An advanced weather radar network for the Baltic Sea Region (BALTRAD)

Aim of the study

The BALTRAD project, headed by SMHI (Sweden), belongs to the framework of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007–2013. The purpose is to develop technical arrangements and methods intended to improve dissemination and use of radar data in the Baltic Sea Region countries. Among the project partners, or parties otherwise associated with BALTRAD, are various end-user organisations that utilize radar data.

BALTRAD web site

Implementation

The aim is to create arrangements and systems for producing high-quality real-time radar data for forecasters, authorities and decision makers. Experiences from the 15-year-old Nordic NORDRAD network will be to a certain extent taken into account. The work is divided into seven work-packages (and one additional work-package that was concentrated on the general preparatory work). The work-packages are Project Management and Administration (WP1), Communication and Information (WP2), Core Network (WP3), Data Catalogue (WP4), Production Framework (WP5), Deployment (WP6) and Pilots (WP7). STUK’s role in the project is that of an end-user organisation. Its main tasks include performing certain tests and producing radiation-threat-related pilot systems that benefit from radar data. Other pilot applications are likely to concern, for example, optimized traffic management, road clearing of snow (including reduced salt loads), aviation (de-icing) and improved flood forecasting.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

Various kinds of reports, conference presentations and probably also international publications will be produced during the project. In addition, seminars will be organised.

Collaborators

Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI); Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI); Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), Poland; Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Agency (LEGMA); Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI); Republican Hydrometeorological Center (RHMC), Belarus; and Estonian Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. Furthermore, there will probably be some co-operation with certain Russian institutes.

Timetable

2009-2012 (beginning of 2012)

Responsible scientist

Juhani Lahtinen

Page updated 23/06/2010