Rainfall measurement by radar using photographic integration techniques

Abstract

Methods have been devised to estimate areal rainfall amounts as portrayed by radar. This is accomplished by a continuous photographic integration of the plan position indicator (PPI) scope over periods of one or more hours giving the hydrologist almost immediate information on the precipitation falling on an area of over 30,000 sq mi. These investigations have developed echo‐density contour maps which correlate favorably with isohyetal maps. The limitations and capabilities of present radar systems for purposes of radar integration of rainfall also have been evaluated.