Enhancing MARPLOT® Data Feed With
Live Localized Weather Data
During a hazardous materials incident, using accurate weather information can have a significant impact on response efforts for first responders. First responders need quick access to the most accurate weather data available to evaluate conditions in the operational area and respond. Live weather data from the Earth Networks weather network of more than 10,000 weather stations provides location specific, up-to-the-second information critical for situational analysis and response. A data feed of critical atmospheric conditions is now available for use within the MARPLOT application at no cost from Earth Networks.
Assess Weather Conditions Before Going On-Scene
The Earth Networks MARPLOT Data Feed data feed will enable quick access to weather data from both the National Weather Service (NWS) and Earth Networks weather observation stations, for weather data more localized to the operational area. This data feed will enable responders to:
- View and select weather stations closest to the incident site
- Access current wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity data
- Immediately assess conditions prior to arriving on-scene
- Accurately establish threat zones, and make critical decisions to evacuate or shelter-in-place
- Monitor atmospheric conditions outside of the operational area for potential adverse impact
Improved Plume Modeling
The MARPLOT Data Feed will provide first responders with near real-time, localized atmospheric weather conditions useful when creating ALOHA plume model layers for enhanced precision in response efforts.
MARPLOT is a Pre-Requisite for Installation
The MARPLOT Data Feed is available at no cost to users of the MARPLOT® application. Individuals must have the MARPLOT application version 4.0 or 4.1, as well as the Windows XP or Vista operating system installed in order to initiate the installation process. Begin the MARPLOT Data Feed installation process. More information on the CAMEO and MARPLOT applications can be found below.
The CAMEO® Suite
CAMEO (Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations) Suite is a set of software applications developed by EPA's office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assist first responders with timely and accurate information used to plan for and respond to hazmat emergencies. The CAMEO Suite consists of four software programs: CAMEO, CAMEO Chemicals, ALOHA, and MARPLOT. While the CAMEO components of the suite provide database services to responders, the MARPLOT and ALOHA components provide responders tools to perform localized situational analysis for response efforts. This application suite is available at no cost to users. For more information on the CAMEO suite, click here.