Matching the Metaphor: Using Internet for Hydrologic Information

Shripad D. Deo and Eric A. Helgeson
National Weather Service, Central Region and Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), Colorado State University (contractor)

The term"seamless" is often used in the context of Internet and Web based information. The Central Region of National Weather Service has employed the redesigned web pages of hydrology to translate the metaphor into seamless navigation along the rivers covered by the Region to disseminate hydrologic information.

The web pages allow the user to move along the rivers to find a wide range of information about stages, flow, volume of river streams, probabilistic outlooks for up to 90 days, and information about potential for damage in the event of flooding in a layered and seamless format. This is a novel way to communicate hydrologic information in a consistent manner throughout the Region. It will also be presented as a model for all Regions of NWS.

This presentation will demonstrate the features of this new way of communicating vital hydrologic information through graphics to wide range of users. It includes navigation, maps, and data graphics. The presentation will enable the viewers see the potential of Internet to communicate useful information to act not only to protect life and property but also to make informed decisions about economic activities and recreation.

BIO - Shripad D. Deo Dr. Deo is social scientist with CIRA/CSU currently working on a project with National Weather Service, Central Region. He received his Ph.D. from University of Kentucky, Lexington and has taught at Colorado State University since 1992. His research focuses on sociology of science and technology, culture, and globalization. Mr. Helgeson is Lead Meteorologist at NWS, Rapid City, SD and leader of Central Region Web Services Team.

Auditorium - Paper Thursday, 9:40 - 10:00 A.M