The Â鶹Éç is to introduce 3D graphics to its weather forecasting from Monday
16 May, when presenter Helen Willetts will bring viewers
the first forecast using the new technology.
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The 3D forecasts are the first major change to the look of Â鶹Éç weather
since 1985 when magnetic symbols were replaced by computer generated maps
and symbols.
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And the development represents a significant advance from the first TV
forecasts, which featured charts hand-drawn with wax crayons.
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The new system will also feature virtual reality technology and the forecasts
will use constantly updated weather data.
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Helen Young, the Â鶹Éç Weather Centre's Lead Presenter,
says: "The new system will introduce more realism, movement and clarity
to the forecasts. For the first time, viewers will be able to see the
sun shine and the rain fall on the weather map. Complex weather situations
will be much clearer for the audience.
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"The use of 3D graphics means we can zoom into areas where weather conditions
are bad, or particularly interesting, and provide a much closer view."
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Colin Tregear, Project Director, Â鶹Éç Weather Centre says: "All the hallmarks
of Â鶹Éç weather - accuracy, authority and reliability - will remain, but
the forecasts will be more engaging and informative.
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"Most people want to know 'What's my weather going to be like?' Our
new look will give the audience the up-to-date information they really
need, in a way that is easier to understand."
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Viewers will be able to see the new-look weather on Â鶹Éç ONE, TWO, THREE,
FOUR, and News 24, as well as across the Â鶹Éç's Nations and Regions, the
international news channel Â鶹Éç World, Â鶹Éçi, and bbc.co.uk.
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The system is able to display weather from all parts of the world.
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And the technology will lead to more live forecasts and more frequent
updates to the weather website - which is one of the most popular parts
of Â鶹Éç news online.
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The relaunch follows a recent, major audience research exercise, which
showed that Â鶹Éç Weather was found to be trustworthy, but that the graphics
were considered old-fashioned and in need of refreshment.
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The Met Office will continue to provide the data from which the forecasts
are made.
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Note to Editors
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The system is provided by Metra Information Ltd, which has many years
of experience providing weather graphics software and weather data to
television clients globally.
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Weatherscape XT uses virtual reality technology to take real time data
and translate it into 3D images, which automatically creates controls
and delivers dynamic weather graphics for television and the internet.
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