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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Radar Plan Position Indicator Scope

browse graphicMap of active RADAR stations in June 1978
Radar Plan Position Indicator Scope is the collection of weather radar imagery for the period prior to the beginning of the Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) system deployed in the mid-1990s. While there are special radar observations in the collection, especially of hurricanes, the primary source of radar imagery in this collection is the weather radar network operated by the U.S. National Weather Service and its predecessor, the U.S. Weather Bureau. This network was deployed in the late 1950s. There were two generations of Weather Surveillance Radars in use during this period: WSR-57 and WSR-74. Coverage was very good in the Eastern United States, but limited west of the high plains, primarliy due to the limitations of ground-based radar in mountainous regions.

The images are photographs of monitors which displayed the radar scopes at the site of the radar. The scope shows radar echoes and their distance and direction from the radar. Each photo frame shows a lamp display that provides information about the frame, including radar function settings, range, date, and time.
Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: RADAR
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C00133
gov.noaa.ncdc:C00133
Full Text · XML
Order Data
  • NCEI Customer Support (order)
    NCEI provides customers with information and data from the NCEI archive. To order NCEI products and services contact the customer support team.
Distribution Formats
  • XML
  • Microfilm
  • PDF
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1949-09-20 to 1997-08-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 145.0
East: -60.0
South: 15.0
North: 72.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Radar Weather Observation
    • Radar Weather Observation Landing Page
      Radar Weather Observation manuscripts are a related dataset that can be paired with the Radar Plan Position Indicator Scope images for more in-depth study.
Publication Dates
  • publication: 1951
Data Presentation Form Hardcopy image - image archived in analog format
Dataset Progress Status Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Purpose Preservation of radar images taken by United States government agencies.
Cited Authors
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS > National Weather Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • National Weather Bureau, United States
Originators
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS > National Weather Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • National Weather Bureau, United States
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Spectral/Engineering > Radar > Radar Imagery
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Weather Events > Rain Storms
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • WEATHER STATIONS
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • RADAR > Radio Detection and Ranging
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America
  • Guam
  • Puerto Rico
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Vertical Location > Troposphere
  • Earth Science > Land Surface
Use Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
  • Data are not available digitally. Please contact Customer Support to coordinate options for accessing the data. Charges may apply.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement Microfilm data derives from radar images captured by the National Weather Bureau and, later, the National Weather Service. Some data is of poor quality and records may be incomplete. In 2001, many records from Gulf Coast sites before 1980 were transferred to Clemson University to support research.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • RADAR > Radio Detection and Ranging
Platform
  • National Weather Service
Last Modified: 2023-09-07
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov