The SpotterNetwork
The SpotterNetwork brings storm spotters, storm chasers, coordinators and public servants together in a seamless network of information. It provides accurate position data of spotters and chasers for coordination/reporting and provides ground truth to public servants engaged in the protection of life and property.
Although not required, we strongly encourage all Sector 1 spotters to sign up for spotter network due to the ability for the net control station (NCS) and the NWS to be able to "see" where spotters are during a weather emergency (via supporting software or APRS), it also provides an alternate means of reporting severe weather events through various phone and PC apps.
If you use GRLevel3, PYKL3 or RadarScope, you will have the ability to see other SpotterNetwork spotters as well as the storm reports they make.
There is some additional training required to be able to use their service, but it should be seen only as a supplement to the official Skywarn® training you get from the NWS (which is very specific to the weather we get in our sector), you must the NWS Skywarn course and be issued a spotter number in order to participate Sector 1 Skywarn activations.
To sign up and complete the training go to: SpotterNetwork.org
"Why do you want to know my location?"
The NWS emphasizes safety above all else when spotting storms.
The NWS rationale for why we need to know spotter locations is simple:
The spotter should maintain communication at all times (in our case, ham radio).
The SpotterNetwork brings storm spotters, storm chasers, coordinators and public servants together in a seamless network of information. It provides accurate position data of spotters and chasers for coordination/reporting and provides ground truth to public servants engaged in the protection of life and property.
Although not required, we strongly encourage all Sector 1 spotters to sign up for spotter network due to the ability for the net control station (NCS) and the NWS to be able to "see" where spotters are during a weather emergency (via supporting software or APRS), it also provides an alternate means of reporting severe weather events through various phone and PC apps.
If you use GRLevel3, PYKL3 or RadarScope, you will have the ability to see other SpotterNetwork spotters as well as the storm reports they make.
There is some additional training required to be able to use their service, but it should be seen only as a supplement to the official Skywarn® training you get from the NWS (which is very specific to the weather we get in our sector), you must the NWS Skywarn course and be issued a spotter number in order to participate Sector 1 Skywarn activations.
To sign up and complete the training go to: SpotterNetwork.org
"Why do you want to know my location?"
The NWS emphasizes safety above all else when spotting storms.
The NWS rationale for why we need to know spotter locations is simple:
The spotter should maintain communication at all times (in our case, ham radio).
- It is imperative that the spotter's location be monitored during severe weather.
- Never operate as a mobile spotter without someone (the NCS) knowing your location and estimated time of return.
