WCD-34. AWIPS II Hazard Services Testing Strategy

Abstract
Hazard Services is a multi-year effort to combine the capabilities of the Advanced Weather Information Processing System Version 2 (AWIPS II's) WarnGen, GHG, and RiverPro applications into a single unified application. Currently, these critical applications allow forecasters at all of the 122 Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) around the country to produce hazard watch, warning, and advisory products and deliver various services. Testing is a critical part of the software development process. The most effective testing includes involving the actual users; National Weather Service forecasters. Our team has involved the forecasters throughout the development of the software. A core group of forecasters has been involved in the design and testing for nearly 10 years. We also include forecasters with little to no experience using Hazard Services. Forecaster participation has been key to the acceptance of Hazard Services because they ensure the software meets their needs and allows them the functionality and flexibility needed to issue timely hazard watch, warning and advisory products. We involved the forecasters in several ways. They participate in on-site Forecaster Assessment Testing (FATs), virtual FATs, cloud testing and weekly Hazard Services focal point calls. Their feedback is captured and it guides current and future software development.