Engaging the Public with a Novel System for Cloud Type Estimation

"We will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel cloud type identification system that uses a voice application to collect surface observations. This capability meets NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts and to share that knowledge and information with others . Many weather observing stations have replaced human observations with weather satellite monitoring or observations using automated instruments. A reliable method to infer cloud types from satellite images is still needed. Ground instruments cannot determine cloud type and are limited in their ability to distinguish middle and high cloud layers. Human observers are better able to determine cloud type and provide ground truth for analysis of satellite and instrument data. Our system aims to bridge the gap between man and machine to provide a robust method of collecting cloud type observations. The primary innovation is the use of a voice application in the cloud identification system. Recently, Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) were introduced to the market and adopted at an exponential rate as the public is innately drawn to conversational experiences. The proposed VUI will be optimized to meet both the unique needs of a cloud observation system and user engagement focused requirements."