RealEarth

RealEarth is a powerful mobile application for visualizing real-time satellite imagery and global environmental data. Developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, RealEarth provides scientists, meteorologists, and enthusiasts with direct access to a vast archive of earth science data. Users interact with RealEarth to monitor dynamic weather patterns, analyze atmospheric conditions, and track significant environmental events. The platform is essential for anyone requiring immediate, high-resolution visual data for professional analysis or personal interest. RealEarth transforms complex datasets into an intuitive, interactive map experience on your mobile device.

Accessing the Global Satellite Imagery Archive

Within RealEarth, users begin by selecting from a massive catalog of satellite data products. They navigate through categories like Atmosphere, Ocean, or Land to find specific imagery types, such as visible satellite, water vapor, or sea surface temperature. After choosing a layer, users specify a time and date to view historical or near-real-time data. The RealEarth interface then renders this complex information onto a dynamic global map. This process allows for detailed observation of environmental changes over time, making RealEarth an invaluable research tool.

Animating Data for Temporal Analysis

A core function of RealEarth is the ability to create animations from sequential data images. Users select a data layer and then tap the animation control to view a loop of images over a defined period. They can adjust the speed and set the time-step between frames, such as every 15 minutes or hourly. This workflow visually demonstrates the development and movement of weather systems like hurricanes or the progression of a wildfire smoke plume. This RealEarth feature turns static images into powerful time-based analysis tools.

Utilizing the Favorites System for Rapid Access

To streamline repeated use, RealEarth includes a robust Favorites system. Professionals who regularly monitor specific data layers, like GOES-16 Convective Rainfall or Suomi NPP VIIRS Day/Night Band, can save them for one-tap access. Users simply load their desired product with the preferred settings and select the "Add to Favorites" option, naming it for easy recall. This creates a personalized dashboard of go-to data sources, eliminating the need to navigate the full menu each time. This efficiency is a key reason users rely on RealEarth for daily monitoring tasks.

Geolocating and Personalizing the Map View

RealEarth integrates standard map navigation with specialized earth science data. Users pan by dragging the screen and zoom in or out with pinch gestures to focus on any region of the globe. They can tap the location icon to center the map on their current GPS coordinates. This allows for highly localized analysis, such as comparing satellite-derived rainfall estimates with ground conditions right outside. The RealEarth app ensures the selected data product remains the primary layer throughout all navigation, maintaining context.

Interpreting Multi-Spectral Data Layers

The RealEarth platform provides more than just pictures; it offers insights through multi-spectral analysis. Users can select products that highlight specific phenomena invisible to the naked eye. For instance, selecting the "Air Mass" RGB composite helps forecasters identify potential regions for severe weather development. The RealEarth app presents these advanced products with appropriate color tables to maximize interpretability. Users learn to correlate colors with atmospheric conditions, turning the map into a diagnostic tool for complex environmental analysis.

Monitoring Real-Time Environmental Events

Users actively employ RealEarth to track significant events as they unfold. During wildfire season, for instance, analysts load the "Hot Spots" and smoke plume layers to identify fire locations and monitor air quality impacts. They use the animation tool to forecast the smoke's direction. Similarly, during hurricane season, forecasters animate satellite imagery to gauge storm intensity and movement. The high update frequency of data within RealEarth makes it a critical application for real-time decision support and situational awareness.