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NHC
Data & Tools

Satellite Imagery Enhancement Descriptions

Abbreviation: VIS
Full Name: Visible
Unenhanced visible imagery that transitions to infrared channel 2 overnight.
Abbreviation: AVN
Full Name: Aviation
Aviation color enhancement.
Abbreviation: IR2
Full Name: Shortwave
Shortwave, sometimes considered 'night visible'.
Abbreviation: BD
Full Name: Dvorak
Dvorak Technique for Tropical Cyclone Classifications.
Abbreviation: IR4
Full Name: Unenhanced
Unenhanced channel 4 infrared imagery.
Abbreviation: JSL
Full Name: JSL2
Developed by Jim Lynch for use with tropical classifications.
Abbreviation: RGB
Full Name: RGB
Combination of visible and infrared using a three channel technique to make features stand out.
Abbreviation: FT
Full Name: Funktop
Developed by Ted Funk for assistance with precipitation analysis.
Abbreviation: RB
Full Name: Rainbow
Rainbow enhancement curve – a colorful enhancement.
Abbreviation: WV
Full Name: Water Vapor
Infrared channel 3 with color enhancement.

Note: This data courtesy of the NOAA Satellite Services Division.

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