A Modular, Object Oriented Model for Meteorological Hazard Assessment

The TAOS system is an integrated, scalable, modular meteorological hazard model designed to assist emergency managers, land use planners and meteorologists in assessing the risks associated with meteorological hazards. An object-oriented approach to model design enables the user to select the methods most appropriate to the problem, or the use of multiple methods to create an ensemble approach. The modular approach enables the rapid integration and testing of new or experimental techniques. Use of a graphical user interface hides the underlying complexity of storm hazard modeling from users with minimal numerical modeling background, while enabling the experienced user to interact with the model at a detailed level. Integrated tools for real-time tracking, track forecasting, and modeling of storm effects are provided, as well as probabilistic tools for assessing the risk of both real time, seasonal, and overall historical risks. The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as both the input and output management basis for the model allows rapid update of input data bases, and the virtually instantaneous interaction of hazard data with existing planning data such as structure type, value, and location, population, and zoning. Verification data is described for various aspects of the model. TAOS has been used operationally for projects in Central America, the Caribbean, and the United States, most recently for the Florida High Resolution Tropical Cyclone Hazard Mapping