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.

16,000+Curated stations
~28 kmGlobal grid spacing
1940Daily history from
32Station variables

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

SourceProvidesUsed in
WeatherDataAI station network~16,000 quality-controlled physical weather stationsStation Mapping, Data Graphing, AI Assistance
WeatherDataAI gridded datasetsGlobal ~28 km grids built from stations, models and satellitesSat/Grid Imagery, Data Orders, API
ECMWFAIFS and ensemble forecasts (primary forecast source)Station Mapping, AI Assistance, API
NOAA GFSGlobal Forecast System model runsStation Mapping provider comparisons
Marcus WeatherIn-house forecastsStation Mapping provider comparisons
NASA IMERGSatellite precipitationSat/Grid Imagery
NOAA CMORPHSatellite precipitationSat/Grid Imagery
NASA SMAPSatellite soil moistureSat/Grid Imagery
MODISNDVI vegetation indicesSat/Grid Imagery
NOAA STARSatellite-derived land productsSat/Grid Imagery
SST productsSea surface temperatureSat/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.

PrecipitationDaily and accumulated totals, percent of normal, satellite rainfall estimates.
TemperatureMaximum, minimum and average, including period highs and lows.
Degree DaysHeating and growing degree days, daily or cumulative.
Wind & PressureStation wind and surface pressure.
Radiation & EvaporationSolar radiation and evaporation.
SoilSoil moisture and soil water volume, from stations and SMAP.
VegetationMODIS NDVI vegetation indices.
SeaSea surface temperature and its departures.

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.

Four runs a day00z, 06z, 12z and 18z cycles, each processed about six hours apart.
Provider comparisonsPut Marcus Weather, ECMWF and GFS side by side on the same map.
Run-to-run changesCompare consecutive runs of one model, e.g. 00z vs 06z, to see how a forecast is shifting.

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.

Time comparisonsOverlay imagery from one week, one month or one year earlier.
Pixel-level anomaliesDifference layers measure change pixel by pixel.
Zonal statisticsMean, median, min, max, standard deviation and 5th–95th percentiles for any area, exportable as CSV.

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

IngestStation, forecast and satellite feeds collected from source.
Quality controlAutomated checks and validation before anything is used.
GridInterpolation and assimilation onto the global ~28 km grid.
AnomaliesDepartures from climatology calculated for every variable.
PublishMaps, imagery, graphs, Auto Reports, Data Orders and the API update.

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)DatasetDetails
2:50 – 3:00 AMForecast data (00z)Operational and AI forecast data processed; 06z, 12z and 18z runs follow every 6 hours thereafter.
3:00 – 3:05 AMObservational dataUpdated daily.
3:05 – 3:10 AMDepartures from climatologyVariable departures updated daily.
3:10 – 3:25 AMWeatherDataAI global gridded datasetsProcessed and updated daily.
3:30 – 3:50 AMAutomated reportsAutoMapping, AutoImaging and AutoCharting generated.
1:00 PMGovernment satellite datasetsSMAP and IMERG imagery updated.
6:00 PMGovernment satellite datasetsCMORPH imagery updated.
WeeklyNOAA STARDatasets updated weekly.
BiweeklyMODISRefreshed biweekly when available.
MonthlySea 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

In the appMaps, satellite imagery, graphs and AI summaries, built on demand or scheduled with Auto Reports.
Data OrdersGridded or point datasets back to 1940, delivered as CSV with full metadata via secure S3 links.
APIRESTful access to observations and forecasts, plus the py_weatherdataai Python package.