Software architecture of the NEXRAD open systems radar product generator (ORPG)

Establishment of an effective software architecture for the Open System Radar Product Generation (ORPG) subsystem will result in a Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system where the software will be portable, scaleable, extensible, and interoperable. Several characteristics of the targeted architecture will contribute to these qualities. The establishment of well encapsulated software layers will promote portability, extensibility, and the ability to effectively upgrade software within the ORPG. The use of software standards will aid in portability and interoperability between like-standard compliant software, be it commercially or custom developed. The resulting ORPG will be composed of a collection of independent functions operating in an interdependent fashion, providing a more robust and scaleable RPG. The ultimate goal of the ORPG software architecture is to encourage and facilitate the insertion of the latest meteorological technology and better support the evolution of the NEXRAD system to effectively satisfy the operational requirements of the field.