mPING: NSSL Projects
A citizen science app for reporting real-time weather observations
About
mPING (Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground) is a free mobile app developed by the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory in partnership with the University of Oklahoma and the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies. It allows users to anonymously report weather conditions they are experiencing, which are then used to improve weather forecasting and radar technologies. The app is designed for global use, enabling citizen scientists worldwide to contribute valuable ground-level weather data that cannot be captured by traditional weather radars.
Key Features
- Anonymous weather reporting
- Real-time data submission
- Global accessibility
- Integration with NOAA research
- User-friendly interface
Use Cases
- Weather enthusiasts contributing to citizen science
- Researchers studying ground-level weather phenomena
- Meteorologists verifying radar data with on-the-ground observations
- Emergency management teams gathering real-time weather information
- Educators teaching about weather and citizen science
Unique Aspects
mPING is one of the few global-scale citizen science projects focused on real-time weather reporting, directly contributing to NOAA's research and forecasting capabilities.
Compatibilities
- Available on iOS devices through the App Store
- Available on Android devices through Google Play
- Data integration with NOAA National Weather Service systems
Pros
- Contributes to scientific research and improved weather forecasting
- Easy to use with quick submission process
- Available for both iOS and Android devices
- Provides a map of submitted reports for users to view
Cons
- Relies on user accuracy and honesty in reporting
- May have limited usefulness in areas with few users
- Requires active participation to be effective
Our Rating
Ease of Use
4.7
Features
4.3
Value
5
Pricing
Free
$0
- Full access to app features
- Ability to submit weather reports
- View submitted reports on a map
The app is completely free to use for all users
Tags
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