File/Web Services

RETRIEVAL PROCEDURES
for Obtaining Current Data & Product Files
using FTP & HTTP Applications

All TOC data and products are stored for FTP access. The directory and file structure follows a common subdirectory and file naming standard. The types of directory trees are described in detail below to help locate specific data and model forecast product types. Review the General Guide before writing computer programs to access the files.

• Computer Models -   This is a description of the directory and file names for computer model derived products. The products are from the various processing centers. The files either contain the original received WMO message (bulletin) or contain GRIB/BUFR products delivered without message format. The products are available for 48 hours. NOTE: Most computer generated products in GRIB are currently available
• Text Products -   This is a description of the directory and file names used to store files of text products, such as, forecasts and warnings that are generated at the NWS Forecast Offices. This information is stored in files as received in the WMO bulletin format. The AWIPS heading structure is included. The content bulletins are primarily in English.
• Text Parsed Data -   This is a description of directory and file names used to store a subset of data. A English Descriptive Format naming process is used. It describes the content data types under unique descriptive names. These separate files were generated for internal server use. However, they are available for infrequent retrieval by those who wish to obtain a finite set of specific textual meteorological products. An example is a specific warning, forecasts, or aviation observations. Only the last received product is available. NOTE: The "sub-directory named "RAW" has the last version of the complete message bulletin issued by the Weather Forecast Office.
• Observed Data -   This is a description of the directory and file names for a specific subset of data types. These files contain observational data and Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs) in the received WMO bulletin format. The data is stored by the first two characters of the WMO heading. The data is based upon T1T 2 equal to "SM", "US", "SA", "FT", "UA", and "WS" WMO message types. The content is in the designated standard WMO codes. The data is available for 48 hours from the time of receipt at the WMC Washington).
• Radar Products -   This is a description of the directory and file names used to store the WSR-88D and TDWR radar products. The radar products are in the original RPG/SPG generated form. The products are stored in 10 second received rotating files by product type and radar site subdirectories. The product is available for at least 48 hours from receipt. [See the Radar Product Central Collection/Distribution Service web page for details.]
• Satellite Products -   This is a description of the directory and file names used to store computer generated NESDIS satellite imagery products. These products are in the NESDIS processed format. They are not for WMO message distribution. This data is available for the last two orbits after receipt.