GEMPAK Manual |
Programs | Parameters
ATCF
ATCF is the initial time for the ATCF forecast tracks, the colors
for each model track, the model names, flags for plotting the time,
the storm name or number, the forecast wind speeds and markers at each
forecast time, and an optional specific storm identifier.
Initial time|Model clrs|Model names|Time flg|Id flg|Speed flg|
Marker flag|Name
ATCF forecast tracks valid for the initial time will be plotted on
the map. Forecast tracks show points at 6 or 12 hour intervals from
0 through 126 hours, if available. The actual storm track will be plotted
as a white line, solid up to the initial time and dashed after the
initial time (when data is available). The initial time is given as
a GEMPAK date/time string. Any missing items from the string will be
filled in by the system time. The initial time may also be LAST.
LAST will use the system time to plot the most recent tracks whose
initial time is within 9 hours of the current time. ALL is not accepted
as an initial time for ATCF data.
The colors are separated by a semi-colon, as are the four-character model
names. If no colors or model names are given, all model tracks will be
plotted at default colors. If specific model names are listed, only those
model tracks will be plotted. Default colors will be used unless colors
are explicitly given, with a one-to-one correspondence between model names
and colors. Specifying colors without model names has no effect.
The time flag is YES or NO and controls whether or not to plot the initial
time of the ATCF forecast tracks on the map. The default is NO.
The storm id flag is YES or NO and controls whether or not to plot the
storm name or number on the map. The default is NO.
The speed flag is YES or NO and controls whether or not to plot the
speed in knots, when given, at each forecast time. The default is NO.
The marker flag is YES or NO and controls whether or not to plot a
marker at each forecast time on the map. The default is NO.
The name or number of a tropical storm may be specified. If one is given,
only tracks for that storm will be displayed for the date/time indicated.
The default is all storms are plotted.