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Real-time observing platforms and forecast model guidance output
About nowCOAST Bookmarkable Views Help/FAQ

 

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Main Components
Using Map Viewer
Using Databrowser
Tool Descriptions
Turn off Popup Blockers
Frequently Asked Questions

Main Components of nowCOAST:

nowCOAST Map Viewer Version 3

The NowCOAST user interface consists of two components working in unison. The first is the map viewer which provides visualization of nowCOAST's underlying data. The second is the 'Databrowser,' an interface that allows the user to view and browse forward and backward through websites displaying the observations and forecasts that they locate through the map viewer.

When a user opens the nowCOAST Web page in a browser, he/she is shown the map viewer with a default view of the continental U.S. as well as an introductory message with basic instructions on use of the site superimposed upon the map. The instructions include the step-by-step process to obtain observations or forecasts, as well as tips about common usage problems that users have encountered with the site.

The Map Viewer

The map viewer consists of a main frame to display the nowCOAST map as well as several peripheral frames that contain controls necessary to manipulate information displayed in the map. For more detail on use of the map viewer, click on 'Using the Map Viewer' at left. The map controls consist of the 'Jumpbar' above the map (step-by-step selection process to obtain information), the Map Layers list at right of the map, and Map Tools for manipulation of map and interaction with underlying nowCOAST data at bottom.

The Databrowser

The Databrowser maintains a record of user interaction with nowCOAST throughout the duration of the user's session. When a user hyperlinks to an observation or forecast from the map viewer, a record is added to the user's history with this information. Controls are provided in the Databrowser window that allow the user to browse forward and backward through this link history, making it easier to manage the information that they locate through nowCOAST. More details on use of the Databrowser are found in the 'Using the Databrowser' section at left.

NOTE: To utilize nowCOAST's full range of features, pop-up blockers on your Internet browser must be disabled as well as any blockers in toolbars (e.g. Google, Yahoo!, etc.) embedded in the browser.

Screenshots:

nowCOAST on-map data & imagery in conjunction with water level plots obtained via the DataBrowser

nowCOAST viewer and Databrowser used together during Hurricane Wilma to view on-map surface observations and a water level time series plot. 		Databrowser Controls

Databrowser interface controls
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