A novel web-based system for tropical cyclone analysis and prediction

Abstract

A web-based system is developed for the analysis and prediction of tropical cyclones, particularly their landfalls and recurvatures. To facilitate accessibility to the system, its development is based on Google Maps application programming interface (API), Java and client/server architecture. In addition to the construction of a powerful query system for the multi-source, multi-scale and multi-level tropical cyclone database, data mining approach and dynamic modelling approach have been implemented and integrated for effective and efficient analysis, prediction and visualization of tropical cyclone movements. The system can be accessed worldwide by researchers, professionals and the general public. It is thus a powerful system for research, real-life application and knowledge dissemination. Its extensibility and user-friendliness pave the road for further development and enable more in-depth analysis and real-time operation.

Keywords:

• data mining
• landfall
• recurvature
• tropical cyclones
• web-based system

Acknowledgements

The project was supported by the research grant (6106c-SF) of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The authors thank Chan Chun Sing, Chan Wing Kwan, Chu Man Hin, Ho Ho Fai, Hung Yuet Mui, Li Wing Yin and Mak Seng Hin for their participation and programming in various development phases of the system. The authors thank the editor and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions.