

 Draw a curve point by point

1. Click on the Point button.
2. Click <L> in the viewing window at one end of the curve.
3. Click on each point that will make up the curve.
4. Click <C> to end the curve.

 Modify the text

1. Click on the Change text pictogram.
2. Click in the viewing window on a text type annotation.
A dialogue box opens for you to modify the text.
3. Change the content or the presentation of the text.
4. Click on OK.

 Export an annotation
1. Display an object editing window.
2. Select the annotation to export in the viewing window.
3. Click on the Export pictogram.
The annotation is displayed on the object production window.

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 Activate the teleconference mode

1. Display the windows that you wish to place in the teleconference mode.

2. In each window, click on

A dialogue window appears.

Example of forums

3. In each of the windows to link together, select the same forum name.

Any annotations made in a particular window are then automatically

performed in the other linked windows.

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4.8. Gauges

This part describes the function “gauges” which allows information relevant to the
area immediately under the mouse cursor to be displayed.
The different gauges which exist are:
Type of gauge Button Function
Fixed gauge Display, at the bottom of the window, information
- concerning the point under the cursor.

Simple gauge Display information concerning the point under the cursor in
the form of a bubble linked to the mouse cursor.

Multi-line gauge In the model modules: Display complementary information

concerning the point under the cursor in the form of a bubble
linked to the mouse cursor:

Color gauge Attach further indications (including superimposed

parameters) in color, linked to the mouse cursor.

Descriptive gauge In the ObsBDM module: Display complementary information

concerning the point under the cursor in the form of a yellow
bubble linked to the mouse cursor.

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Type of gauge Button Function

Magnifying glass In the ObsBDM module: Display full data concerning the
gauge point under the cursor:

If a gauge is active, it is deactivated when a different mouse function mode is

selected by the user (zoom, magnifying glass,…..)

4.8.1. Fixed gauge

The fixed gauge is activated by default in the visualization window. It appears at the
bottom of the visualization window:

The information which is given is generally the value of the data field which is
located under the mouse cursor at any given time.

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4.8.2. Mobile gauges

4.8.2.1. Simple gauges

Presentation

It is possible to use the mobile gauge to link the indicator of the viewed parameter
to the mouse cursor.

Implementation

 Activate the gauge

1. Click on the button.

The gauge follows the mouse movement.

Figure 4-22: Mobile gauge

 Fix the gauge to a point on the map background

1. Click on the <L> button whilst the mouse cursor is positioned inside the
visualization window. The gauge remains fixed to this point, even when the
mouse cursor is moved.
2. Click once again in the visualization window to make the gauge move once
again.
 Deactivate the gauge

1. Click on the .
The simple gauge is deactivated.

It is also possible to deactivate the gauge by clicking on the < R > mouse button

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4.8.2.2. Colour gauge

Presentation

The colour gauge, allows the user to attach to the mouse cursor, the indicators of
all the superimposed parameters; each indicator is shown in a separate colour.

Implementation

 Activate the color gauge

1. Click on the button.

The gauge follows the mouse movement.

Figure 4-23: Color gauge

 Fix the gauge to a point

1. Select a point in the visualization window and click <L>..
The gauge remains fixed even when the mouse cursor is moved.

 Remove the gauge

1. Click on the button to break the link between the indicator and the
cursor.
The indicator returns to its place at the bottom of the window. The gauge
may also be deleted by clicking on the <R> button of the mouse.

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4.9. Animation

4.9.1. Presentation

Animation is available in all the windows, except models in a panel presentation.

The animation is synchronous in the main window and the sub-windows.
When all the views are loaded, it is possible to animate them using icon-buttons
just like the buttons on a VCR (forward-backward play, fast forward-backward,
stop). It is possible to delete certain views from the animation and change the
animation speed.
It is possible to synchronize several animated windows using a pilot window.

4.9.2. Simple animation

4.9.2.1. Activation of an animation

 Activate an animation
1. Display a view of an image.
Perform a zoom (if necessary) on the displayed image.

2. Click on the icon-button.

A dialogue window appears:

Definition of the time

step between images

Animation definition
parameters

Number of images
dsiplayed

Action buttons

Figure 4-24: Defining the animation

The proposed time steps depend on the first viewed data.

4.9.2.2. Definition of a specific animation

 Defining a specific animation

1. Click on the button corresponding to the time step between images.
2. Click on the beginning and end terms.
3. Click on OK to validate.

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The views corresponding to the selected sequence are loaded. The cursor
turns into a watch dial. The gauge in the lower left-hand corner shows the
progress of the animation loading.

If there are any Vertical cross-section sub-windows, the animation may take longer
to load, because it is displayed synchronously in all the windows.

4.9.2.3. Selection of an animation by default

 Select the default animation

1. Click on OK in the animation definition window.
The n images before the displayed image are loaded. The cursor takes the
form of a watch. The gauge in the bottom left hand corner allows the status
of the loading to be monitored.

4.9.2.4. Execution of an animation

Starting an animation

 View the animation

1. Define an animation sequence.
Once the images are loaded, the window appears as below:

Figure 4-25: Model image in animation mode

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After a first loading, the views are animated. The applicable date and hour
of the image are shown as the views advance in sequence. Once the
sequence is finished, there is a pause of a few seconds and then the
sequence is restarted with the first view.
2. To stop the animation, click on
3. To restart the animation click on

It is possible to change the size of the window during the animation

Functions available during the animation

The following functions are available:

Button Description

Exit the animation mode and return to the normal view

Flip through all the images backwards

Display the previous image

Stop the animation

Display the following image

Flip through all the images forwards,

Activate the stand-by mode

Eliminate an image from the animation

Export the animation in mpeg or gif

Define a pilot window

Lock the piloted windows

Activate the sliding zoom

Display a mobile gauge

Two scroll bars are available:

Scroll bar Description

Control the animation speed

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Scroll bar Description

Display the image date and time and allows

the user to know the advancement in
relation to the whole animation. No action is
possible on this bar
If an image is available, the date of the
image is displayed on a green background.

If an image is not available in the animation,

the date of the images is displayed on a red
background.

 Change the projection speed

1. Click on the cursor in the scroll bar at the top of the window.
2. Without releasing the mouse button, move the cursor:
− to the left to reduce the projection speed,
− to the right to accelerate.
The deletion of a view is only applies to image type data.

 Delete a view from the animation

1. Stop the current animation by clicking on the button.

2. Scroll through the images with the or buttons until you display the
image to delete.

3. Click on the button.

A confirmation window is displayed.
4. Click on OK in the confirmation window.
The current image is deleted. It is possible to restart the animation.

The animation stops for a moment when it reaches to a deleted image, in order to
respect the projection speed.
If several images are absent from the data base (for example, an image on a
channel visible at night), the animation stops for a duration corresponding to three
deleted images.

Thanks to the "stand-by" mode, the animation is refreshed automatically as soon as

new images are received into the database. Each time a new image is integrated
into the animation, the oldest image is deleted.

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 Activate the stand-by mode

1. Stop the current animation by clicking on the button.

2. Click on the button.

The stand-by mode is active. When a new image is transmitted to the data
base, it is integrated into the animation and the oldest image is deleted.

3. To quit the stand-by mode, click on the button a second time.

The stand-by mode can only be activated on the last image received. Stand-by mode
is updated every five minutes; it stops if it detects two consecutive time steps with
missing data.

 Export the animation

1. Export current animation by clicking on the button.

2. Choose an export format: gif or mpeg

3. Enter the file name
4. Click OK.

4.9.3. Synchronized animations

The animations that are to be synchronized can be views of models or of different

parameters. The number of piloted windows is not limited. The time steps missing
in a piloted window are indicated by a date displayed in red.

 Synchronize several animations

1. Activate several animations in viewing windows.

2. Click on in the window chosen as pilot.

3. Click on in all the windows to pilot.

The locked animations are synchronized with the pilot animation:

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Figure 4-26: Locked animation

4.9.4. Quit the animation

To exit the animation mode, click on the button.

If the animation is in continuous mode, it returns to normal viewing mode on

the initial image. If the animation is in step-by-step mode, it returns to
normal viewing on the current image

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4.10. Changing ranges and runs

4.10.1. Presentation

It is possible to use the manipulation arrows at the top of the viewing

window (if they are not displayed in neutral colour) to change the validity date in
the viewing window and its sub-windows (cross-section, sounding) without going
through the dialogue window.

The icon allows the user to go directly to a selected validity date without going
through the intermediate dates.

4.10.2. Implementation

 Change ranges or runs

1. Click on a left arrow (previous) or a right arrow (next) at the top of the
window.
The arrows displayed in neutral colour represent unavailable choices.

 Display a particular range or run

1. Click on the button.

A menu containing the authorized dates is displayed.
2. Click on the date to display.

If there are sub-windows, the range is changed simultaneously in the main window
and in the sub-windows as soon as the data is extracted. If unused sub-windows are
displayed, close them before changing ranges.

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4.11. Sliding zoom

4.11.1. Presentation

The sliding zoom function allows the magnification factor of the working space to
be modified as well as being able to sweep across the domain using the new factor.

4.11.2. Implementation

 Activate the sliding zoom

1. Click on
The magnification factor selection window appears.

Figure 4-27 : Sliding zoom window

2. Select the desired magnifying factor (from x0,3 to x5,0)

If the factor is higher than x1, select the zone to be magnified by clicking
and then sliding the blue zone over the desired viewing area.
3. Slide the cursor outside of the selection zone to close the factor selection
window.

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SYNERGIE Standard Functions

4.12. Shortcut keys

The shortcut keys are used with the ALT key and are usable in the working window.

4.12.1. Implementation

 Activate the shortcut keys

1. Place the cursor in the working window
2. Press the ALT key and keep it depressed
3. Press on the required shortcut key.

4.12.2. List of shortcut keys

Key Function
Q Exit the active window
A Define the animation
I Access the printing facilities
Z Activate the zoom mode
Delete Delete / display the buttons and the check boxes that
surround the window.

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SYNERGIE Macros

5. Macros

Presentation
Implementation
Configuration

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SYNERGIE Macros

5.1. Presentation
Use the Macros unit to record a work environment and replay it later. The
exchange of macros with colleagues will assist in installing new work methods.

5.1.1. Definition
A macro is made up of several elementary operations. When the macro is
recorded, the elementary operations are assembled in one global operation. When
the macro is replayed, the global operation performs all the elementary operations
which were recorded. The work environment is made up of different SYNERGIE
data viewing windows.

The choice of the date proposed by default when the user replays a macro
corresponds to the most recent data recorded in the database. Nevertheless, this
default date may be changed when a macro is replaced.

5.1.2. Limitations
A macro records:

• the size and location of each viewing window,

• the nature of all the data viewed in each window,
• the animation mode selection in each window,
• the mouse modes,
• the sub-windows,
• the screen used (multi-screen configuration),
• the viewing parameters of curves, such as color, size or thickness.

5.1.3. Macro management

Macros are stored in folders. The following actions may be performed on the
macros:

• search for a macro,

• sort macros,
• select macros,
• exchange macros between the different SYNERGIE workstations
grouped around one server.

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SYNERGIE Macros

5.2. Implementation

5.2.1. Recording a macro

To record a macro, it is necessary to:

• create the work screen you want to record,

• record all the viewing windows that make up this screen in the macro,
• define a folder in which to store the macro,
• define the macro name and characteristics.

 Define a work screen

1. Display the viewing windows that make up a normal work environment.
2. Arrange the windows the way the user wants them.
3. Resize the windows the way the user wants them.

Figure 5-1: Example of work screen

 Record the windows

1. Click on the button in each viewing window.

2. The button turns the selection color, to remind the user that it is
selected in a macro.

3. To cancel this action, click on the button again.

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SYNERGIE Macros

4. Click on the button in the SYNERGIE Menu window.

5. The macro recording window appears.

Figure 5-2: Macro recording window

The folder must be selected in a list of existing folders. A new folder can be created

by clicking on . The Comments field contains the characteristics of all the

windows selected in the macro. The date and time in the window are the system
ones.

It is possible to change the Author name.

 Create a new folder

1. Click on
The folder management window appears.
2. Enter a folder name.

A folder name must not contain any special characters (-,_,*,/), nor spaces.

1. Click on the button or press [Enter].

2. Click on OK to validate.

 Define the macro

1. In the Name field, enter the wording with which the macro will be able
to be identified when it is replayed.

It is not possible to use a name which is already used by another macro.

2. Choose the Folder to store the macro in.

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SYNERGIE Macros

3. Enter a name, if desired, in the Author field

4. Modify the Comments field if required.
5. Click on OK to validate.
The window disappears. The macro is recorded and can be replayed.

5.2.2. Replaying a macro

To replay a macro, click on the button in the SYNERGIE Menu window.

A dialogue window appears, for the user to:

• select the folder containing the macro to replay,

• select the macro to replay,
• select the date for the data to view.

To be able to replay a macro containing an animation, it is necessary that the first

date requested be available.

5.2.2.1. Defining the parameters

Select a folder

Macro sorting
criteria

Select a macro

Selected macro

Macro
description

Select run

Figure 5-3: Macro Replay window

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SYNERGIE Macros

Select the folder

Click on the name of the folder containing the macro.

Select the macro

The macros may be sorted by Name, Date/time created, Author.
Click on the name of the macro to replay.

Select the run

If the default run does not suit the user, they may change the date, hours, and
minutes by clicking on the horizontal scroll bars.

Validate your choices

To validate the choices which have been made, click on OK. The views that make up
the macro are loaded then displayed on the screen.

The run chosen is that of the main data. The macro can contain data from models
from different runs (for instance Arp 00h + EMCWP 12h). For the macros, the display
in only on a single screen.

5.2.3. Quit macros

To exit Macros, click on the Quit button in the Macros management window.

5.3. Configuration
A configuration mode exists which allows the user to manage the files and the
macros.

To start the configuration mode, click .

To configure the macros, click .

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SYNERGIE Macros

5.3.1. Managing the folders

Click on the Folders management button in the configuration window. A window

appears which allows the user to add, delete, or rename a folder.

The file name PUBLIC renders all the users macros freely available to all the users of
SYNERGIE.

5.3.2. Managing the macros

Click on the Macros management button in the configuration window. A window
appears which allows the user to:

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SYNERGIE Macros

• Update the workstations and the public macros for each workstation
• Rename a macro
• Delete a macro
• Import a macro (public macros from another SYNERGIE workstation)
• Export a macro (make available to other users of SYNERGIE, for the same
data server, a macro which the user has created).

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SYNERGIE Models

6. Models

Presentation
Implementation
Difference between fields
Displaying the orography
Data viewing preferences
Changing levels directly
Animation with constant validity date
Vertical cross-sections
Mixing Height and Pressure levels
Hovmoller diagram
Vertical Profile
Trajectory
Air mass
Displaying a panel of levels or ranges
Rainfall accumulations
Extrema on the vertical

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SYNERGIE Models

6.1. Presentation

The Models module allows meteorological fields that are either analysed or
forecasted by digital forecasting models to be displayed.

SYNERGIE offers access to the models available in the database.

The model fields are expressed on uniform grids, generally in degrees. Depending
on the region of the world, the mesh density of these grids varies in size. The model
fields are available in Pressure or Altitude vertical coordinates. The available
parameters are a function of the vertical coordinate chosen.

6.1.1. Choosing the vertical coordinate

The vertical coordinate may be available in Pressure, Altitude, AERO (aeronautical
fields), or PV (iso-potential vorticity levels) mode. The values of each mode, or
vertical levels, differ depending on the model.

6.1.2. Choosing the parameter

The available parameters depend on the choice of the vertical coordinate.

Parameter Description Unit

T Temperature Degrees
Celsius
WbpT Pseudo-adiabatic temperature of the wet bulb Degrees
thermometer calculated at 1000 hPa Celsius
Z Geopotential Geopotential
decameters
Hu Relative humidity Percentage
Wind Direction & wind speed Knots
WF Wind speed Knots
VV Vertical velocity 10-2.s-1
AV Absolute vorticity 10-5.s-1
Tot. accu. rain. Total of accumulated rainfalls : convective , mm
Dyn. accu rain. dynamic and total with a time step of 3, 6, 12,
24 hours
Conv. accu. rain.
Tot. accu. snow. Total of accumulated rainfalls : convective, mm
Dyn. accu snow. dynamic and total with a time step of 3, 6, 12,
24 hours
Conv. accu. snow.
Tot accu. precip. Total of accumulated precipitations mm

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SYNERGIE Models

Parameter Description Unit

Dyn. accu precip. (rain+snow) : convective, dynamic and total
with a time step of 3, 6, 12, 24 hours
Conv. accu.
precip.
PV Potential vorticity -
Alti Altitude Metres
FL Flight level -
NebT Total cloudiness Percentage
HtNG Amount of snow on the ground Kg/m²
Mslp Mean sea level pressure hPa
Stream lines The wind direction represented in flux lines -
Cat Clear air turbulence -

The available parameters depend on the model/grid couple that is chosen.

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6.1.3. Choosing the vertical level and the range

6.1.3.1. Level

Depending on the type of vertical coordinate, the model outputs for a given
pressure level and a given altitude may be viewed. It is also possible to view
simultaneously a panel of four levels of pressure or altitude.

For aeronautical fields, the possible levels are:

TROPO tropopause
JET max wind
T=M10C iso -10° C
ISOZR 1st iso-0° C (from above)
T=0C 2nd iso-0° C (from the ground)

6.1.3.2. Range

Depending on the model chosen, the ranges can be set at 3, 6 or 12 hour intervals.
It is possible to view the outputs from models for a given range or view
simultaneously a panel of four ranges.

6.1.4. Choosing the run

Select the run using a horizontal scroll bar. The unit of the run is generally a
multiple of 12 hours.

6.1.5. The different features

Several display features facilitate data analysis:

• the standard display features:

• the specific display features:
• difference field (overlaying data of same type)
• display the model orography
• change levels directly
• vertical cross-section along an angled line
• vertical cross-section at a point (Hovmoller diagram)
• vertical profile
• display trajectories
• display a panel of four levels or four terms simultaneously
• rain accumulation
• data filtering

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SYNERGIE Models

6.2. Implementation

To get an output from a model, click on the icon-button in the SYNERGIE

Menu window. A dialogue window appears, allowing the parameters that are to be
displayed to be selected.

6.2.1. Defining the parameters

Filter the models

by group

Select the vertical

coordinate

Select the
meteorological
parameter

Select the model

and the spatial
resolution

Select the level Unavailable

and the range choice

Select the run

Summary area

Select the screen Select the area

Figure 6-1: Models window

6.2.1.1. Selecting the model

The selection of a model for a given spatial resolution, along with the choice of the
vertical coordinate, determines the meteorological parameter selection buttons
display. To select a model, click on the corresponding button.

6.2.1.2. Selecting the type of vertical coordinate

By selecting a type of vertical coordinate (Pressure, Altitude, etc.) the display of the
meteorological parameter selection buttons is determined. To select a type of
vertical coordinate, click on the corresponding button.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.2.1.3. Selecting the meteorological parameter

It is only possible to select one meteorological parameter in the parameter setting

window.
Nevertheless, it is possible to request the superimposition of certain data in the
viewing window at a later stage.
To select a meteorological parameter, click on the corresponding radio button.

6.2.1.4. Selecting the level and the range

The pressure and altitude levels are different for each type of meteorological
parameter: they are a function of the data theoretically available in the database.
The ranges spread over several days by steps of 3, 6 or 12 hours.
The matrix-form selection buttons allow you to choose both the level and the
range.

A level called All permits the display of a panel of representative levels (500, 700,
850 and 1000 hPa) or ranges (12, 24, 36, 48 hours), simultaneously in the same
viewing window.
To choose a level and a range, the user must click on a blue button:

The button… .. shows that the data is ….

Grey Never available since it is not present in the database or that
the choice made by the user is not authorised (for example ALL
level combined with ALL range)
Light blue Available
Dark blue Not yet available (if the data is selected, Synergie searches in
the previous run for the same validity date and displays an
information message)

If you point the mouse cursor on a button, you will display a popup window to
inform you about the current run, the target date and the active level and range:

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SYNERGIE Models

6.2.1.5. Selecting the period of precipitation accumulation

When the selected parameter is of the precipitation type, the duration of the time
period of accumulation must be specified for a given parameter; to do this, click on
the corresponding radio button.

Figure 6-2: Selection of precipitation duration

6.2.1.6. Selecting the run

Select the run, date and time at which the model was run, using the run bar:

6.2.1.7. Selecting the area

Click on the radio button corresponding to the area to be studied.

See the Configuration chapter for information about configuring areas.

6.2.1.8. Validating your choices

To validate the choices, click on the Validate button.

It is also possible to validate the choices by clicking twice on the level and range
selection button

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SYNERGIE Models

6.2.2. Description of the viewing window

Once the parameters have been selected and validated, a viewing window appears:

Mouse modes Range manipulation

Standard
functions
Mobile gauge

Multi-line gauge
Super-
imposition check
boxes Colorgauge

Level
handling

Display of the value of Geographic

the initial field at the coordinates
mouse cursor position

Figure 6-3: Output from model

6.2.2.1. Window elements

This window includes:

• Access to standard function buttons
• Check boxes to superimpose data to the viewed parameter
• In particular, the DIFF check box when there is superimposition of the data
of the same type.
• The access buttons to specific mode buttons :

Button… Description
activate the angled vertical cross-sections

view a vertical profile,

view a Hovmoller diagram

view air masses

for pressure parameters, view the trajectory of a air particle

• view for the precipitations, the different accumulated precipitations

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SYNERGIE Models

• display a tendency or an anomaly,

• buttons to get help

• arrows to manipulate the display of the ranges and the levels:

• and backwards and forwards through the ranges

• and choose a time range

• handle the levels.

The central part of the window shows the viewed fields in the chosen area.

6.2.2.2. Close the window

To close, the window, click on the button.

6.2.3. Exit Models

To exit Models, click on the Quit button in the viewing parameters definition
dialogue window.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.3. Difference field

When superimposing over the reference data, a data of the same type (same level,
same parameter, same grid), it is possible to visualize the difference between the
two fields:

“Reference field – superimposed field = difference field”

Example:

With the ARP1.5, it is possible to visualize the T parameter at 500 hPa using the
ECMWF0.5 model it is possible to superimpose the same parameter.

 View common superimposed data

1. Perform a superimposition of a data of the same type. In the visualization
window, the DIFF check box appears.
2. Select the DIFF check box.
The isolines corresponding to the different levels appear:
− In red when the difference is negative
− In blue when the difference is positive.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.4. Displaying the orography

Three types of orography may be superimposed on a model view (when they are
available):

• model orography (R1fM)

• grid orography (R1fG)
• Land-sea mask (TrMr)
• 76 colors

using the superimposition check boxes in the upper left corner of the viewing
windows.

6.4.1. Model orography

Model orography is at the resolution of the model: in the case of Arpège, because
of the variable grid mesh, the level of detail is different depending on whether the
Alps, or the Andes are being viewed.
The model orography is adjusted empirically: an 'envelope' value depending on the
variation of the mesh is added to the average height of the zone surrounding the
grid point. It is this orography that is used in the internal pressure level calculations
of the model.
This orography is only available for the French models (Arpège, Aladin), or the
ECMWF ones.

6.4.2. Grid orography

The grid orography allows the user to free themselves from the constraints of
model characteristics. The grid orography represents the best approximation of the
real orography at the grid resolution. It is this orography that is used to calculate
the altitude level fields (the altitudes 'above the grid orography').
This orography is only available for the French models (Arpège, Aladin).

6.4.3. Land-sea mask

The land-sea mask allows the user to know precisely which points are considered by
the model as being the sea or land.

This mask is only available for the French models (Arpege, Aladin) or the ECMWF.

To visualize the land-sea mask, it may be necessary to deselect the parameters

which are displayed as color levels.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.4.4. Land-sea mask

The 76 colors display uses a new orographic display more suitable to the real
orography especially along the coasts.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.5. Data viewing preferences

In the specific case of WbpT in shading, it is possible to add intermediate isolines.

This possibility is not available in version 4.0 for all the parameters shown in
shading.

 Activating the configuration of the viewing preferences

1. In a WbpT viewing window, click on .

The configuration dialogue window is displayed.

 Modifying the viewing preferences

1. Select the WbpT field from the list of viewed items of data.
Only the items of data whose display is activated appear in the list.

The window is displayed as follows:

Figure 6-4: Viewing preferences configuration window with WbpT data

3. Modify the spacing.

4. Configure the display (color, thickness, thresholding).
5. Click on OK.
The data is displayed in the viewing window according to the chosen display
parameters.

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SYNERGIE Models

Figure 6-5: Initial condition

Figure 6-6: Final condition

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SYNERGIE Models

6.6. Changing levels directly

The handling arrows at the top of the viewing window allow the levels to be
changed without going through the dialogue window.

Only the level of the base data and the level of data that is on the same level as
the base data change.

 Change levels

1. Place the mouse cursor on one of the arrows: upward arrow (higher
level) or downward one (lower level) in the upper right-hand part of the
window.
2. The destination level is displayed.
3. Click on an arrow.
A new image is displayed in the window.
4. Repeat operation 1 until the desired level is obtained.
The arrows displayed in neutral color represent unavailable choices.

An environment variable can be set by the Synergie Administrator in order to define

which dimension is to be privileged (Range or Level):

- For Range, the animation speed and range change are privileged. The change level
arrows may only become accessible after the user has displayed a vertical cross-
section of the parameters displayed in the viewing window, or after having
displayed a vertical profile (only for wind, humidity or temperature). For instance,
the change levels arrows cannot be authorized for a geopotential, since it is not
available in an angled cross-section, nor used in a vertical profile.

- For Level, the arrows are immediately available, but the animations and the range
changes are less rapid.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.7. Animation with constant validity date

From a model viewing window, select the animation button , then select
"Validity".
The 2 dates that appear are the dates of the first and last runs for which forecasts
are going to be animated for the model window validity date.
This function is also available for rainfall accumulations or differences in fields, as
well as for vertical cross-sections or the other child windows.

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SYNERGIE Models

6.8. Vertical cross-sections

A vertical cross-section can be triggered from the view of any field at any level.
The section axis is determined using an angled line drawn in the viewing window
with the mouse. The geographically location on the section line can be determined
using the mouse cursor.

The significance of the cross-section is closely related to the number of vertical

levels available in the SYNERGIE data base.

 Draw a section axis

1. Display a model viewing window.

2. Click on the Vertical Cross-section button.

The cursor turns into a cross.
3. Click on the starting point of the cross-section in the viewing window. Keep
the mouse button pressed.
4. Without releasing the mouse button, drag the mouse to the first point of
the section.
A line is drawn in the window, materializing the section axis
5. Press the mouse button again, and move the cursor to another point.
6. Repeat operation 5 until the desired line is obtained.

Figure 6-7: Cross-section axis

 Display the cross-section window

1. Click on the button to validate the section axis choice.

The cross-section window appears (as a sub-window of the model field
viewing window). The window is empty.

Page 6-17
SYNERGIE Models

2. Press [Ctrl] and click <L> on one or more check boxes. The corresponding
view appears in the cross-section window.
It is possible to superimpose a maximum of nine fields in the angled cross-section.

Figure 6-8: Cross-section viewing window

3. Click on to select the vertical coordinate to be displayed, as well as the

maximum and minimum levels.

Figure 6-9: Vertical coordinate window

4. Click on OK to validate.
5. Point in the viewing window with the mouse.
A small circle indicates, in real time, the geographic location, in the cross-
section window, of the perpendicular projection of the point on the section
line.
The cross-section window allows the following meteorological fields to be
displayed:

Page 6-18
SYNERGIE Models

Parameter Description Unit

Hu Relative humidity Percentage
Vnrm Wind force perpendicular to the cross- Knots
section
Thet Potential temperature of the mass of dry Degrees
air at ground level Celsius
WbpT Pseudo-adiabatic temperature of the wet Degrees
bulb thermometer calculated at 1000 hPa Celsius
T Temperature Degrees
Celsius
VV Vertical velocity 10-2.s-1
PV Potential vorticity -
Vtng Tangential wind force (barbullas) Knots
Wind Wind force shown in the visualization Knots
window
OC 1 1st iso 0°C
OC 2 2nd iso 0°C
-10C Iso –10°C
Trop Tropopause
R1fM Relief on model
Etc…

The meteorological fields non-visible in the cross-section window may be added by

clicking the right mouse button (this action displays the toggle menu)

 Modify the cross-section line

1. Without closing the cross-section window, point with the mouse cursor to
one of the points of the section line in the viewing window.

The cursor takes this shape:

2. Click on the point and move it, keeping the mouse button pressed.
3. Release the mouse button when the point is at the desired location.
The cross-section window is updated.

 Export the cross-section in another window

1. Click <R> in the viewing window
2. In the menu, select Export segment.

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SYNERGIE Models

3. Open another model window

4. Click <R> in the viewing window
5. In the menu, select Import segment.
The cross section is imported in the window.

 Close the Cross-section window

1. To close the cross-section window, click on the button.

2. The window disappears. The mouse is still in the cross-section drawing
mode.
3. A new cross-section line may be drawn or this mode abandoned by clicking
on a different icon-button.
The Vertical profile and cross-section windows may be displayed simultaneously. If
the user requests a change of ranges while a cross-section window is displayed, the
change is made simultaneously in the main window and in the sub-window. If the
cross-section is unnecessary, destroy it before changing ranges.

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6.9. Mixing HEIGHT and PRESSURE levels

Synergy offers the possibility of mixing HEIGHT and PRESSURE levels if height levels
and orography are available for a given model.

Pressure levels

Transition 50 hpa

Height levels

Orography

In order to have more fineness in the lower layers, you can use the height levels
near the ground and complete further with the pressure levels.
The covering over the last height level and the first pressure level is implemented
with a 50hPa delta

This methodology is available for:

• Vertical cross section
• Hovmoller diagram
• Vertical profile

 Mix the Height and Pressure levels

1. Display a vertical cross section.

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SYNERGIE Models

Mixing
button

Without the mix

2. Click to activate the mix and add the height levels to the pressure
levels.

With the mix

3. Note that the result is slightly different.

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6.10. Hovmoller diagram

A Hovmoller diagram is a time-axis section, with the model time ranges as x-axis. It
can be obtained from any point in the model view.

 Display a Hovmoller diagram

1. Display a model viewing window.
2. Click on the Hovmoller diagram button .
3. Click on a point in the view.

The cursor takes the following shape: .

4. Click once again in the following shape: .

The Hovmoller diagram viewing window appears, empty.
Operations 2 and 3 may be replaced by double-clicking.

5. Press [Ctrl] and click <L> on the proposed check boxes.

The corresponding view appears in the diagram window:

Figure 6-10: Hovmoller diagram

 Set the temporal depth of a Hovmoller diagram

1. Click .

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SYNERGIE Models

2. Move the cursor to change the temporal depth (horizontal axis) and click
OK.

 Close the diagram window

1. To close the diagram window, click on the button.

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6.11. Vertical profile

It is possible to display a forecast upper-air sounding for any point of the area in the
view, using the vertical profile function. The upper-air sounding is calculated using
the data from the nearest grid point.

The significance of the upper-air sounding is closely related to the number of

vertical levels available in the SYNERGIE data base.

 Display a vertical profile

1. Display a visualization window of the model
2. Click on the Vertical profile button.
3. Click on a point in the view.
A cross surrounded by a circle appears: .
4. Click on the cross in a circle again.
Operations 3 and 4 may be replaced by double-clicking.

The vertical profile window appears after calculation:

Figure 6-11: Forecast vertical profile window

5. To display a new upper-air sounding in this same window, repeat

operations 3 and 4.

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SYNERGIE Models

 Close the vertical profile window

1. To close the vertical profile window, click on the button.

The window disappears. The mouse is still in the vertical profile mode.
You can display a new vertical profile or abandon this mode by clicking on a
different icon-button.
The Vertical profile and Angled cross-section windows can be displayed
simultaneously.
If the user requests a change of ranges while a vertical profile window is displayed,
the change is made simultaneously in the main window and in the sub-window.
If the vertical profile is unnecessary, destroy it before changing ranges.

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6.12. Trajectory

In the visualization windows for the models where the reference data is a pressure
level parameter, it is possible to calculate the trajectory of an air particle, either
past or future. The calculations that are performed take into account the horizontal
wind, the vertical wind speed and the vertical velocities.

The requested trajectory is calculated for a given point up to the end of the range
of the model (trajectory) or back to the beginning of the model (retro trajectory).

6.12.1. Calculate and plot a trajectory

There exist two methods of plotting a trajectory. Either by clicking on a point on the
visualization screen (in this case the vertical trajectory is automatically taken into
account), or by designating the start point by its coordinates.

 Calculate a trajectory by selecting a point on an image

1. Click on the Trajectory button.

2. Click on a point of the image.
The cursor takes this shape:.
3. It is possible to
• Calculate an extrapolated trajectory by clicking on the right hand
side of the symbol.

Figure 6-12: Trajectory path

• Or, calculate a past trajectory by clicking to the left.

Figure 6-13: Trajectory path

The application calculates the trajectories and plots them on the screen.

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SYNERGIE Models

Figure 6-14: Calculated trajectory

 Display a trajectory by defining the coordinates of the start point

1. Click on the Trajectory button.

2. Click <R> inside the visualization window.
The trajectory list window is displayed.
3. Click <L> on the start point inside the visualization window
The coordinates of the starting point are automatically calculated

Coordinates of the
start point

Direction of the
trajectory

Use of the vertical

velocities in the
calculation

Figure 6-15: Trajectory list window

Select the characteristics of the trajectory by clicking on the different

buttons:
• select the direction of the trajectory – past or future
• indicate if the vertical force is to be taken into account
4. Click on OK.
The application calculates the trajectory and plots it on the screen.

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Trajectory

Figure 6-16: Trajectory path

 Adding a trajectory
1. Calculate a trajectory by selecting a point in the visualization window: click
<L> in the visualization window.
or
1. Display a trajectory by defining the coordinates of the start point: click <R>
in the visualization window

2. Click Trajectory list to display the trajectory list window and define new
characteristics for the trajectory (for example a new color).

6.12.2. Trajectory paths

The trajectories are drawn from the designated start point:

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SYNERGIE Models

Figure 6-17: Trajectory path

 Reading information concerning the trajectory

Whilst the trajectory is being drawn, the descriptions of the points along
the path are described in the bottom right hand corner of the visualization
window. When the path is complete, the information can be reviewed by
moving the mouse cursor along the length of the plotted path.

 Delete a trajectory
1. Click <L> on the trajectory path.
The Trajectory list window is displayed.
2. Click Delete.

6.12.3. Exiting the trajectory mode

To exit this module of work, click on the icon button of a different module.

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6.13. Air Mass

It is possible to display air mass charts in the visualization window. These charts are
in the forms of corrected emagrams (in co-ordinates pressure and Theta W). The
number of air masses that can be drawn is unlimited.

 Display an air mass chart

1. Display a visualization window of a model

2. Click on the Air Mass Mode button

3. Click on <L> of the mouse button inside the window

The cursor takes this shape: .

4. Click <L> a second time at the same point.
An air mass chart appears at the selected point:

Figure 6-18: Air mass chart

5. Steps 3 & 4 may be repeated as many times as the user wishes at different
points within the window. The result is shown below:

Figure 6-19: Miscellaneous air mass charts

The charts remain on the screen until they are deleted.

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SYNERGIE Models

 Removing the charts

1. If a visualization mode other than “Air mass” has since been activated, click
on the Air Mass mode button.
2. Click <R> in the visualization window.

 To obtain regular spaced charts over the whole visualization screen,

1. Click on the Air Mass mode button .

2. Click <C> in the visualization window.
The following screen is produced:

Figure 6-20: Regular interval Air mass charts

 Exiting the Air Mass mode

• Click on one of the buttons corresponding to another working
mode.

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6.14. Displaying a panel of levels or ranges

In the levels/ranges matrix in the parameters selection window, the All button
allows a panel of four levels or four ranges to be displayed simultaneously. The
display window has the same properties as the classic view windows.
The zoom may be used on the four windows simultaneously.

 Display a panel of levels or ranges

1. In the parameters selection window, click on the All button corresponding
to the level or the ranges.
2. Validate the selection by clicking on the OK button.
The following window appears:

Figure 6-21: All levels panel window

3. Use one of the available display features, for example, the zoom.
4. Click on one of the four views; four rectangles appear simultaneously.
5. Click <L> in one of the rectangles.
The four views are enlarged.

6. To exit the panel, click on the button.

The panels allow you to perform four perfectly identical handlings to be performed
very rapidly.

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6.15. Rainfall accumulation

This function is only available for the model visualization which has precipitation as
its reference data. It allows one or several rainfall accumulation(s) to be made
according to the criteria selected by the user.

 Display a tailor made accumulation

1. Click on the button.

The following window is displayed:

Figure 6-22: Rainfall accumulation window

2. Select the model and the run.

3. Select the one or more precipitations.
4. Select a duration of accumulation :
− Click <L> on the box corresponding to the start of the period
− Then click <L> on the box corresponding to the end of the period
Several accumulations may be selected and superimposed.
5. Click on OK.
On the left hand side of the new window that appears there are the check
boxes of the accumulations requested.
6. Click on the check boxes to make the results appear on the screen.

Figure 6-23: Accumulation display

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6.16. Extrema on the vertical

This function makes it possible to view the minimum or maximum value of a field
on the vertical, and to indicate the level at which this value is reached.

 Display a model data item

1. Click on the button.

The following window opens to select the various parameters:

Figure 6-24: Extrema search parameter setting window

2. Select the displayed parameter for which you want to search for the
extrema.
The list of selectable parameters is a sub-assembly of the list of toggles in the
parent model viewing window. Only the fields to which a calculation of extrema is
relevant appear.

3. Define the layer on which you want to look for the extrema.
4. Select a filter to be applied.
5. Click on OK.
One or two additional checkboxes are displayed in the viewing window. By
default, these checkboxes are not ticked.
6. To view the extrema field, click on the checkbox.
The general SYNERGIE features are available when viewing these fields (gauges,
superimposition, animation, macros, etc.).
Depending on the number of levels required for the calculation, the time required
for the toggle to appear can vary due to the variable amount of time needed to
extract all the levels.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7. Waves

Presentation
Implementation
Modifying the displaying options

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.1. Presentation

The Waves unit allows analysed meteorological fields of the sea state to be
displayed, or forecast by digital models. SYNERGIE allows access to the models
available in the database. As in Models, the marine fields are expressed in degrees
on regular latitude/longitude grids, more or less tight depending on the region of the
globe. The values of these fields are only relevant on sea.

7.1.1.Parameters

The displayable parameters can be height, period, and direction, for:

• the total sea

• the wind sea
• the total swell
• the primary swell
• the secondary swell

Several types of displays are possible:

• Direction + Height (arrows showing the direction, with the length proportional
to the value of Height)
• Direction +Period (idem with the length proportional to the value of the period)
• Height in the form of isolines (with colored areas)
• Period in the form of isoline

Two standard displays are also available, giving access directly to superimposition
of several parameters:
• Significant heights = height total sea isolines + height wind sea arrows + height
primary surge arrows
• Significant period = height total sea isolines + wind sea period arrows +
primary surge period arrows

In addition, when the data exists, it is possible to display the wind at 10 m of the
atmospheric model used by the marine model.

7.1.2.Ranges

Depending on the chosen model, the ranges are spaced every 3, 6, or 12 hours.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.1.3.Run

The spacing of the run depends on the model (12 hours for the French models, and
24 hours for the ECMWF model for instance)

7.1.4.Display functionalities

The standard display functions are available for this module.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.2. Implementation

To display a wave model output, click on the icon-button in the SYNERGIE

Menu window.
A dialogue window appears for you to define the selection parameters of the data to
display.

7.2.1.Defining the parameters

Models
Standard

Parameters
Display

Range

Run

Figure 7-1: Wave model window

7.2.1.1. Selecting the wave model

The list of models that may be selected depends on their availability in the
SYNERGIE database. To select a model, click on the corresponding button.

7.2.1.2. Selecting the parameter

Five parameters are available:

• the Significant wave

• the Wind wave
• the Significant swell
• the primary swell (Swell 1)
• the secondary swell (Swell 2)

To select a parameter, click on the corresponding button.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.2.1.3. Selecting the display

For each parameter, four different displays are possible:

• Direction + height (colored arrows)

• Direction + period (arrows using a single color)
• Height isolines (height in isolines, with colored areas)
• Period isolines (period in isolines, without colored areas)

To select a display, click on the corresponding button.

7.2.1.4. Selecting a standard display

Two standard displays give you access directly to the superimposition of several
displays:
• Significant heights
• Significant period
To select a standard display, click on the corresponding button.

The standard displays cannot be superimposed

7.2.1.5. Selecting the wind

If one of the French models is being used, click on the Wind barbs button to display
the wind at 10 m of the atmospheric model used for calculating wave fields.

7.2.1.6. Selecting the range

The available ranges depend on the type of wave model chosen.

To select a range, click on the corresponding button.

7.2.1.7. Selecting the run

Select the run of the wave model using a horizontal scroll bar.

7.2.1.8. Selecting the area

Click on the radio button corresponding to the area to study.

7.2.1.9. Validating the choices

To validate the choices made, click on the OK action button.

It is also possible to validate the choices made by clicking twice on the range
selection button.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.2.2.Description of the displaying window

After defining the parameters and validating the choices, a displaying window
appears:

Mouse modes

Standard
functions Gauge

Figure 7-2: Wave model output display

7.2.2.1. Window elements

This window has:

• buttons to access the standard functions
• check boxes to superimpose data on the primary parameter being displayed
• arrows to change the range

The central part of the window shows the displayed fields over the area selected to
be checked.

The different colored areas used in Height isolines or arrows used Direction +
height display correspond to the Height classification of the state of the sea:

0 to 0.5 m Calm to smooth

0.5 to 1.25 m Smooth to slight
1.25 to 2.5 m Slight to moderate
2.5 to 4 m Rough
4 to 6 m Very rough
6 to 9 m High

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SYNERGIE Waves

>9m Very high to phenomenal

7.2.3.Quit Waves

To quit Waves, click on the Quit button in the parameters definition dialogue
window.

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SYNERGIE Waves

7.3. Modifying the displaying options

In the specific case of the SWH (Significant Wave Heights) parameter, it is possible
to set a threshold for the display in terms of isolines.
 Activate the configuration of the displaying preferences

1. In a SWH displaying window, click on .

The configuration dialogue window is displayed.
2. Modify the displaying preferences
3. Select the “SWH” field from the list of displayed data.
The window is displayed as follows:

Figure 7-3: Visual parameters configuration window withSWH data

4. Switch to “Threshold - On” mode.

5. Define a threshold.
6. Click on OK.

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SYNERGIE Waves

The data is displayed in the displaying window according to the chosen display
parameters.

Figure 7-4: Initial condition

Figure 7-5: Final condition

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SYNERGIE Waves

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8. Plotting ObsDB

Presentation
Observation at the surface
Radiosounding observation
Min & Max
Accumulated precipitations

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.1. Presentation

The Plotting ObsDB module allows plotted maps with the following
characteristics to be displayed:
• the meteorological hourly data observed at ground level,
• the upper levels meteorological data,
• the plotted precipitation accumulations on a map.

8.1.1. Pointing ObsDB access

To display a ObsDB plotted chart, click on the button in the SYNERGIE

Menu window.

8.1.2. Close the Pointing ObsDB window

1. To close the visualization window, click on the button.
2. Click on the Quit button on the dialogue window.

8.2. Observation at the surface

A dialogue window appears allowing the selection parameters of the data to display
to be defined.

8.2.1. Implementation

8.2.1.1. Defining the parameters

Figure 8-1: Plotting ObsDB window

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Selecting the data type

The data type selection:
 Surface,
 Height,
 Minimum,
 Maximum,
 Cumulated rainfall,
Select the display of the meteorological parameters using the selection buttons.
To select the data type, click on the corresponding button.
Selecting the meteorological messages
It is possible to select one or more message types among those proposed (for
instance SYNOP, SHIP, BUOY, SATOB).
The selection of meteorological message determines the button selection display of
the time period for extraction

The button allows all the message types to be selected or deselected. Ensure
that at least one type of message has been selected.
Selecting the meteorological parameters
It is only possible to select either all (full) or one parameter.
Nevertheless, later it is possible to request the superimposition of certain data in the
viewing window. To select a meteorological parameter, click on the corresponding
button.
The list of parameters offered by Synergie is configured by the Synergie
administrator.

In the viewing window, the button will allow you to display a subset of the
available parameters.
Selecting the observation hour
Observed meteorological data regularly enrich the SYNERGIE data base.
Dates and times are selected using horizontal scroll bars.
For minimum and maximum, beginning and end of the duration can be defined with
two scrollbars.
Selecting the area
Click on the radio button corresponding to the area to check.
Selection of the time period required for extraction
To define this time period (limits) click on the corresponding icon buttons.
Will be extracted only data, which the validity date is included into this time period
preceding the selected date of end.
Validating the choices
To validate the choices made, click on the OK action button.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.2.1.2. Description of the viewing window

After defining the parameters and validating the choices, a viewing window appears.

Figure 8-2: Temperatures display

Window elements
This window has:
 check boxes to superimpose the data :

 a check box to signal with a green cross, the information that could
not be displayed for legibility reasons, but which can be accessed by
zooming.
 a check box which allows the requested parameter to be
displayed / hidden.
 buttons to access the standard functions,
 buttons to get help,
 buttons to access the gauges,

 a button to set the plotting.

The central part of the window shows the measured data plotted over the area
selected to be studied.

Geographic markers
Move the mouse cursor into the window.
The geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the point corresponding to the
cursor position are displayed in real time in the lower right-hand corner of the
window.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Figure 8-3: Display the geographic coordinates

8.2.1.3. Display Full data

The Full data display includes a set of meteorological data symbolized in the same
manner as on a paper plotting.

Viewing window description

The Full data viewing window looks like this:

Figure 8-4: Full data display

Page 8-5
SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Time bracket
The extraction time bracket is one hour, centered on the requested time.

Data representation
Data... are represented by...

SYNOP or SHIP

BUOY and Radome (AWS)

SATOB

METAR

SPECI

ERS1

SYNOP & SHIP :automatic

Represented parameters
The parameters represented in a Full data display are:

Message Parameters
SYNOP  wind direction and force
 temperature
 dew-point temperature
 pressure and tendency for some
 visibility
 types of the clouds for the three levels
 base and cloud amount of the low clouds
 present weather
 past weather
Coastal  sea surface temperature
SYNOP &  the period (in seconds), and the height (in half-meters) of the
SHIP wind sea
 the direction, period, height of a primary swell and of a
secondary swell
SHIP in addition to the coastal SYNOP parameters:
 course and speed (in code) of the ship
WMOBUOY  temperature
 sea surface temperature
 pressure and tendency
 dew-point temperature and wind for some
SATOB  temperature of the sea or land surface

Page 8-6
SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Message Parameters
METAR  wind speed and direction
 temperature
 dew point temperature
 pressure
 visibility
 type of clouds (in the four levels) only one is available : the
level that contains the most dangerous clouds or the lowest
level if no dangerous clouds are present.
 Present weather
SPECI in addition to the METAR parameters :
 the tendency (improvement or deterioration) of the weather
conditions (For France, DOM-TOM’s)
ERS1UW1  Wind speed and direction
ERS1URA  Wind module
 Average high of waves
RADOME  wind speed and direction
(AWS)  temperature
 dew point temperature

The swell directions and the ship course are oriented like the wind: in agreement
with the meridians and parallels of the map:

Figure 8-5: Full data display at ground level

ERS1 message
The messages are colored according to the wind speed:
 From 0 to 5 Kts, grey
 From 5 to 10 Kts, light blue
 From 10 to 15 Kts, royal blue
 From 15 to 20 Kts, green
 From 20 to 25 Kts, yellow

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

 From 25 to 30 Kts, orange

 From 30 to 35 Kts, red
 From 35 to 40 Kts, brown
 From 40 to 45 Kts, mauve
 From 45 to 50 Kts, violet
 From 50 Kts upwards dark violet.

The color map used is from NOAA server.

8.2.2. Display preferences

8.2.2.1. Modifying the displayed parameters

1. Active display of isolines and/or observations locations by ticking the related
check boxes.
2. In the viewing window, click on the icon-button.
The parameter configuration dialogue window appears:

Isolines

Observation
locations

Figure 8-6: Modifying the displayed parameters

• Modifiable parameters

If you select: You can modify:

Observation locations The size and color
Isolines For the grid:
 Numbers of points for latitude
 Numbers of points for longitude
For each points of the grid:
 Minimum of observation numbers located at a
max distance of the grid point
 This max distance

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.2.2.2. Choosing the information displayed in a Full plotted

chart

In a Full data window, it is possible to choose the parameters which are to be

displayed.

 Choosing the information to be displayed in a Full plotted chart

1. Tick the plotting check box .

2. Click on the icon
The following window appears:

Figure 8-7: Full data parameters configuration

3. Choose the parameters to be displayed by ticking the boxes. The Reset

button returns to the original selection.
4. Click on OK.
The visualization window is updated to take into account the new selection.

8.2.2.3. Customize the full data plotting

In a Full data window, this function allows a chart to be plotted only with the
following parameters:
• Four parameters chosen from a menu
• Possibly the wind
• Possibly the cloud cover

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

 Customize the full data plotting

1. Tick the plotting check box .

2. Click on the icon
3. Click on the th4 button.
The following window appears:

Figure 8-8: Customize the full data plotting

4. Choose the parameters to be displayed by ticking the boxes.

The Reset button returns to the original selection.
5. Click on OK.
The visualization window displays the observations that have been found for
the parameters which have been selected.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.2.3. Conditional plotting

In a Full Data window, user can select a message in order to display the
corresponding data, and choice a different colour for observations or crosses whose
value satisfies a logical condition. For instance: display in blue color the Full Data
for which T is less than 0°C (Thresholdings)
A condition window permits the user to:
• choose observation display colour
• enter a logical condition
The colour choice menu contains five particular colours:

do not display the relevant observations

color of the present weather

color of low clouds

color of medium level clouds

color of high clouds

Thus it is possible to display a parameter where each observation is the color of its
present weather (for instance dark green: snow, light green: drizzle, orange:
shower...).

 Display a conditional plotting

1. Click on the button .

The following window appears:

Figure 8-9: Full data parameter

Page 8-11
SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

When this window is initially selected, the default-selected boxes are those
originally selected in the initial Plotting window
2. Click on button for messages you want to be displayed / masked.
3. Choice the parameter and eventually its associated condition to parameter
the plotting.

You can combine two conditions with And / Or logical operators

The Reset button returns to the original selection.

4. Click on OK.
The viewing window displays in the chosen color, the observations which
satisfy the condition you entered.

The criterion can be a function of a non plotted parameter, for instance wind
gusts>10m/s.

8.2.4. Gauges
In addition of mobile gauge, two kinds of gauges are available:

• the descriptive gauge to display information explicitly.

• the magnifying gauge to display information that are only seen as

crosses in the window.

8.2.4.1. Descriptive gauge

The descriptive gauge allows the value of the parameters at a given point, (even if
the observation is not plotted) to be explicitly displayed.
It can display information that is not in the All Data display, for instance:
• station, ship, buoy, or airplane name,
• station or airplane altitude,
• wind gusts.

 Display the descriptive gauge

1. Click <R> on the Descriptive gauge button .

The parameter control window appears.
2. Check the parameters to display in the gauge:

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Figure 8-10: Descriptive gauge parameter control

3. Close the window.

The gauge is active. The cursor movements in the viewing window are
followed by the gauge display:

Figure 8-11: Descriptive gauge viewing

 Stopping the descriptive gauge

• Click once again on the Descriptive gauge button.

8.2.4.2. Magnifying glass gauge

In an All data window, the magnifying glass gauge allows the values of the
parameters that are only seen as crosses in the window.

 Display the magnifying glass gauge

1. Click on the button .

The gauge is active. The movement of the cursor in the visualization window
is followed by the display of the gauge.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Figure 8-12: The magnifying glass gauge

 Stopping the magnifying glass gauge

1. Click once again on the button.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.3. Radiosounding Observation

8.3.1. Implementation

8.3.1.1. Defining the parameters

Figure 8-13: Defining parameters from radiosoundings

Selecting the levels

The upper air plotting dialogue window has a line of buttons allowing the level in
hPa to be chosen. The airplane observations are not all located exactly at the
requested level. They are extracted ni a 5% bracket above or below the standard
altitude of the map. Their exact vertical position is indicated in hPa.
Click in the corresponding button to choice a level in hPa.
Time bracket
The time bracket for airplane data is one hour, centered on the requested time. The
bracket is four hours, centered on the previous hour for observations from soundings.
Data representation
The data Are represented by

TEMP or PILOT

Flight obs: AIREP, AMDAR and

ACAR
SATOB

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Figure 8-14: Upper air All Data display

8.3.2. Viewing preferences

The viewing preferences are the same as described for observations at ground level.

8.3.3. Conditional plotting

The use of this function is the same as described for observations at ground level.

8.3.4. Gauges
The gauges are the same as described for observations at ground level.

8.3.5. Vertical profile

In an upper air plotting window, it is possible to display a vertical profile on a 761
emagram. This vertical profile can be an observed upper-air sounding or a
measurement made from an aircraft of the ACARS type.

The ACARS are measured by aircraft during their take-off phase. These
measurements are considered as pseudo upper-air sounding linked to the aircraft
departure airport. A vertical profile requested for an airport leads to the display of as
many windows as aircraft that have taken off during a time interval equal to ± 30
minutes either side of the chosen hour.

 Display a vertical profile

1. Click on the Vertical profile button

2. Click <L> on a point corresponding, for instance to a TEMP observation in
the viewing window.
The mouse cursor turns into a cross in a circle .
3. Click <L> once again.

If all the necessary data are available, the vertical profile is displayed in a
sub-window as shown across the page.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Figure 8-15: Vertical profile window obtained from a TEMP

4. It is possible to repeat the operations 2 and 3 as many times as required.

Operations 2 and 3 can be replaced by a double-click.

The size of the vertical profile gets bigger with its window, in order to increase
information readability.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.3.6. Refresh

The button displays a counter that goes up as new items of data arrive in
addition to the chosen observation hour. The location of these observations is shown
by a small orange square.

Clicking for a second time on the button forces the window to be updated,
taking these observations into account.

8.3.7. Scan

The button activates a real-time update of the data being displayed. The
observation hour is also updated if necessary.
Difference between Refresh and Scan:
If the refresh is activated at 14:00 on data plotted from the observation hour at 14:00,
at 16:00 the window will contain a complete plotting of the observation hour as it
was at 14:00.
If the scan is activated at 14:00 on data plotted from the observation hour at 14:00, at
16:00 the window will contain a plotting of the latest data received to a depth of one
hour, some of which will date from 16:00. The time window is updated.

8.3.8. Selecting several levels

Selecting several levels
To select a range of coordinates, click on one of the buttons, then click on one of the
buttons adjacent to the selected button and continue clicking on this button until the
desired range is selected.
It is only possible to select a range of levels if one single type of message has been
selected.

8.3.9. Aircraft flight path

 Display the flight path

1. In the Plotting menu, select the Upper air data type.
2. Select the Flight obs. messages.
The Flight obs will display the Amdar, Acars and Airep messages.

3. In the viewing window, tick the orange arrow check box .

The flight paths are displayed as follows:

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

4. The plane ID is displayed in the gauge:

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.4. Min. & Max.

8.4.1. Implementation

Figure 8-16: Defining the Min. (and Max.) search parameters

8.4.2. Preferences
The preferences are identical to those described for the surface observations:
• general preferences
• information displayed in a TH ( plotted chart)
• tailor-made plotting

8.4.3. Conditional plotting

The use of this function is the same as described for observations at ground level.

8.4.4. Gauges
The mobile gauges are identical to those described for the ground observations.
An additional gauge is available:

• the MinMax gauge

 Display the MinMax gauge

1. Click <L> on the MinMax gauge button .

2. Point the mouse in the view.
The message type, the name of the station and the min or max are displayed
as follows:

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.5. Accumulated precipitations

Two types of periods can be selected for accumulated precipitations:

• standard accumulation periods (RR1, RR2, RR…, etc.),
• specific accumulation periods (RR).

8.5.1. Implementation

Figure 8-17: Defining the parameters for accumulated precipitations

Button Meaning

Predefined accumulations.

Tailor-made accumulations.
The accumulation duration can be selected using the reference
line.
Accumulations starting from a certain date.
Tailor-made accumulations.
The 6MN accumulation duration can be selected using the
reference line.
For this type of accumulation, only select the Radom6MN
messages.

Different types of accumulations are proposed:

On the map, the following symbols are used:
• a + sign above the digit before the decimal point indicates that data has been
retrieved.
• if items of data are missing, the number of missing items is displayed as a
negative number above the decimal point:

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

Two items of
data missing

Accumulation
Accumulation plotted with plotted with
no missing items of data reconstitution of

Figure 8-18: Symbols used for accumulated rainfalls

8.5.2. "Since" RR accumulations

In the ObsDB Accumulations dialogue box, a “Since” button allows you to obtain an
interactive accumulation of rainfall since the date selected.

Figure 8-19: ObsDB plotting window

8.5.3. "During" RR accumulations

The RR Accumulations button allows you to select an accumulation duration using a
cursor, up until the selected observation hour.

Figure 8-20: ObsDB plotting window

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

8.5.4. Preferences
Not available.

8.5.5. Conditional plotting

The use of this function is the same as described for observations at ground level.

8.5.6. Gauges

8.5.6.1. Graph gauge

The graph gauge contains the history of the rainfall accumulation:

Figure 8-21: Descriptive gauge for 12-hour accumulation (RR12)

The scale is adapted according to the quantity of rainfall.

8.5.6.2. Magnifying glass gauge

The operation of the magnifying glass gauge is identical to that described for the
ground observations.

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SYNERGIE Plotting ObsDB

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9. Satellite imagery

Presentation
Implementation
Colormap modification
Implementing specific gauges
Specific function modes
Specific features of animation
Temporal accumulation of data
Mosaicking images
Dating and quality metadata

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.1. Presentation
Use the Satellite module to display the images transmitted by geostationary or near-
polar orbiting satellites. Several standard display functions facilitate data analysis.
One specific function allows the colormap to be modified.
This module can also be used to view forecast satellite images (FSI).

9.2. Implementation

To get a satellite image, click on the button in the SYNERGIE Menu

window. A dialogue window appears, in which the selection parameters of the
images required are defined.

9.2.1.Defining the parameters

Figure 9-1: Satellite window

9.2.1.1. Selecting the nature of the satellite

To choose a type of satellite (geostationary or polar orbital), click on the
corresponding button.

Page 9-2
SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

Selecting the channel or the product

To choose a channel click on the corresponding button:
The button: Allows access to the kind of pictures:
IR, IR4 infra red
VIS visible
WV water vapor
CC (Afro, dust) colored composed image ( infrared and
visible)
CTH-R & CTHNR Height of the top of the clouds
Class N: Cloud classification
Cn label: N° & description of the polar orbiting
satellite channel
Other satellite pictures on demand Other satellite pictures on demand

9.2.1.2. Selecting the date and time of the shot

The geostationary satellite shots are taken at regular intervals (every 15 minute with
MSG over Europe, for instance). Certain images are received at irregular times
(near-polar orbiting satellites, for one).

In the case of near-polar orbiting satellites, the time displayed in the window title is
the starting time of the acquisition for the latest orbit which makes up the mosaic.
Each orbit is separated by 102 minutes. The image is only available for one hour
(variable processing time) after the time displayed in the viewing window.

 Pre-view a picture and modify the link to the area on the preview
1. Click on a blue button of the catalogue: a picture preview is displayed on the left
square.

Figure 9-2: Picture preview

This function gives an indication of the area covered by available pictures.

Page 9-3
SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

2. Click on the preview

A viewing window appears:

3. Choice the data’s area link or type a non-suggested link (this forced link
modifies the preview icon).

This “forced” link keep actual as long as product, date or animation stays
unchanged.
4. Click on Apply button.
The preview becomes red when the link is forced.

 View a picture
The catalogue allows the images actually available on the server to be viewed.
It is possible by:
• double-clicking on a button in the catalogue: the selected image is
displayed,
or
• selecting the time and date using the horizontal scroll bars. In this case,
after validation, SYNERGIE displays the latest validated image.

9.2.1.3. Selecting the area

Click on the radio button corresponding to the area to study.

9.2.1.4. Validating the choices

To validate the choices, click on the OK action button.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.2.2.Viewing window description

After selecting the parameters and validating the choices, a viewing window
appears:

Figure 9-3: IR satellite image

9.2.2.1. Elements in the window

This window contains:
• standard function buttons,

It is possible to superimpose any satellite image from the same time. In this case,
modify display with transparencies (see color rang), or with the mode ” under”
• Mouse mode:

The button: Allows access to the function mode:

Under

Isolines and advection

• the button to display the image characteristics,

• buttons to access mobile gauges features, especially:
• a descriptive gauge,
• a surface gauge.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

• The button allows to choice a color-map,

• check boxes allowing data to be superimposed :
• IR,VS,WV, for each of the images
• Time information if available
• Quality pixel data
• Information concerning the resolution if available
Icons identify these check boxes.
The central part of the window shows the satellite image on the area chosen for
study.

9.2.2.2. Information window contents

The image characteristics are displayed by clicking on the button.

Figure 9-4: Information window

The information displayed is about:

• the size of the product in the database (server)
• the size of the displayed image
• the sampling/enlargement factor product/screen

The enlargement factor indicates:

• a sampling: loss of information compared to the original product (server),
if the window is smaller than the available portion of image,
• an enlargement: duplication of certain points if the window is larger than
the available portion of image,

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

• equivalence between the initial product and the screen window. It is an

approximate equivalence, taking into account possible intermediate
reproductions that can modify the geometry of the image.
The resolution of the image may be determined by using the descriptive gauge.

9.2.2.3. Quitting the visualisation window

To exit the window, click on the button.

9.2.3.Quitting the satellite imagery

To exit the Satellite images, click on the Quit button in the viewing parameters
selection dialogue window.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.3. Colormap modification

The different colors or gray levels of the satellite images correspond to the different
values of the meteorological parameter measured by the satellite channel.

Examples of use
• When a cloud cover classification is superimposed on an IR image, the
palette can be defined so as to visualize the stratus class

• On a coloured composition, information concerning cold temperatures

can be displayed by superimposing an IR image on a coloured
composition; to do this, it is possible to render anything warmer than a
given threshold, transparent.

Displaying the colourmap

To modifiy the colourmap that is applied to an image, click on the button

located in the top right hand corner. A window showing the list of palettes available
is shown.

Colourmap definition window

The proposed window contains fields adapted to the meteorological parameters
which are displayed.

The figure below shows the palettes that are available for an IR image:

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

Figure 9-5: Colourmap for an satellite IR image

This window contains:

• A list of different colourmap palettes
• A zone for adjusting the threshold values allowing the values outside of
the threshold limits to be distinguished
• Three different functions :
• The thresholding using transparency making the values
outside of the threshold limits transparent
• The thresholding using opaqueness making values outside
of the threshold limits opaque
• The contrast between thresholds adjusting the image to give
maximum contrasts of the image using the gray scale between
chosen threshold values

Since version 4.1, thresholds are saved in macros

A contrast is possible only if colormap name is in blue color

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

• Action buttons :
• OK which allows the window to be closed whilst validating the
last colormap selected.
• Exit which allows the window to be closed whilst validating the
colormap previously chosen.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.4. Implementing specific gauges

9.4.1.Descriptive gauge
The descriptive gauge allows the value of the parameters at a given point to be
displayed, and in particular the characteristics of the pixels:

• Pixel resolution
• Pixel quality
• Date /time information
Activation of the descriptive gauge

The gauge is activated and deactivated by clicking on the icon button .

Figure 9-6: descriptive gauge

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.4.2.Surface gauge
The descriptive gauge allows the value of the parameters in a given surface area to
be displayed.
Activation of the surface gauge

The gauge is activated and deactivated by clicking on the icon button

Figure 9-7: Surface gauge

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.5. Specific function Modes

The specific function modes are

The button: Allows access to the function mode:

Under

Isolines and advection

9.5.1.Display mode “ Under “

When one or more images are superimposed on top of one another, the « Under »
mode allows a mobile « window » to be opened which renders the top image
transparent and hence gives the vue of the image immediately underneath the top
image on the screen.

When there are no images superimposed, the window shows the image without the
background screen view.

9.5.1.1. Examples of use

This allows for a same geographical area, the comparison of two different channels.

9.5.1.2. Implementation
 Activation of the “under” mode

Clicks on the icon button “Under” .

The mouse is on “under” mode.
 Display an “under” window
1. Click <L> without releasing the button in the visualization window top
left of the required area. A frame appears on the window.
2. Without releasing the <L> button, move the mouse cursor diagonally
down to form the window over the required area.
3. When the required size of window has been made, release the button.
4. Click on <L> inside the window, to visualize what is “underneath” the
top image.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

Figure 9-8: “Under” mode activated

If the user clicks once again inside the window, the under window is closed and the
superior coat of the image is once again displayed.

 Moving an under window

1. Click on <C> button inside the frame

The cursor takes this shape: .

2. Without releasing the button, move the window to the required location
and release the button.
 Deleting an under window
1. Click on <R> button of the mouse to delete the window.

 Deactivation of the “under” mode

1. Click on another mode action button.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.6. Specific features of animation

The aim is to animate the maximum number of images at the best resolution. This
must make it possible to keep the best resolution, whatever level of zoom is
requested. The consequence of this is the memory load which can be very high
depending on the original image: there must therefore be a downgraded mode in
order not to take up too much memory if it is not necessary.

Figure 9-9: Satellite animation window

The scroll menu allows you to choose 3 possible animation options: default Standard
(STD) Mode, SPE Mode, ISP STD.

9.6.1.Default Standard (STD) Mode

This is the mode usually used for SYNERGIE’s animations. The frequency and
resolution of MSG generate high memory loads. To verify this observation and
understand the advantage of the new SPE Mode, you can carry out the following
test:

• View an image and prepare an animation of 48 images (e.g. CC_GENE

24b JN on the Globe_EurAfrique area),
• Note the memory load (in the example, it is approximately 1.2 Go =
nb_pix * nb_lig * 16bits=2octets * 48img, where nb_pix and _nb_lig are
the dimensions of the image at full resolution (server)),
• Launch the animation, which will often fail because there is not enough
memory available.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.6.2.SPE Mode
This so-called “Special” mode allows you to by-pass the above limit. The following
test allows you to evaluate the advantage of this mode:

• Launch the same animation of 48 images again,

• Note the memory load (in the example, it is approximately 70 Mo, i.e.
2 multiplied by the size of the window, multiplied by 16 bits for
48 images),
• This time, the animation is loaded completely.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.7. Temporal accumulation of data

A button allows you to carry out the temporal accumulation of the images
through the following window:

Figure 9-10: Accumulation definition window

It allows you, for example on Sea Surface Temperature images, to complete the
information under the cloud cover.

By means of the descriptive gauge, you can access the dating information that allows
you to find out, for each pixel, the time of the pixel being displayed.

Avoid having too great an accumulation depth: limit it to 50 images.

New in version 4.1: it is possible to accumulate images in 24 bits.

While this is essential for assembling orbits of NEAR-POLAR ORBITING
SATELLITES, it is becoming of questionable interest for GEOSTATIONARY
SATELLITES. However, the result is sometimes surprising. For example, about a
dozen of CC_GENE 24b JN can be accumulated (according to the maximum) on a
clearly markedpost frontalweather: this gives an idea of the flow (or the different
flows), according to the type of clouds (low or high). It is, in a way, a "stationary
animation"

Accumulation of orbits of near-polar orbiting satellites: the only orbit-by-orbit

images available are in the "EXPDEF" experimental mode. It is therefore necessary
to choose to view channels c2 and/or c4 on the Acq_Lannion area from EXPDEF:

• Accumulation according to the most recent pixel (the images are shown
orbit-by-orbit)
• Accumulation according to the zenithal angle of the satellite (DAZ), i.e.
the pixel closest to the satellite’s ground trace
• Last image from a series of orbits (in general 3 images)
• Possible disabling of one or more toggles in the ACCUMULATION
dialogue box using the middle mouse button (valid for all accumulations)
Look at the dating information.

On the Acq-Lannion area, zoom in a long way to appreciate the sharpness of the
coast outlines.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.8. Mosaicking images

Mosaicking images in the satellite data viewing window allows you to coherently
assemble 2 superimposed images. The criterion for selecting a pixel from one or the
other of the images is the pixel’s longitudinal distance from the longitude of the
satellite’s sub-point. It is therefore impossible to activate this function for a
projection other than the SPACEVIEW (as the source).

This function is possible for identical products, such as 2 IR_MTL images, or a

MET5 IR_MTL image and an MSG IR-10.8 image, but assembling 2 different
products is of no interest.

A specific toggle is created. Using the "UNDER" mode, it is possible to compare the
superimposition and the mosaic. The mosaic image can be animated and saved as a
macro. In version 4.1, the scan has not yet been integrated.

9.8.1.Implementation

 Activation of the Mosaic mode

1. Ask for a satellite image to be displayed on an area that exceeds the nominal
coverage of a geostationary satellite, for example.

2. Switch to superimposition mode by clicking on .

3. Re-open the satellite box .

4. Click on the Preview button.

A dialogue window opens.

5. From this dialogue window, choose another data coverage area in Spaceview.

6. Validate.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

7. Click on OK in the satellite window.

8. Click on the button.

This mosaicking procedure is only applicable for comparable satellite

products and data in areas in Spaceview projection.

Figure 9-11: Simple superimposition (example from Synergie V4.1)

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

Figure 9-12: Example of a mosaic (example from Synergie V4.1)

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

9.9. Dating and Quality Metadata

The data obtained from MSG is accompanied by metadata concerning the dating or
quality of the calculation algorithm.

The dating data allows you to know the difference in minutes between the dating
time of the displayed image and the time of the pixel under the mouse.

The quality data allows you to know, for each pixel, whether the calculation
algorithm processing operations were nominal or were carried out in a downgraded
way.

This metadata is loaded via specific toggles that are available in the default list of
toggles. This data does not modify the direct display, but is displayed via the
multiple or descriptive gauge functions.

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SYNERGIE Satellite imagery

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SYNERGIE Lightning

10. Lightning

Presentation

Implementation

Page 10-1
SYNERGIE Lightning

10.1. Presentation

The Lightning module makes it possible to display:

• the impacts detected by Météo-France's lightning network, operated by
Météorage,
• data from another network: Long distance UK Met Office impacts.
SYNERGIE allows you to obtain the lightning impact records over a given period of
time in the form of points or in the form of a density for a geographical area.

10.1.1. Origin of data

The data can come from the Météorage networks or another network.

10.1.1.1. Météorage

Météorage data covers France, Italy and Spain. Météorage detects lightning impacts
(cloud-to-ground lightning).

10.1.1.2. Other Network

This data is of the same type as that provided by the Météorage network.

10.1.2. Data types

The Impacts plotting mode makes it possible to display the lightning impacts
detected over a given period of time individually.
The Density plotting mode offers mapping of lightning density (number of impacts
per km2) based on a 15x22 km calculation grid.

10.1.3. Display features

Several display features make data analysis easier.

Page 10-2
SYNERGIE Lightning

10.2. Implementation

To display a lightning map, click on the button in the SYNERGIE Menu.

A dialogue window is displayed. This window allows you to define the selection
parameters for the data to be displayed.

10.2.1. Defining parameters

Selecting the
data origin

Selecting one or
two quality classes

Selecting the
type of data

Selecting the
period

Selecting the
date and the
hour

Action
buttons
Selecting the areas

Figure 10-1: Lightning window

10.2.1.1. Selecting the data origin

To select the origin of the data, click on the corresponding button:

10.2.1.2. Selecting the quality of data

By default, the two quality classes are selected to display all impacts whatever the
quality of their location.
• Default quality: quality codes from 4 to 7 in the database
• Complementary quality: code 0 to 3 in the database

10.2.1.3. Selecting the type of data

To select the type of data, click on the corresponding button:

• Impacts plotting: one symbol by impact:
- square, diamond (if the origin of data is Meteorage)
- disc ( if the origin of data is UKMO)
• Density plotting: color range related to the number of impact by km2

Page 10-3
SYNERGIE Lightning

Figure 10-2: Example: Meteograge Impacts plotting

The gauge displays the time of the impact, its intensity, its quality location code (Q5)

Figure 10-3: Impact Density

Page 10-4
SYNERGIE Lightning

The gauge displays the density range: from 0.30 to 0.40 impacts clouds-ground by
km2

10.2.1.4. Selecting the end date and time for the episode under
consideration

Lightning impact record data regularly feeds into the SYNERGIE database.
The date and time are selected using horizontal scrollbars.

10.2.1.5. Selecting the area

Click on the radio button corresponding to the area to be studied.

10.2.1.6. Confirming choices

To confirm the choices made, click on the OK action button.

10.2.2. Description of the viewing window

After the parameters have been defined and the choices made have been confirmed,
a viewing window is displayed.

Standard functions Mouse operating modes

Mobile
gauge

Check boxes Multiple

(toggles) gauge

Information on the
number of
impacts

Figure 10-4: View of lightning locations

10.2.2.1. Items in the window

This window contains:

• access buttons for the standard functions,
• buttons to change how the mouse operates,

Page 10-5
SYNERGIE Lightning

• the button that allows the legend for the view to be displayed,
• checkboxes (toggles) that allow data to be superimposed by clicking on the
corresponding box.
For the chosen study area, the central portion of the window shows:
• the impacts displayed on the map (for a lightning location map),
• the density range in number of impacts per km2 (for a density map).

Figure 10-5: View of the density

10.2.2.2. Symbols

The Meteorage impacts are represented by a diamond (positive impact) or by a

square (negative impact)
The long distance UKMO impacts are represented by a disc, larger than a diamond
to avoid confusing.
Long distance UKMO Positive Meteorage Negative Meteorage

Page 10-6
SYNERGIE Lightning

10.2.2.3. Color

The color of the symbol is related to the oldness of the impact in the displayed
period. There is 6 colors and so 6 oldness ranges.

The color - period matching is available by clicking on the button:

10.2.2.4. Graphical overload for low quality

The graphical overload for UKMO varies according to the value of the quality code:
Code Graphical overload Location error Example

3 Horizontal radius on the right 17 km

2 Horizontal diameter 25 to 57 km

1 Horizontal diameter + 86 to 126 km

vertical radius
0 Cross 191 to 437 km

The graphical overload for Meteorage is a an horizontal line for quality codes form 0
to 3: impacts in these quality classes are unusual.

10.2.2.5. Legend contents

The legend is displayed by clicking on the button:

Figure 10-6: Legend for a lightning location map

Page 10-7
SYNERGIE Lightning

It includes:
• the number of impacts per period,
• the number of positive impacts,
• the number of negative impacts,
• the total number of impacts.
When zoom is used, the legend is updated for impacts contained in the enlarged area
only.

The legend for density maps appears as follows:

Figure 10-7: Legend for a density map

10.2.2.6. Gauge contents

When the cursor is pointing the location of an impact, the gauge provides various
information according to the type of data represented:
• For the Location representation, the gauge indicates:
- the time of the point of impact in hours and minutes,
- the polarity (positive or negative),
- the amplitude or intensity, from 0 to 2000 hecto-amperes,
- the number of return arcs (from 1 to 14).

Page 10-8
SYNERGIE Lightning

Characteristics of the Geographic

impact coordinates

Figure 10-8: Location gauge

• For the Density representation, the gauge indicates the density range (as the
number of impacts per km2) associated with the colour that the mouse cursor is
pointing to.

Density of Geographic
the impact coordinates

Figure 10-9: Density gauge

10.2.2.7. Indicator of partial data

The lightning data are received every 5 minutes on a 5 minutes duration. They can
be displayed on a larger duration (from 5 min to 24 h).
If data are missing, the number of received data is indicated in the title of the
window. It points out minimized lightning accumulation due to partial missing data.
In our example only 202 messages have been received for a period that contains 288
intervals of 5 minutes.

Page 10-9
SYNERGIE Lightning

If the lightning is superimposed to other data, the number of received data is

displayed in the check box title when you point the mouse.

10.2.2.8. Color convention to distinguish origin or quality of data

Lightning data can be viewed with all quality classes combined, or by distinguishing
the nominal quality class from the lower quality class. When the two quality classes
are distinguished, there are two superimposition check boxes.
The icon will be:
• blue for the long distance UKMO network when all qualities are selected.
• magenta for the Meteorage network when all qualities are selected.
• purple for the nominal quality class (code 4 to 7) whatever the origin of data.
• black for the lower quality class (code 0 to 3) whatever the origin of data

These colors are also used to display the number of impact on the view.
The check boxes will be always:
• magenta for the Meteorage network
• blue for the long distance UKMO network

Blue check box:

Long distance
UKMO

Magenta check
box: Meteorage

Purple: nominal
quality class

Black: lower quality

class

Blue: long distance

with both quality
classes selected

Figure 10-10: Example from Synergie V4.5

10.2.2.9. Display the transmission areas of the long distance UKMO

network

The borders of the transmission areas of the long distance UKMO network can be
displayed on the viewing window

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SYNERGIE Lightning

 Display the borders of the UKMO transmission areas

1. Click .
2. Select the Vector chart background item.
3. Select Area tab.
4. Tick Foudre LD Ztrans.
5. Tick the Toponymy check box.

6. Click OK.
The borders are displayed as follows:

Figure 10-11: Example from Synergie V4.5

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SYNERGIE Lightning

10.2.2.10. Closing the window

To close the window, click on the button.

10.2.3. Quitting the Lightning module

To quit the Lightning module, click on the Quit button in the dialogue window used
to define the parameters.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

11. Metgrams

Presentation
Implementation
Scan
Reference line
Descriptive gauge in the metgram window
Display parameters

Page 11-1
SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.1. Presentation

The Metgram application makes it possible to view changes over time in all types of
data (observed, forecast, models, climatology, etc.) for any meteorological parameter
at a specific place.
There are two ways to view a metgram. Either through the operating mode present in
certain applications, or through the specific application. In both cases, the viewing
window is identical. The only difference is the presence of buttons making it
possible to superimpose and to construct a macro when the call comes from the
specific application.
This tool is fully configurable and can be enriched according to user requests or
comments.

11.1.1. Choice of parameter

The parameters available depend on the source, origin and type of data.

11.1.2. Choice of site

The sites available are listed in a scroll list, unless the selection is limited by keying
in a latitude and longitude. If it exists, this list depends on the source and origin of
the data. All the lists can be configured by the administrator.

11.1.3. Choice of time limits

Any runs that correspond to the forecasts, as well as the beginning and end dates, are
chosen using horizontal scrollbars.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.2. Implementation

To obtain a metgram, click on the button in the SYNERGIE banner.

A dialogue window is displayed.
This window allows you to define the selection choices for the data to be displayed.

11.2.1. Defining the interface

The entire interface is managed using configuration files; the desired elements can
therefore be easily removed or added.

Source
Origin
Criteria

Parameter

Sites location

Area
selection

Time limit selection Site selection

Figure 13-1: Definition of the Metgrams interface

Page 11-3
SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.2.1.1. Selecting the data source

Selecting the data source determines the display of the origin selection buttons.
Each source generally corresponds to a specific extractor. Through configuration, it
is possible to add new sources, making it possible to access specific data that may be
stored on machines outside the scope of Synergie (e.g. Hydric reserves, Climatology,
Forest fire indices, etc.).
Select the data source by clicking on the corresponding radio button.

For the Surge section, tide information from the SHOM (French Naval
Hydrographic and Oceanographic Office) can be accessed from version 4.1
onwards.

11.2.1.2. Selecting the data origin

Selecting the data origin determines the display of the type selection buttons.
Select the data origin by clicking on the corresponding radio button.
If the selected data source is Model, the data origin buttons are displayed as follows:

If the selected data source is Observed data the data origin buttons are displayed as
follows:

11.2.1.3. Selecting the type of data

Selecting the type of data determines the display of the meteorological parameters
and criteria selection buttons.
Select the type of data by clicking on the corresponding radio button.

11.2.1.4. Selecting the data criterion

Data criterion selection is either available or unavailable depending on the type

selected. In addition, the selection of the criterion can take place before or after
parameter selection according to the links that exist between these two items (e.g. for
statistical adaptations, the "Raw" or "Processed" criterion selection takes place
before parameter selection because the selection of the criterion determines the
display of the meteorological parameter selection buttons; for models, the selection
of the criteria representing levels takes place after the selection of parameters that
determines the display of the buttons for the selectable criteria.).
Select the data criterion by clicking on the corresponding radio button.

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11.2.1.5. Selecting the meteorological parameter

You can select only one button representing one or more meteorological parameters.
If a button represents several parameters, each one of them must be present
individually in the list of parameters, and they must all belong to the same source,
origin and type.
Select a meteorological parameter by clicking on the corresponding radio button.

11.2.1.6. Selecting the site

According to the origin of the data, the site may be determined solely by coordinates
(e.g. wave model) or from a scroll list, or via both. If the list exists, its contents
indicate the extraction indicative, the associated name, its altitude and its
coordinates. It is possible to sort by each of these items. List content can be
configured by the administrator. Even if an indicative does not appear in the list, it
can be keyed in if it is known that the corresponding information is likely to be
present. Limited lists can therefore be created, which does not prevent access to the
other indicatives.

 Select a site
1. Select a site by clicking on its name in the list or key in its indicative or its
coordinates to the nearest 1/100,000th of a degree.
or
1. Click on a site into the map.

 Zoom the map

1. Click
2. Point the cursor on the left side of the area to zoom in then click <L>.
3. Keep the mouse pressed and drag the cursor to define the area.
4. Release the mouse button.

5. To zoom out, click

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

Choose all areas or Refresh the

a restricted area list

Zoom

Sort the list Select an

Selected site area

Figure 13-2: Selecting the site

11.2.1.7. Selecting time limits

According to the data, time limits are or are not determined by a run, and in all cases
are determined by a beginning date and an end date. The extreme limits can be
configured and depend on the type of data.
Color convention:
• Days displayed in yellow, can be selected.
• Day displayed in blue is the selected day.

Page 11-6
SYNERGIE Metgrams

Modify the month

Selected day

Modify the year

Day that can be selected

Duration between time limits

Figure 13-3: Observed data time limits

Modify the month

Modify the year

Days that can be

selected

Selected day

Duration between two time

ranges

Figure 13-4: Forecasted data : run selection

Page 11-7
SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.2.1.8. Confirming choices

To confirm the choices that have been made, click on the Validate button.

11.2.2. Description of the viewing window

A metgram window contains one or more graphs representing the changes in

meteorological parameters over time.
Each graph contains one or more plots. Each plot is represented by a checkbox called
a "toggle" which allows the plot to be activated or deactivated. Use the "Ctrl" button
to activate or deactivate several plots simultaneously.

Figure 13-5: Metgram window

For the symbols and bar graphs, missing data is represented with a cross. For
curves, the default for missing data is a dotted line, but this type of line can be
changed in the parameters window.

11.2.2.1. Units

The default display units can be changed via the configuration.

A single graph can contain plots with different units. The scale of values for two
different units can be visualised on either side of each graph. The mnemonics
representing these units are indicated in the boxes above the graph on the left and on
the right. The horizontal identification lines on the graph concern only the unit
indicated on the left.
The units related to a graph can be switched round.

Page 11-8
SYNERGIE Metgrams

• Click the left mouse button (<L>) on the mnemonic of the unit to be modified
to switch to the next unit.
• Click the middle mouse button (<M>) on the mnemonic of the unit to be
modified, then select the desired unit from the menu that is displayed:

If the cursor is moved over a graph, the value relating to its position is displayed in
the bottom right-hand corner of the window for the unit that is selected on the left of
the graph.

11.2.2.2. Time axis

If, in the displayed plots, some refer to a run, it is possible to display the time axis in
the form of dates or time ranges. For the application, the default choice can be
configured according to the type.

11.2.2.3. Location

In the lower portion of the window, there is generally a location section providing
information on each of the plots: place, unit, description.

This application can only be superimposed on itself, but all choices are allowed in
this context, making it possible to display both observed data and forecast data. If
this is possible, the superimposed dates try to pre-initialise with those of the initial
data.

As for macros, certain precautions must be taken.

• If the window where the macro is to be executed contains forecast data that
requires a run to be selected, the metgram must be constructed by taking this
selection as the initial data. This is because the limits for each of the data are
calculated relatively in terms of the first piece of data from the first window
selected to build the macro. If the initial piece of data that is used as a reference
does not include a run, macro playback will allow only a beginning and end
date to be selected.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

• It is also recommended to avoid complex macros containing metgrams and

windows belonging to other applications.

11.2.3. Quitting the Metgram

 Close the metgram window

1. To close the metgram window, click on .

11.3. Scan

The button activates a real-time update of the displayed data. The observation
hour is also updated if necessary.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.4. Reference line

This operating mode plots a vertical line across all the graphs, thus making it easier
to view a precise moment by correlation between the various plots. Symbols are
framed with two lines.

1. Click on .
2. Click the left mouse button (<L>) to plot the reference line at the date
corresponding to the cursor position.

Figure 13-6: View of metgrams with a reference line

3. Click the right mouse button (<R>) to remove or redisplay the reference line.
The duration between the reference line and the position of the cursor is
displayed in the bottom right-hand corner of the window.

If the gauge is activated, it also provides the items pertaining to the reference line.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

11.5. Descriptive gauge in the metgram window

 Displaying the descriptive gauge in the Metgram window

• Click on in the Metgram window.

In general, the gauge displays:
- the date or reference run, and the time range at which the cursor is
positioned with, in brackets, the date that corresponds to this time range.
- the value corresponding to the position of the cursor in relation to the
graph in question.

Figure 13-7: Descriptive gauge of the Metgram window

If the cursor is placed over a given point of the plot, the gauge indicates:
• in the same colour as the plot, the exact value at this point. For the wind, the
representation is ddd.fff.f, direction in 3 characters followed by the wind force
• other information concerning the plot.

Figure 13-8: Descriptive gauge with cursor over a given measuring point

If the reference line is active, the gauge also indicates:

• the date at which the reference line is positioned and the difference between the
reference line and the cursor position.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

Figure 13-9: Descriptive gauge with active reference line

11.6. Display parameters

 Modifying the display parameters of a graph

1. Click on in the Metgram window.

The parameters window is displayed:

Figure 13-10: Metgram parameters window

2. Choose and modify the display parameters.

3. Click on OK to confirm the parameters.

 Modifying the characteristics concerning the time axis

1. Modifying the Time limits:

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

The time limits can be modified but must remain within the initial limits. The
central cursors allow for fast movement, while the ends allow the dates to be
adjusted.
2. Changing the Display:
The dates can be viewed in the form of dates or in the form of time ranges if
there is a reference run. If the display in the form of time ranges is chosen, the
1st plot will serve as a reference for the run. It is then possible to have negative
time ranges (this choice is inactive if there is no run-based plot).

3. Giving a Data frequency:

The minimum display frequency can be changed. This can allow the size of the
graph to be reduced in order to maintain the time limits, but in this case all the
data will not be displayed if its frequency is lower than the minimum display
frequency that you have entered.

 Modifying the general characteristics of graphs

1. Title of the window:

2. Legend size toggle: indicates the maximum number of characters that can be
viewed next to the coloured button representing the plots.

3. Frequency coherence: Allows data, for which the measurement time does not
correspond to the expected frequency, to be viewed. For example, SYNOP
dated at a non-synoptic time. A message appears to inform the user when this
type of data is displayed.
4. Multi-unit: If this choice is authorised, it is possible to have one or more units
on a graph.

5. Selecting the graph: allows for the viewing and, if necessary, modification of
the characteristics of the plots pertaining to the selected graph.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

 Modifying the characteristics of a graph

1. Graph title: Allows the desired text to be displayed above the selected graph.
2. Units scale: The scale of each of the units on the graph can be modified. Click
the left mouse button (<L>) to display the menu allowing the desired unit to be
selected.

3. Modifying the characteristics of the scale: It is preferable to modify the pitch

before the beginning and end thresholds since the latter are rounded according
to its value.
4. Reference of the unit: If the reference is activated, the colour of the line and
the reference value can be changed. A horizontal line of a chosen colour will
allow the reference to be viewed on the graph. If the curve is above the
reference, it will be plotted in its basic colour. If it is below it, it will be plotted
in the additional colour.

Figure 13-11: View of a metgram with reference values

In the location section, reference is made to the two colours of the plot because only
one appears next to the toggle button and it may be that it does not correspond to the
plot if the latter is positioned entirely below the reference.

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

 Modifying the characteristics of the plots

Some of the characteristics of the plots can be modified:

1. Legend displayed to name the parameter. Its size is limited by the value in the
"Legend size toggle" field.
2. Colour of the plot.
3. Additional colour used when the reference of the unit is activated.
4. Type of plot for which the possibilities are different according to the
parameters.

5. Type of line.
6. Type of line for missing values.
7. Type of points to be used for the "Point" plot type.
8. Type of accumulation to be performed when this is possible.

• Accumulation is not activated:

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

Figure 13-12: Accumulation calculation not activated (no accumulation of data)

(example from Synergie V4.3)

• Accumulation of all data:

Figure 13-13: Initial view with accumulation of all data (example from Synergie V4.3)

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SYNERGIE Metgrams

Accumulation of all data: even if the time bracket is modified, the result is the same
at a given time.

Figure 13-14: View with accumulation of all data and modified time limits (example
from Synergie V4.3)

• Accumulation since the beginning of the metgram:

 Action buttons
1. Click on OK to confirm the parameters.
2. Click on Quit to quit the parameters window without making any changes to
the graph.
3. Click on Reset to reset the parameters window with the initial values.
4. Click on Cancel to retrieve the parameter values that were last confirmed.
These parameters can be introduced in a macro from version 4.1 onwards.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12. Vertical Profile

Presentation
Implementation
CAPE
Modifying the forecast Tx and calculating the associated Lifted Index
Hodograph

Page 12-1
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.1. Presentation
This module allows observed or forecast upper-air soundings on two types of plots to
be displayed:

• 761 emagram
• 765 emagram (or lower layers)
• Thephigram

The following meteorological parameters are plotted:

• temperature curves,
• wet bulb temperature curves (blue curve),
• plot of dew-point temperatures,
• plot of wind (direction shaft, and speed barbs),
• study of the stability of the layers,
• altitude curve,
• various diagnostics: the altitude of the freezing level and the -10 isotherm
in meters, characteristics of the ground level and tropopause levels (T and
P), characteristics (direction, speed, and pressure) of the maximum wind
levels,
• indexes relating to convection, calculated from the sounding.

The standard display functions are available.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.2. Implementation

To get a vertical profile, click on the button in the SYNERGIE Menu

window.
A dialogue window appears, to define the selection parameters of the upper-air
sounding to be displayed.

12.2.1. Defining the parameters

Figure 12-1: Vertical profile window

12.2.1.1. Selecting the data type

Two types of data are available:

• observed upper-air soundings,

• forecast upper-air soundings.
The parameters to be defined depend on the type of data to be displayed.

Page 12-3
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.2.1.2. Selecting the site

All the weather stations from which the soundings are made are in a scroll list.
Select a site:

• either by clicking on its name in the list,

• or by entering its code directly in the entry field.

12.2.1.3. Selecting the type of emagram

The plotted profile can be:

• a 761 emagram,
• a low level emagram,
• a tephigram

12.2.1.4. Selecting the time and date

If the Observation data type is selected, the dates and times are selected using a
calendar and a time list.
The upper-air soundings are usually done every twelve hours.

12.2.1.5. Selecting the model

If the Forecast data type is selected, the left-hand part of the dialogue window
looks like this:

Figure 12-2: Selecting the model

The model must be selected among a list of available models. This list is identical to
the list in the Models module.

12.2.1.6. Selecting the run and the range

If the Forecast data type is selected, the following vertical profiles are available:
• analyzed profile,
• forecast profile, at the ranges of the corresponding model.
The dates and times are selected using horizontal scroll bars.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

These scroll bars do not take into account the selected model and its time
characteristics.

12.2.1.7. Validating the choices

To validate the choices, click on the OK action button.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.2.2. Viewing window description

The observed and forecast upper-air sounding windows are identical.

12.2.2.1. 761 emagram (SkewT)

If the user selects an observed upper-air radiosounding on a 761 emagram, the
following window appears:
Simple gauge
(mobile)

WMO station Profile gauge

indicator (mobile)

Instability

Diagnosis
Wind direction
and speed

Temperature curve

Emagram grid:
-Temperatures: 45
Dew point degrees from vertical
- Pressures: continuous
horizontal lines
Layers stability
- Dry adiabatic: curved
analysis
continuous lines
- Wet adiabatic: curved
Wet bulb dotted lines
temperature curve
(blue curve)
Altitude curve

Fixed gauge

Figure 12-3: Observed vertical profile

Window elements
This window contains:

• buttons to access the standard functions: zoom, magnifying glass,

integration into a macro, mobile gauge, and animation (with a 12 hour
frequency),
• access button to the profile gauge allowing to display different
parameters values,
• arrows to display:
- the following and previous run of the considered range for a
forecast,
- analysis of the following and previous range for an analysis.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Analysis is considered to be an observed product.

• a specific action button CAPE, to simulate the rising of a parcel,
• buttons to get help, particularly the button, which gives additional
indications on the convective indexes that can be displayed in the window
• a Diagnostic check box to display diagnostics relating to the current
sounding: altitudes of the iso 0°, iso -10°, T and P at ground level and at
tropopause level, direction and speed of the maximum wind,
• an Indexes check box to display indexes relating to convection.
Additional information about these indexes is available using the
button (definitions, thresholds used, additional information sources...). If
the instability threshold is reached, the indexes are displayed in red.
 Indexes can be configured among this list:
- Telfer index
- Showalter’s stability index
- Lifted index
- Total Totals index
- Modified total Totals index
- Vertical Total index
- Cross Total index
- K index or George’s index
- Modified k index
- SWEAT
- FAUST index
- ADEDOKUN index
- ADEDOKUN2 index
- Total precipitable water
- Convective condensation level
- Convective temperature.

Stability analysis

The stability analysis is indicated as follows:

• SA absolute stability,
• IA absolute instability,
• ICL latent convective instability,
• ICS convective and selective instability,
• IS dry instability,
• SatS stable saturated layer,
• SatI unstable saturated layer.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Content of the gauge

The gauge contains
Fixed gauge the pressure, the temperature, and the ratio of saturated
mixture, as it is plotted on the emagram background.
Simple gauge mobile The mobile gauge contains additional information
about the emagram background (that is to say the
Theta potential temperature, and the potential pseudo-
adiabatic temperature, ThetaW (=WBPT), and so does
not contain any information relating to the sounding
plotted in the window.
Profile gauge mobile Parameter values (p,t, t, dd, ff) on the curve.
Move the mouse cursor on the curve to display values

12.2.2.2. Low level emagram

If an Low Level layer Emagram is selected in the dialogue window, the
following window appears:

Figure 12-4: Low level emagram display

Page 12-8
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.2.2.3. Thephigram
The Tephigram allows a radiosonde profile to be analysed for stability. It
allows calculations involving moisture content (e.g. saturated adiabatic lapse
rate) to be performed graphically.
If a Thephigram is selected in the dialogue window, the following window
appears:

Pressures: orange
continuous curved lines

Saturated adiabat:
continuous curved lines

Constant mixing ratio

(bleue dotted lines)

Tephigram grid:
Temperature as x-axis
and Potential
temperature as y-axis

Figure 12-5: Tephigram

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.3. CAPE

The CAPE allows the rising of a parcel in a sounding to be simulated.

 Activate the CAPE

1. Click on the CAPE icon-button .

2. Click <L> to choose the pressure and the Td of the parcel.

3. Click <L> a second time to choose the T° of the parcel.

4. Click <C> to cancel the temperature choice.

5. Click <R> to cancel all the choices.

6. Click on to launch the CAPE.

Figure 12-6: Convective available potential energy

Page 12-10
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.4. Modifying the forecast Tx and calculating the

associated Lifted Index

When there is a Lifted Index, a specific button appears on the right-hand side of
the viewing window:

Figure 12-7: Vertical profile viewing window with Lifted Index

This button allows you to open an interface to modify the maximum temperature
(Tx):

Page 12-11
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Figure 12-8: Window for modifying the Tx and calculating the associated Lifted Index

Page 12-12
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.5. Hodograph

The Hodograph mode can be accessed from any profile window (forecast or
observed), whether it comes from the “Vertical profiles” module or the “vertical
profile” mode activated in a model window.

Clicking on the button opens the Hodograph mode window.

12.5.1. The hodograph window

Display the wind

vectors

Display the
helicities

Access to colour-
management

Figure 12-9: Example of a hodograph window

Page 12-13
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

12.5.2. Displaying the wind vectors

To return to a
display without the
wind vectors

Figure 12-10: Display of wind vectors

12.5.3. Displaying the helicities

To remove the
helicities from the
display

Figure 12-11: Display of helicities

In this window:

• the green plot corresponds to the displacement vector.

By default, the value of this vector is the average wind in the lower layers, i.e. 2/3 of
the wind at 700 hPa.

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

• the blue plots correspond to the relative wind vectors and the area whose
2 2
value represents the helicity in m /s .
The values of the displacement vector (dddff), and the value of the helicity, are
displayed in the fields provided in the bottom left-hand corner of the window.

Operating mode:

It is possible to interact on the helicity with the mouse:

 Modifying the displacement vector

1. Position the cursor over the window and click on the right mouse button.
The tip of the vector is positioned where you clicked. The relative wind vectors
and the area are instantaneously re-plotted and the new values are refreshed in
the corresponding fields.
If you click and hold the right mouse button while moving the mouse in the window,
everything is re-plotted instantaneously.

The values of the displacement vector can also be typed into the text field: when you
enter the new values in the “dddff” text field, the plots and the new helicity value are
updated automatically.

 Giving the displacement vector the average wind value again

1. Click on the “Average wind” toggle.

The “Calculated displacement” toggle is inactive for the moment.

12.5.4. Saving helicity values

You may want to store the helicity values corresponding to different displacement
vectors for a short time. It is possible to store up to 3 values.

 Storing the current values

1. Click on the blue disk corresponding to the chosen storage (H1, H2, H3).
A stored value can be viewed by selecting the corresponding toggle:

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Figure 12-12: Storing the current values

12.5.5. Colour-management

The colours of the different plots can be modified.

 Modifying the colours

1. Click on the colour-management button. The following box opens.

Area for selecting the

Area for selecting the
different plots
colours

Figure 12-13: Colour-management box

Page 12-16
SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Select the plot whose colour you want to modify in the appropriate area, then choose
its new colour. The button selected in the left-hand area takes the chosen colour. You
can then modify other colours or quit the box using one of the 4 buttons.

This button… …allows you to…

Quit close the box without modifying anything
Default give all the items their original colour in the box
Apply apply the colours to the plots in the hodograph window
OK apply and then quit

12.5.6. Animations

When you animate the profile window, the hodograph window also becomes
animated. The different values of the displacement vectors and helicities are shown
in each of the animated images:

Figure 12-14: Animated hodograph window

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SYNERGIE Vertical Profile

Page 12-18
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

13. Alphanumeric Viewing

Presentation
Implementation
Configuration

Page 13-1
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

13.1. Presentation
The Alphanumeric viewing module allows any type of alphanumeric bulletin that
can transit over a message commutator (e.g.: TRANSMET) or over a satellite
broadcast system (e.g.: MDD, RETIM) to be selected and viewed. Thus, it is
possible to display meteorological information (marine, aeronautical, or general
forecast) which exists in text form, while benefiting from the functionality of the
present viewing systems.

13.2. Implementation

To start Alphanumeric viewing, click on the button in the SYNERGIE

Menu window. A dialogue window appears, to select the parameters of the data to
display.

13.2.1. Defining the parameters

Message
classes

Search
keyword

Dates and
times in UT

Case sensitive Emitting centers

Figure 13-1: Defining the alphanumeric data

13.2.1.1. Selecting the message classes

The various message classes displayed correspond to the user profile defined in the
configuration phase of the Alphanumeric viewing module. If no profile has been
defined, a standard profile is used. Otherwise, the profile that was used the previous
time the Alphanumeric viewing module was started up is automatically selected.
It is possible to select one, several, or all of the displayed message classes using
check boxes (the All check box allows all the message classes to be selected or
deselected).

Page 13-2
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

13.2.1.2. Selecting the emitting centers

Select a center in the proposed list by clicking on the From pull-down menu. One
center can actually group multiple stations ("FRANCE" covers all the French
stations, for instance).

13.2.1.3. Selecting the dates and times in U.T.

Define the beginning and end dates of the selection period and times in U.T. using
the horizontal scroll bars. The end date and time is updated each time the selection
window is opened.

13.2.1.4. Selecting a search keyword

This selection is optional. It can reduce the number of bulletins displayed in the
previewing window. The keyword will be searched for in all the messages that
correspond to the selected classes. The search can be case-sensitive, as well as being
on a whole word.

13.2.2. Viewing
To validate the choices and launch the search, click on the OK button. The message
viewing window appears:

Figure 13-2: Meteorological messages viewing window

Page 13-3
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

13.2.2.1. Window elements

This window contains:
• specific action buttons:

delete selected messages from the list

cancel the operations performed on the list of
messages
sort the list by class, station, TTAAii Code,
emitting center (CCCC), or date of validity

• an information button,
• the list of messages that correspond to the selection parameters,
• a viewing area displaying the selected messages.

13.2.2.2. Selecting the messages

Messages are selected by clicking <L>.

It is possible to select more than one message in the list by holding the left mouse
button pressed and moving up or down in the list, or by using [Shift]+<L>. It is
possible to select non-consecutive messages by holding down [Ctrl]+<L>.

13.2.2.3. Viewing the messages

The first selected message is displayed in the viewing area as follows:

Figure 13-3: Viewing the selected messages

Page 13-4
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

If more than one message is selected, they are separated by the following character
chain:
#####################################################

To go through the different messages, use the vertical scroll bar, or the arrows on the
keyboard.

13.3. Configuration
The configuration mode allows the following to selected:

• The screens to be used

• The message class associated to a user profile
After going into the configuration mode, click on the button . A configuration
window appears.

Figure 13-4: Configuration window

13.3.1. Selection of the parameter type

The parameter Screens allows the screen, on which the Alphanumeric Viewing
module is opened, to be defined.

The parameter Profile allows the class type of messages to be associated to a user
profile.

13.3.2. Selection of the classes

The All button allows all of the classes to be selected. When a class is selected for a
profile, the colour of the checking box changes.

Page 13-5
SYNERGIE Alphanumeric Viewing

13.3.3. Selection of the user profile

To each class, a user profile is defined. By clicking on the button , a

window appears

Figure 13-5: Profil modification

On this window, it is possible to :

• Enter the name of a new user profile
• Add a profile to the list of existing profiles
• Ordering of the list of profiles; the profile which is at the top of the list is
selected by default.
• Deletion of a user profile.

 Create a new user profile

1. Choose the parameter type Profil Alpha
2. Click on Profil…
3. Enter the name of the new user profile
4. Add this name to the list by clicking on the button
5. Place the name in the list at the desired location and press OK
6. Exit the configuration mode.

The selected user profile will be the default value at the next start of the
Alphanumeric viewing module.

Page 13-6
SYNERGIE External applications

14. External applications

Introduction
Eumetsat training
Noaa-NCEP Forecast
Png images
Product navigator

Page 14-1
SYNERGIE External applications

14.1. Introduction

The External applications module is accessible with the button.

Figure 14-1: Example of an “external applications” dialogue box

This module lets the administrator build simple access to external applications into
the general SYNERGIE banner: Eumetsat training, Noaa-NCEP Forecast, Png
images, Product navigator
This is done simply by configuration.

14.1.1. User desktop

These applications can be also accessed from the user task bar located at the bottom
of the user desktop:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Me n u o r b u tto n De s c rip tio n

1 Programs menu Display the menu tree
2 Switch mode Switch to user or administrator mode
3 Start Synergie Start Synergie.
Refer to the Synergie User manual. The manual is available on line by
selecting Programs / User manual
4 Start Synergie
UMARF
5 View png images Display png charts available in PUMA.
6 Manage data Start the data replay manager user interface.
replay Refer to the CONFIG - DATA REPLAY MANAGER - CLIENT user
manual
7 Starting Firefox Start Firefox Internet browser
8 View images Start GQview image viewer

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Me n u o r b u tto n De s c rip tio n

9 Text editor Start Gedit editor
10 Word processing Start OpenOffice word processor
11 Product Start GeonetCast product navigator to display the GeonetCast product
navigator catalogue
12 Noaa-NCEP Display forecast products from Noaa and NCEP
Forecast
13 Eumetsat Browse training files from Eumetsat.
training files
14 Exit Close Synergie

14.2. Eumetsat training

This space is available to store and browse training material provided by Eumetsat.

14.3. Noaa-NCEP Forecast

Forecast products are available grouped by production date.

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Select a date.
The list of available products is displayed as follows:

Click on a product type then on a product name to display the product as follows:

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14.4. Png images

This application allows you to display png charts acquired by PUMA:

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14.5. Product navigator

This application allows you to display the Geonetcast catalogue.

Click Product navigator.

The catalogue of products is displayed as follows:

Note : Only the descriptions of products are available.

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