Data
Every map, image, graph and report in WeatherMapping is built from one unified data layer: station observations, operational and AI forecasts, and satellite and gridded datasets, processed daily by WeatherDataAI.
01 · Our Data
Our Data
WeatherMapping is powered by a combination of observational station data and global gridded datasets developed and maintained by WeatherDataAI, our data science and modeling partner. WeatherDataAI’s proprietary data pipelines unify inputs from government, commercial, and satellite sources into a single, high-resolution global framework. The result is a scientifically consistent, AI-enhanced dataset that provides the foundation for all of WeatherMapping’s forecasts, analyses, and visualizations.
With a global grid of roughly 28 km (17 mi) spacing, WeatherDataAI’s processed datasets provide the spatial foundation for WeatherMapping’s mapping, satellite imagery, and graphing modules. This unified data layer ensures that every map, forecast, and visualization operates from the same scientifically consistent baseline giving users the accuracy required for research, forecasting, and operational decision making.
Sources at a glance
| Source | Provides | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| WeatherDataAI station network | ~16,000 quality-controlled physical weather stations | Station Mapping, Data Graphing, AI Assistance |
| WeatherDataAI gridded datasets | Global ~28 km grids built from stations, models and satellites | Sat/Grid Imagery, Data Orders, API |
| ECMWF | AIFS and ensemble forecasts (primary forecast source) | Station Mapping, AI Assistance, API |
| NOAA GFS | Global Forecast System model runs | Station Mapping provider comparisons |
| Marcus Weather | In-house forecasts | Station Mapping provider comparisons |
| NASA IMERG | Satellite precipitation | Sat/Grid Imagery |
| NOAA CMORPH | Satellite precipitation | Sat/Grid Imagery |
| NASA SMAP | Satellite soil moisture | Sat/Grid Imagery |
| MODIS | NDVI vegetation indices | Sat/Grid Imagery |
| NOAA STAR | Satellite-derived land products | Sat/Grid Imagery |
| SST products | Sea surface temperature | Sat/Grid Imagery |
02 · Coverage
Coverage & Specifications
WeatherMapping covers the whole globe, land and ocean, at a daily time step. The same data underpins every module, so a number on a map, a line on a graph and a row in a data order always agree.
- Spatial coverage
- Global, land and ocean
- Grid spacing
- ~28 km (17 mi)
- Station network
- ~16,000 curated physical stations
- Time step
- Daily
- Observation history
- Daily since 1940 (Data Orders & API)
- Graphing history
- Any year back to 1980
- Forecast runs
- 00z, 06z, 12z and 18z
- Forecast horizon
- Up to seven months in the app; 15 days via the API
- Units
- Metric or Imperial, on every variable
- Anomalies
- Departures from climatology, updated daily
- Regions
- Predefined regions, countries, states/provinces and custom areas
- Outputs
- PNG, interactive HTML, CSV with full metadata, REST API
03 · Variables
Variable Families
32 weather and geophysical variables are available from the station network, with satellite and gridded layers extending coverage to vegetation, soil and ocean conditions. Every variable can be shown as a raw value or as a departure from normal.
04 · Observations
Observational Data
Mapping every one of the 250,000 global weather data points directly would be impractical for daily visualization. Instead, WeatherMapping uses a curated global network of approximately 16,000 high-quality physical weather stations, selected and maintained by WeatherDataAI for their reliability and data continuity. These observations form the core inputs to WeatherDataAI’s global modeling systems, which transform point measurements into continuous gridded datasets through interpolation and assimilation techniques.
Within the application, the Weather Mapping and Data Graphing modules rely on this network to generate filled, data-driven contour maps and historical analyses. Users can visualize precipitation, temperature, wind, pressure, radiation, and soil metrics with daily updates and selectable time ranges - built directly from this station-based observational backbone.
05 · Forecasts
Forecast Data
For forecasts, WeatherMapping’s primary data provider is the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), utilizing both AIFS and ensemble-based forecast systems to provide state-of-the-art accuracy and consistency. ECMWF’s global models are supplemented with additional forecast inputs from the Global Forecast System (GFS) and other regional providers to ensure redundancy and breadth of coverage.
All forecast data is processed through the WeatherDataAI modeling pipeline to harmonize formats, update frequencies, and variable structures, enabling users to seamlessly compare observations and forecasts across providers within the same unified interface.
06 · Satellite
Satellite & Remote Sensing Data
The Satellite Mapping module integrates global gridded data from WeatherDataAI alongside additional datasets from government and private Earth observation sources. These include NASA, NOAA, ESA, and commercial satellite networks that supply vegetation indices, soil moisture, sea surface temperature, and other geophysical variables. By merging these sources within a single platform, WeatherMapping delivers a complete daily-scale view of Earth’s atmosphere, land, and ocean conditions - combining observational integrity, model precision, and satellite coverage into one seamless system.
07 · Quality
Data Integrity & Updates
All datasets used within WeatherMapping undergo automated quality control and validation before being integrated into the platform. Updates are processed daily to ensure alignment between observational, forecast, and satellite sources, maintaining the reliability and consistency that professionals depend on. From raw collection to refined visualization, every layer within WeatherMapping is backed by the same scientific rigor that powers WeatherDataAI’s enterprise data systems.
The daily pipeline
08 · Schedule
Daily Data Update Schedule
WeatherMapping’s global datasets are updated automatically throughout the day based on source availability and processing times within the WeatherDataAI pipeline. The following schedule reflects typical completion times in Eastern Time (ET).
| Time (ET) | Dataset | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 – 3:00 AM | Forecast data (00z) | Operational and AI forecast data processed; 06z, 12z and 18z runs follow every 6 hours thereafter. |
| 3:00 – 3:05 AM | Observational data | Updated daily. |
| 3:05 – 3:10 AM | Departures from climatology | Variable departures updated daily. |
| 3:10 – 3:25 AM | WeatherDataAI global gridded datasets | Processed and updated daily. |
| 3:30 – 3:50 AM | Automated reports | AutoMapping, AutoImaging and AutoCharting generated. |
| 1:00 PM | Government satellite datasets | SMAP and IMERG imagery updated. |
| 6:00 PM | Government satellite datasets | CMORPH imagery updated. |
| Weekly | NOAA STAR | Datasets updated weekly. |
| Biweekly | MODIS | Refreshed biweekly when available. |
| Monthly | Sea Surface Temperature (SST) | Updated on the 1st of each month. |
Update times represent the completion of WeatherDataAI’s internal processing and verification routines. Minor delays may occur during heavy processing periods or large-scale satellite ingest operations.
Access
Three ways to use the data
py_weatherdataai Python package.