Did you know you can see atmospheric turbulence in weather satellite imagery, or even detect wildfires using satellites? This course will provide an overview and tutorial on interpreting and translating data, information, and products from weather satellites for use in analysis, forecasting, research, and support to customers and operators. Students will learn about the basics of satellite orbits and instruments on board geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites, as well as how to identify, interpret, and translate features found in weather satellite data. Due to time limitations, the class will be limited to interpretation of satellite imagery data only.

106th AMS Annual Meeting
George R. Brown Convention Center
January 25, 2026 at 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM Central Time (Hybrid)

REGISTRATION RATES

 

Course Description:

Through this course, students will step through a short history of satellite meteorology, dig into the science behind different orbits and instruments onboard, and discover some of the many ways satellite data can be used by meteorologists in everyday operations. Satellite observations play a pivotal role in providing information in traditionally difficult to capture, remote areas. Whether it’s interpreting satellite data to have better informed forecasts, incorporating the data in real-time algorithms, or simply wanting to understand the data and instrumentation better, this course will provide the background and introductory material needed to jump start (or dust off) integrating satellite data into daily workflows.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools have the potential to detect and interpret data and features in satellite imagery better than humans. Students in this course will learn the basics of satellite interpretation in order to develop AI and ML tools, and to correctly translate that information into actionable intelligence for their customers.

Participants will have have increased knowledge of the products available from weather satellite data, as well as an improved skillset in interpreting satellite imagery. This knowledge will benefit them in their weather analysis, forecasting, research, and operational support.

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If you have questions regarding the course, please contact Samuel Miller.

Instructors: