UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Arguments!
•The data is already three hours old by the time I get it.
•The data is too sparse to be of any use.
•It takes too long to get the data and process it.
•The satellite imagery is accurate enough.
•Reasons or excuses?
There are many reasons I have heard for not using Synoptic data.
Certainly you don’t have to use this data, and these reasons all have validity.  The timeliness of the data is not going to help this fix, but can give you an idea as to the accuracy of past positions, and show if you are on the right track or if you need to adjust your position.  Data too sparse?  Even a single report can give you the information you need.  If you are looking at a system as a 1.5 (25knot system) and you receive a ship report showing 35 knots winds, you may be underestimating the intensity of the system.  It takes too long to process the data.  After 6-8 hours of scratching your head!!  Synoptic data can clear up the picture for you.  Satellite imagery is accurate enough.  We all know that this is not always true.  Quite often we lose the center under infrared only to be surprised by a sheared system when the sun comes up and visible imagery is available.  There are many reasons for not using Synoptic data.  Whether these are reasons or excuses--  The main thing is that the data is available to you and can be used to your advantage. It certainly should not be ignored.