RASP BLIPMAP HELP

Where to find information about BLIPMAP forecasts
Note: much of this information is not specific to RASP forecasts, being originally written for US users of BLIPMAP forecasts produced from US government-run "RUC" and "RASP" meterological models.

Updated July 17, 2008

For NEW USERS

The following are suggested first steps in learning what BLIPMAPs are and how to use them:

1. A good "first thing to read" for potential BLIPMAP users, giving an overview of BLIPMAP predictions, is the on-line version of the July 2002 SOARING magazine BLIPMAP article
   
   
2. For daily forecasts, you will want to start with a few important parameters and later employ additional parameters after gaining experience.  See the "Basic Parameter Information" at http://www.drjack.info/RASP/INFO/basic_parameters.html.

What NEXT ?

The following will make one a more competent user:

• Critically assess BLIPMAP predictions against conditions encountered in-flight
  
  
• Utilize additional parameters.  See the Parameter Description webpage at http://www.drjack.info/RASP/INFO/parameters.html.

For GENERAL INFORMATION

• Basic information on meteorological models, their errors, and the effect of grid resolution:  How Does a Meteorological Model Work ?
  
  
• For additional information, often more specific to US BLIPMAP users:  BLIMAP Information webpage

Some SPECIFIC ANSWERS

• When are model predictions particularly likely to be in error:  Model prediction notes