Publication of Global Precipitation Map at the Shortest Time After Occurrence Using TRMM and Others Satellites

The Earth Observation Research Center (EORC) of the Japan Aerospace Research Agency has prepared and published high-resolution image data map of precipitation dispersion at almost real time (about 4 hours after observation) on the Internet. The map is obtained by measurements carried out by land observation satellites, including TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission). The hourly-updated Image data also makes it possible to view animated images of precipitation dispersion over a 24-hour period. A× JA uses the data collected by the TRMM Microwave Imaging (TMI) set on the Aqua Satellite and the sensors on the Meteorology Satellite (DMSP, Defense) and other ground-based meteorological satellites. Based on rainfall spatial variation information in cloud images provided by ground-based meteorological satellites, estimating the amount of precipitation per hour using image data becomes possible. Another program of A ×J A is to use this system to predict flood, which can be very effective in reducing flood damage in developing countries and other areas, and also in predicting the occurrence of tropical cyclones (3) and measuring the amount of precipitation caused by them.