THE ANU TRANSLATOR - FACILITATING COMPUTER VISUALIZATION AND DATA-ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE MODEL OUTPUTS

Computer visualization and data analysis tools are an essential compon ent in the study and evaluation of climate model output. A number of u seful visualization and analysis tools already exist, each with its ow n set of unique strengths. A translation tool is needed to convert dat a from the large number of model output formats into formats suitable for use with visualization and analysis tools. Such a translator would allow a researcher using a climate model to easily exploit a large nu mber of visualization and analysis tools. Our goal is to develop a tra nslation tool for UNIX computer systems that will be highly portable, very simple to use, and easily expandable. The translation program, Th e ANU translator will feature a graphical user interface when run on a ny system with an X11 interface. It will work with a number of climate model formats, including: CCM1, CCM2, RegCM2, MM5, CSIR09, and ANU-CT M. It will produce output in a range of data file formats, including V is5D, GrADS, and netCDF. NetCDF allows access to a range of analysis a nd visualization tools, including AVS, HDF, and GMT. Vis5D, GrADS, and the tools compatible with netCDF will enable the user to view data st atically or in animation, including the following critical options: (1 ) geographic distribution plots; (2) two-dimensional graphics; and (3) fully three-dimensional renderings. It is intended that this translat ion package be made widely available for use by the climate modelling community as a research and teaching aid. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd