High Rate Information Transmission / Emergency Managers Weather Information Network
HRIT/EMWIN Overview
HRIT/EMWIN is a direct-to-user broadcast at L-band (1694.1 MHz) with hemispherical coverage from dedicated transponders on the GOES-R series geostationary satellites. Broadcast data include NWS warnings/watches, environmental charts, both GOES and Himawari imagery, and a re-broadcast of GOES Data Collection System (DCS) platform sensor messages. There is no fee or license requirement by NOAA to receive this broadcast, which is in an open format. Users can have unlimited access to the data by purchasing the necessary equipment (computer, software, antenna and receivers) from commercial companies and/or community-driven hardware and open source software.
GOES-R Series continues the previous broadcast services of LRIT (Low Rate Information Transmission) and EMWIN but does so at a significantly higher data capacity. This was accomplished by combining the two services into a single service with a data relay capacity of 400Kbps. This compares with the previous LRIT service at 128 Kbps and EMWIN that transmits at 9.6 kbps on the GOES I-M (8-12) series and 19.2 kbps for the GOES-NOP (13-15) series. The new service is called HRIT/EMWIN—HRIT for High Rate Information Transmission.
The HRIT service requires users to acquire new receiver hardware as well as a receiver frequency shift to 1694.1 MHz, from 1692.7 MHz (EMWIN) and 1691.0 (LRIT). With encouragement from NWS (operator of the EMWIN Program) and NESDIS (operator of the current GOES LRIT service) the GOES-R program undertook a technology demonstration program to show that relatively inexpensive receivers designed for the new service:
- Supports not only HRIT/EMWIN but all of the predecessor services, eliminating costly and disruptive changes to the user systems as the services evolve from the GOES-I-M era, to the GOES-NOP series, and finally to the GOES-R Series.
- Through the technology of Software Defined Radio, the receiver consists of a modest amount of hardware (an antenna, low noise amplifier and a computer interface) at very low cost. The bulk of the traditional signal processing, error correction decoding and data recovery and display can be done in a convention personal computer.
- Has a design that is available to all users, hobbyist and manufacturers, with the software available to anyone at no cost.
- EMWIN Home Page
- DCS USER Login
- National Hurricane Center
- GOES-R Unique Payload Services
- GOES-R Scienific Publications
- GOES-R Series Documents
- GOES-R Product Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents
- GOES-R Series Data Book
- GOES-19 Data Download (Amazon Web Service)
- NESDIS Flyout Chart
- The Coordination Group for Meteoro-logical Satellites LRIT/HRIT Global Specification
- Unidata at UCAR netCDF
- Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems
Aerospace HRIT/EMWIN Prototype
In 2009, NASA/NOAA contracted work to Aerospace to design and build a HRIT/EMWIN prototype software-based radio receiver that can process the received downlink frequency signal from an antenna and demodulator. This prototype would be open-sourced to the public that would display how one could download the software and assemble a ready to receive ground station at a low cost.
The
GOES Software Defined Radio (GOESSDR) supports
most Intel-based personal computers and
tablets by creating a live USB image. The live USB image is actually a self-contained, bootable Ubuntu Linux
operating system with all the software necessary to run the GOES-R receiver application. Users can follow the
included directions to create a Live USB thumb drive from this image and use this receiver with minimum
configuration and support. The Linux software does not actually install on a user’s PC, but runs from the USB
device. This method was selected for simplicity and avoids the user having to find the necessary software libraries
and drivers if one were to install it directly on a Windows operating system. An alternative downloadable package
can be directly loaded on a LINUX operating system without a USB memory stick.
To use the USB image, a user at the minimum would need a 4 GB USB drive, though a 16GB USB 3.0 is recommended. The process uses free software to create the live USB drive. Once the user has created the bootable USB drive, the PC would need to be restarted and booted from USB drive itself at start-up (via BIOS menu). Depending upon the PC or operating system, you either have to press the ESC key at boot time to access the computer’s BIOS configuration and select the booting priorities (make sure the USB drive is selected before the computer’s hard drive) or press the F9 key to select the device (e.g., USB drive) to boot the PC. Please check with your personal computers manufacturer on the correct process of getting to the BIOS configuration. Note that booting up from a USB drive may not be available on the Apple Mac Operating System (OS), depending on the CPU type.
Use the links below to download the software and instructions for the prototype:
- ATR-2010 Document
- NOAA GOES-R LRIT/HRIT & EMWIN Software Radio Receiver User's Guide
- Creating a Live USB Thumb Drive On Windows to Run the GOES-R HRIT/EMWIN Software
Radio Frequency Changes between GOES and GOES-R Series for HRIT and EMWIN
As discussed elsewhere on this website, frequencies and bandwidth values are different for direct broadcasts from previous GOES (13, 14, and 15) versus the GOES-R Series. Please ensure your equipment and/or settings account for these differences, if required.
| Downlink Service Name | Spacecraft Series | Center Frequency (MHz) | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRIT | GOES 13,14 & 15 | 1691.0 | 586 kHz |
| EMWIN | GOES 13,14 & 15 | 1692.7 | 27 kHz |
| HRIT | GOES-R | 1694.1 | 1.205 MHz |
| EMWIN | GOES-R | 1694.1 | 1.205 MHz |
For GOES 13, 14 and 15, the Low Rate Information Transmission (LRIT) and Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) were separate downlinks. For GOES-R, these services are combined into a single downlink and the increased data amount drives the need to use High Rate Information Transmission (HRIT) instead of LRIT.
Some older versions of documentation do not correctly reflect the center frequency values that were constructed for the GOES-R Series. A radio frequency change was made in the GOES-R design to minimize the impact on commercial licensees due to the auctioned shared spectrum above 1695 MHz in 2015. Some documentation prepared prior to that change cites incorrect center frequency values for GOES-R Series services.
For all questions or feedback concerning the links above, please contact hrit.manager@noaa.gov, for inquiries about the software content itself, please contact Aerospace.
Broadcast
The NOAA/NESDIS High Rate Information Transmission / Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (HRIT/EMWIN)
broadcast is resident on NOAA’s GOES-R Series of Satellites. It is now operational on GOES-19 as the operational
East satellite and GOES-18 as the operational West satellite. The NOAA-NESDIS fly out chart can be located NOAA-NESDIS fly out chart.
The GOES HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast transition from the previously separate LRIT and EMWIN broadcasts began in December 2017, when the first of the new GOES-R Series of satellites (GOES-16) became the operational East satellite after its launch the previous year. GOES-17 was then launched on March 1st, 2018 to eventually become the West satellite at GOES-15’s position. GOES-13 and GOES-15 have been transferred to the USSF and renamed EWS-G1 and EWS-G2. GOES-14 is in a storage orbit. GOES-16 is in standby for contingency operations. To find out more regarding GOES status, please visit the GOES-R website and the GOES-R Mission Overview. NESDIS provides “Satellite Programs Launch Date Charts” with information regarding each GOES mission life expectancy for operations.
The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast is in the L-band range at 1694.1 center frequency. The broadcast should be able to be received using a VSAT antenna of less than 2 meters with a predicted minimum size of 1 meter (see the “Antenna System” specification in the accompanying table). It is advisable to consult with your equipment provider as each installation is unique based on your location within the broadcast footprint and your unique antenna location.
HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast Specification
| Characteristics | HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast Specifications |
|---|---|
| Platform | Operational East and West GOES-R Series Satellites |
| Operating Frequency Range | L-band |
| Center Frequency | 1694.1 MHz |
| Data Rate | 400 Kbps |
| Symbol Rate | 927 Ksps |
| Modulation | BPSK |
| Polarization | Linear – Vertical offset |
| Antenna System |
At 5 degree elevation, the minimum antenna is 1.2 meter. At 10 degrees or more elevation, the minimum size is 1.0 meter. |
The primary HRIT/EMWIN broadcast is formed in the HRIT/EMWIN processors within the Product Distribution and Access
(PDA) system at the NOAA Satellite Operations
Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, MD. It is formed into a broadcast stream and sent to either the Command and Data
Acquisition Station at Wallops Island, Virginia (WCDAS)
or the Consolidated Backup Facility (CBU) at Fairmont, WV for uplink to the satellite. A secondary instance of the
HRIT/EMWIN and PDA systems are located at the
Consolidated Backup Facility (CBU) in Fairmont, WV. This broadcast is restricted to the essential components of the
Emergency Manager Weather Information Network
(EMWIN) and GOES Data Collection Service (DCS) products along with some graphic format satellite images. This
broadcast stream can be uplinked at the CBU at Fairmont
or transferred to the Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station (WCDAS) in Wallops Island, Virginia. The
broadcast is formed in accordance with the
HRIT/LRIT Standard and
CCSDS Standards.
The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast can be received within the footprint of the GOES East and West satellites. The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast can be received from the Eastern Atlantic Ocean to the West-Central Pacific Ocean. In addition, the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast contains imagery in the NOAA HRIT format from the Himawari satellite. This extends the coverage available to the Indian Ocean and East Asia mainland.
Following the HRIT/LRIT Standard, data files are assigned to a number of Virtual Channels with associated priorities on the broadcast.
| VCID # | Product Name | GOES-E (19) | GOES-W (18) | Frequency (Minutes) | Priority | Bandwidth | Format | Resolution | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Admin Text | ✅ | ✅ | 60 | 1 | 38% | Text Messages | N/A | Active and available |
| 1 | Mesoscale CMI | ✅ | ✅ | 15 | 12 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 0.5km (B2), 2km (B7,13) | Both Meso scenes active |
| 2 | CMI Band 2 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 7 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 7 | CMI Band 7 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 6 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 8 | CMI Band 8 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 8 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 9 | CMI Band 9 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 9 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 13 | CMI Band 13 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 5 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 14 | CMI Band 14 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 10 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 15 | CMI Band 15 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 11 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 16 | G19 CMI Band 13 | ✅ | 60 | 17 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available | |
| 17 | G18 CMI Band 13 | ✅ | 60 | 17 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available | |
| 20 | EMWIN – High Priority | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 1 | 8% | Text | N/A | Active and available |
| 21 | EMWIN - Graphics | ✅ | ✅ | 15–60 | 3 | 8% | GIF/JPEG | N/A | Active and available |
| 22 | EMWIN – Low Priority | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 2 | 8% | Text | N/A | Active and available |
| 24 | NHC Maritime Graphics | ✅ | ✅ | Variable | 14 | 87% | GIF/JPEG | N/A | Active and available |
| 25 | GOES-E/W Level 2+ Products | ✅ | ✅ | Variable | 15 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2–10 km | Active and available |
| 32 | DCS Data | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 4 | 5% | DCS Format | N/A | Active and available |
| 60 | Himawari-9 | ✅ | 60 | 16 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available |
Emergency Manager Weather Information Network
The EMWIN virtual channels 20-22 carry a large array of NWS-produced warnings, watches, forecasts, discussions and graphic imagery products. Also included are other emergency information; for example, amber alerts. The EMWIN products are now sent as individual messages. Commercial and open-source software packages are available to present the EMWIN information graphically.
GOES Data Collection System
The GOES Data Collection System (DCS) information is a data relay system used to transmit observations from surface-based environmental platforms through NOAA's geostationary satellites, for delivery back to the platform owner. Approved users (e.g. government, non-profit) anywhere in the footprint of GOES can apply to utilize the system. Users are given frequency and time slots for their transmissions. GOES DCS is a critical communication tool for near-real-time observations for 40+ countries in the western hemisphere. There are thousands of Data Collection Platforms that transfer their observations through GOES satellites. Some examples are: automatic weather stations, tide and tsunami buoys, river and flood gauges and seismic gauges. There are several ways to access or receive GOES DCS data, through the internet or via satellite broadcast. One way is through HRIT/EMWIN, another is the GEONETCast-Americas broadcast. GOES DCS observations, while in text, are coded and require each DCS user of HRIT/EMWIN to have the proper application to store these files in a database and to decode them if necessary. Message latency for DCS over HRIT/EMWIN, from message reception at the Wallops Command and Data Acquisition site to re-broadcast over HRIT/EMWIN, is less than 30 seconds and typically 13 seconds (median).
Imagery
The GOES-R Series carries the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) instrument which has 16 imagery bands. The baseline spatial resolution at nadir varies from 0.5 km in the visible Band 2, to 1 km in Bands 1,3, and 5, to 2km for all other Bands. For more information about the ABI instrument see the GOES-R Series Data Book. The HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast selects the Cloud and Moisture Imagery Product full-disk and mesoscale images for seven bands (2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 ,15). Although the ABI instrument schedule usually takes a full-disk image every 10 minutes, HRIT/EMWIN bandwidth constraints allow two full-disk images per selected band per hour. The mesoscale products are sent at native resolution, but the full-disk products are all 2km resolution. For more information about the CMI Product, see the Fact Sheet or the full Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document.
Click the link below to download the files associated with Z_QATA00KWBC110845_C_KWIN_20260311204545_011287-3-RADSMSVY.
- A_WWUS53KDVN102359_C_KWIN_20260311000017_940099-1-SVSDVNIA
- Z_QATA00KWBC110845_C_KWIN_20260311204545_011287-3-RADSMSVY
For more information see GOES-R “Cloud and Moisture Imagery Fact Sheet” or the GOES-R “ABI Bands Quick Information Guides. This is a significant increase in quality and in quantity of imagery over the GOES-NOP era LRIT broadcast. Of the 16 ABI bands, 7 bands in the full disk sector have been selected for broadcast on HRIT/EMWIN. HRIT also includes 3 bands in the mesoscale sector.
Note that the native release format of the image products from the GOES-R Series of satellites is the Network Common Data Form – Version 4, or netCDF4. This format is transposed into the HRIT/LRIT format for the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast. See Broadcast tab for the HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast Virtual Channel allocations and schedule.
Another product component is a selection of tropical weather and ocean graphics that are pulled from the NWS National Hurricane Center. These include tropical storm tracks, maritime forecasts, maritime surface charts and discussions along with winds and seas warnings.
Also included in the HRIT/EMWIN broadcasts are HRIT-formatted Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Himawari image data. NOAA receives Himawari visible, Infrared and Water Vapor images from the Japanese Meteorological Agency and converts them to NOAA HRIT format. The imagery datasets are transmitted each hour. Himawari carries the AHI or Advanced Himawari Imager instrument which is very similar to the GOES-R ABI. Thus, the full disk images are nearly compatible with the ABI images that are closest in wavelength and in the case of GOES-West, offer a view of the Pacific area from Asia to much of North America.
Reception
The NOAA/NESDIS High Rate Information Transmission / Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (HRIT/EMWIN) broadcast can be received using a VSAT system with the basic components of a VSAT antenna, low-noise block-down converter (LNB), satellite signal receiver, software to de-encapsulate the broadcast stream and some type of visualization software. The necessary components and related specifications are located in the accompanying table. A partial list of component and system manufacturers can be found in the “Satellite Receiving Equipment Manufacturers”. Note that this is a voluntary and partial list of vendors and there are manufacturers not listed and some that may have ceased to participate in the industry.
| Component | HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast Specifications | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Operational East and West GOES-R Series Satellites |
|
| Broadcast | Operating Frequency Range | L-Band |
| Center Frequency | 1694.1 MHz | |
| Data Rate | 400 Kbps | |
| Symbol Rate | 927 Ksps | |
| Modulation – BPSK |
|
|
| Polarization – Linear | Vertical Offset | |
| Antenna System | Antenna System |
|
|
Low-Noise Block-Down | L-Band |
Example:
|
| Satellite Receiver | L-Band |
|
| Software | N/A |
|
|
*Table 4.1: HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast Reception Components and Specifications (Updated 03/11/2026)*
HRIT/EMWIN can be received over much of the Western Hemisphere between extreme Western Africa and extreme Eastern Australia and Eastern Polynesia. The combination of the low rain-fad characteristic of the L-band signal and the small aperture antenna required for reception allows for simultaneous reception of GOES-R Series and Himawari reduced resolution imagery, the EMWIN content and GOES-DCS observations.
On HRIT/EMWIN, the products are arranged into Broadcast Groups and then virtual sub-channels. The HRIT/EMWIN Virtual Channel Identification – Product Table (table below) on this page and repeated under the Products Tab provides a mapping of the products to the Virtual Channel IDs with the product delivery periodicity and format.
| VCID # | Product Name | GOES-E (19) | GOES-W (18) | Frequency (Minutes) | Priority | Bandwidth | Format | Resolution | Product Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Admin Text | ✅ | ✅ | 60 | 1 | 38% | Text Messages | N/A | Active and available |
| 1 | Mesoscale CMI | ✅ | ✅ | 15 | 12 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 0.5 km (Band 2), 2 km (Bands 7,13) | Both Meso scenes active and available |
| 2 | CMI Band 2 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 7 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 7 | CMI Band 7 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 6 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 8 | CMI Band 8 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 8 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 9 | CMI Band 9 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 9 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 13 | CMI Band 13 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 5 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 14 | CMI Band 14 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 10 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 15 | CMI Band 15 | ✅ | ✅ | 30 | 11 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2 km | Active and available |
| 16 | G19 CMI Band 13 | ✅ | 60 | 17 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available | |
| 17 | G18 CMI Band 13 | ✅ | 60 | 17 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available | |
| 20 | EMWIN – High Priority | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 1 | 8% | Text | N/A | Active and available |
| 21 | EMWIN – Graphics | ✅ | ✅ | 15–60 | 3 | 8% | Graphic (GIF, JPEG) | N/A | Active and available |
| 22 | EMWIN – Low Priority | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 2 | 8% | Text | N/A | Active and available |
| 24 | NHC Maritime Graphics | ✅ | ✅ | Variable | 14 | 87% | Graphic (GIF, JPEG) | N/A | Active and available |
| 25 | GOES-E/W Level 2+ Products | ✅ | ✅ | Variable | 15 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 2–10 km | Active and available |
| 32 | DCS Data | ✅ | ✅ | Continuous | 4 | 5% | DCS Format | N/A | Active and available |
| 60 | Himawari-9 | ✅ | 60 | 16 | 87% | HRIT/LRIT | 4 km | Active and available |
*Figure 4.2: HRIT/EMWIN Virtual Channel Identification – Product Table (Updated 03/11/2026)*
More information on the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast and products can be found under their tabs on this site. The broadcast stream is based on the HRIT/LRIT and CCSDS Standards. Depending on the software used to de-encapsulate the broadcast stream, users can select which products to store or archive on their systems.
Most products are in formats that are easily viewed by most computer systems such as text, jpeg and gif. The GOES DCS observations, while in text, are coded. Each owner of a Data Collection Platforms (DCP) is the owner of the observation from those platforms. Each DCS user of HRIT/EMWIN is responsible for having an application to store these files in a database and to decode them.
The native format of the imagery from the GOES-R Series of satellites is the Network Common Data Form – Version 4,
or netCDF4. This format is transposed into the HRIT/LRIT format for inclusion into the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast. View
the netCDF and
netCDF4 for more information. Visit the “Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites LRIT/HRIT
Global Specification”. Most commercial HRIT/EMWIN or XRIT systems contain software that will view and / or
manipulate the images in HRIT format.
During the NOAA Satellite Conference in Miami,
Florida in the spring of 2010, a provisional installation of a
HRIT/EMWIN system was installed in the parking lot outside the hotel conference center. The system consisted of a
lightweight antenna, LNA, the original version of the prototype receiver and software, a laptop computer, a normal
CRT and a batter for power. It successfully showed the satellite imagery of an approaching squall line with
thunderstorm activity along with the EMWIN warning information and graphics.
View all of Geostationary Satellites Status and their instruments
View the imaging “Schedules and Scan Sectors”
NOAA/NESDIS/OSPO posts notifications that consist of “information about NOAA's satellite operations.” To “decode the ".txt" filenames listed above, MSGXXXHHMM.NN.txt, MSG means "Message", XXX is the Julian Date, HHMM is the time of the message and NN is the sequence number.”
Users can also be put on email distribution of the notifications by emailing the NESDIS Help Desk at ESPC Operations or visit the Contact Page.
Sample Imagery HRIT/EMWIN
The following HRIT/EMWIN test data files in the HRIT/LRIT Format are provided for GOES-R Series Satellites. GOES-19 is currently the operational East satellite at 75.2° west, while GOES-18 is the operational West satellite at 137.0° west.
The GOES-R series spacecraft have the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), which has a total of 16 image bands each. HRIT/EMWIN only carries the following bands in full disk sectors: 2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15. There are 3 sectors in the Mesoscale sector: 1) 2 (0.5 km resolution), 7 and 13 (both 2 km resolution). Information about the bands can be found on the GOES-R website at:
Click on the text below the imagery to download the .lrit sample file for each GOES-16 channel selection:
GOES-15 LRIT Test Data Files
The following GOES-15 test data files are provided for the GOES-N/O/P LRIT broadcast in the HRIT/LRIT Format. At this time, GOES-15 is Operational West Satellite. GOES-13 is currently in a storage orbit. Until GOES-13/14/15 are decommissioned, sample files will be maintained on this page.
| Image Title | File Size |
|---|---|
| GOES-15 Visual (VIS) Full Disk | 2.7M |
| GOES-15 Infrared (IR) Full Disk | 2.7M |
| GOES-15 Water Vapor (WV) Full Disk | 692K |
| GOES-15 Northern Hemisphere VIS | 881K |
| GOES-15 Northern Hemisphere IR | 884K |
| GOES-15 Northern Hemisphere WV | 224K |
| GOES-15 Southern Hemisphere VIS | 576K |
| GOES-15 Southern Hemisphere IR | 579K |
| GOES-15 Southern Hemisphere WV | 149K |
| GOES-15 CONUS VIS | 551K |
| GOES-15 CONUS IR | 553K |
| GOES-15 CONUS WV | 142K |
| GOES-15 Rapid Scan VIS | 147K |
| GOES-15 Rapid Scan IR | 150K |
| GOES-15 Rapid Scan WV | 41K |
HRIT/EMWIN Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find more information on the HRIT Standard?
- “The intention of LRIT/HRIT is to define a standard for dissemination of data, preferably from geostationary spacecraft towards LRIT/HRIT user stations. The main approach of LRIT/HRIT is to disseminate rasterized image data mapped to the surface of the earth, preferably those generated by or deducted from satellite remote sensing data. Additionally, LRIT/HRIT shall provide means to forward other types of graphical information, alphanumeric data or binary data. LRIT is intended for use on low rate communication links, mainly at 10 kb/s until 256 kb/s. HRIT is intended for use on high rate communication links, mainly at 0.256 Mbit/s through 10 Mbit/s.” See the “LRIT/HRIT Global Specification
- How do I find more information on EMWIN?
- EMWIN provides the emergency management community and other users equipped with VSAT stations with NWS warnings, watches, forecasts, and other products at no recurring cost. EMWIN had its own transponder onboard GOES-N/O/P. Onboard GOES-R Series satellites, there is only one transponder for the combined HRIT/EMWIN broadcast.
- How do I find more information on the EMWIN products?
- EMWIN product information can be found at the NWS "International Services and Communication Systems" (ISCS).
- How do I find more information on GOES Data Collection Service (DCS)?
- GOES DCS users monitor the environment through the transmission of observations from surface-based data collection platforms directly to NOAA geostationary satellites. Decision-makers in the areas of emergency response and resource allocation depend on the GOES DCS. Go to GOES DCS for more information along with information on the DCS Administration and Data Distribution System (DADDS) which can be found at:
- What is the difference between WEFAX, LRIT and HRIT/EMWIN?
- At the CGMS XXVIII meeting in October 2000, NOAA announced that the analogue Weather Facsimile (WEFAX) direct broadcast service on GOES I-M satellites would be migrated to the new digital LRIT format. The NOAA LRIT service became operational October 1, 2005. The LRIT broadcasts provided users with additional imagery data, products and broadcast services including the GOES Data Collection Service in-situ observations, the NWS’ Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN), GOES visible and infrared imagery, and other hydro-meteorological products. On December 18, 2017, the new HRIT/ EMWIN service that combined the LRIT and EMWIN services became operational on GOES-16 in the GOES-East position. The HRIT (High Rate Information Transmission) broadcast employs the same format specification as LRIT; the difference is in data content and bit rate. View GOES Operational Status
- What continuity of operations or backup does HRIT/EMWIN have?
- EMWIN has a primary generation facility at College Park, MD and a backup facility in Boulder, CO. GOES-DCS has two generation servers at the NSOF in Suitland, MD and another two at the Command and Distribution facility in Wallops Island, VA. The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast can be generated at the primary facility in Suitland, MD and at the backup site at Fairmont, WV. Both the EMWIN and DCS data can be sent to either Suitland or Fairmont. Both the Suitland and Fairmont HRIT/EMWIN systems can send the data stream to either the primary uplink facility at Wallops Island or the backup uplink facility at Fairmont. More information can be found on pages 59-61 including Figure 9 of the “GOES-R Series Concept of Operations (CONOPS)” and the Broadcast Tab on the site.
- How do I find out what products are on the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast?
- There are tables detailing the products on HRIT/EMWIN under the Products Tab on this site.
- Which imagery bands are on HRIT/EMWIN?
- Seven channels were selected for both the GOES-East and West broadcasts. They are bands 2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15. This gives a mix of visible, water vapor and infrared bands. They are broadcast at 2 km spatial resolution in HRIT format every 30 minutes. There are also 3 mesoscale sectors broadcast for bands 2, 7 and 13. There are tables detailing the products on HRIT/EMWIN under the Products Tab on this site. More information on the bands can be found on the GOES-R web site at the link to “ABI Bands Quick Information Guides”.
- Why are not all the GOES-R Series imagery bands on HRIT/EMWIN?
- HRIT/EMWIN has a net data rate of 400 kilobits-per-second. It is not possible to broadcast all 16 channels, the three mesoscale sectors, and plus DCS and EMWIN, without drastic spatial resolution downsampling. The selected bands (2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15) give a mix of visible, water vapor and infrared bands that should be of value to forecasters and planners. They are broadcast at 2 km spatial resolution in HRIT format every 30 minutes. Other GOES-R Baseline products are broadcast as well.
- What are the GOES-DCS observation messages and how do I read them?
- Registered users of the GOES Data Collection System Data are allowed to uplink environmental sensor data messages directly from their own Data Collection Platforms to the GOES spacecraft. All the messages are rebroadcast to users through various means, including the GOES HRIT/EMWIN broadcast. On HRIT/EMWIN, 40 to 50 messages are enclosed in a formatted file. Some commercial HRIT receivers (for example the Microcom DigiRIT LRIT/HRIT Receiver) process the file to extract individual messages. The open-source openDCS project can also process the DCS files broadcast by HRIT/EMWIN.
- What are the default mesoscale sectors:
- The mesoscale default sectors are determined from areas of the highest population density coinciding with the biggest aviation hubs in the Continental United States. Mesoscale sector #1 box is centered over 38°N – 78° W, while mesoscale sector #2 box is centered over 37°N – 86°W. View all mesoscale channels and current locations
- Where can I get information on when the mesoscale sectors are moved?
- Users will need to subscribe to receive update email notifications of mesoscale change requests and timeframe by contacting the ESPC Help Desk
- Who decides when a mesoscale sector is changed?
- The National Weather Service (NWS) WFO regional focal point offices, all the NCEP National Centers (NHC, SPC, etc.) and the Satellite Analysis Branch are the only requesting entities currently
- Where can I find sample imagery in the HRIT format?
- Sample GOES-16 imagery in the HRIT format can be found under the sample imagery tab on this site. The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast splits large images into 16 segments (files) which are transmitted separately, for robustness and queue management.
- Where can I find samples and real-time imagery in the native netCDF4 format?
- GOES-R imagery in the JPEG graphic format can be found at the official access point at NOAA’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). The RAMMB/CIRA Slider provides animated PNG and GIF imagery downloads.
- The NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD) website links to a variety of NOAA data available for download in netCDF4 format. Quick link: GOES-19 Cloud Moisture Imagery Full-disk products at Amazon Web Services.
- The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) has a list of interesting links related to GOES data and software.
- What is the netCDF4 format?
- “NetCDF is a set of software libraries and self-describing, machine-independent data formats that support the creation, access, and sharing of array-oriented scientific data.” A description of the netCDF format and netCDF Introduction are available on the UCAR page.
- How can I get information on all of the GOES-R series of satellite imagery and
products?
- Descriptions of the products and links to the Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents can be found on the GOES-R Baseline Products page or directly on the STAR website.
- Where does the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast originate?
- The primary HRIT/EMWIN broadcast is formed in the HRIT/EMWIN processors within the Product Distribution and Access (PDA) system at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, MD. It is formed into a broadcast stream and sent to either the Command and Data Acquisition Station at Wallops Island, Virginia (WCDAS) or the Consolidated Backup Facility (CBU) at Fairmont, WV for uplink to the satellite. A secondary instance of the HRIT/EMWIN and PDA systems are located at CBU in Fairmont, WV, with independent access to EMWIN and DCS data, but relying on PDA at NSOF to provide imagery data.
- Where does HRIT/EMWIN get uplinked to the satellite from?
- The HRIT/EMWIN broadcast is uplinked from antenna systems located at the primary GOES-R site at the Command and Data Acquisition Station at Wallops Island, Virginia (WCDAS) and at the Consolidated Backup Facility (CBU) at Fairmont, WV. For more information see the GOES-R Facilities and Antennas.
- How can I receive the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast?
- The broadcast can be received anywhere in the GOES-East and the GOES-West footprint. The basic receive system consists of a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Antenna system, a receiver, a computer and receiver software. A description of a HRIT/EMWIN receive system can be found under the Reception Tab on this site.
- Where can I find vendors who sell HRIT/EMWIN systems?
- Commercial vendors of systems that can receive HRIT/EMWIN and can be found on the Manufacturers List. Note that this is a voluntary and partial list of vendors and there are manufacturers not listed and some that may have ceased to participate in the industry.
- Can I build my own satellite receiver?
- The “Aerospace HRIT/EMWIN Prototype” receiver described on this web site provides useful
technical background for anyone wishing to understand fundamentals. Also, there are very
well-developed open source and hobbyist HRIT/EMWIN receiver projects employing relatively
inexpensive antennas, amplifiers, and Software Defined Radios (SDRs). While it should be
understood this is not an endorsement, we recommend looking at:
- USRadioguy.com advice and community for satellite reception
- SatDump software for satellite signal processing
- Vitality-goes web application for displaying data from the HRIT/EMWIN Broadcast
- The “Aerospace HRIT/EMWIN Prototype” receiver described on this web site provides useful
technical background for anyone wishing to understand fundamentals. Also, there are very
well-developed open source and hobbyist HRIT/EMWIN receiver projects employing relatively
inexpensive antennas, amplifiers, and Software Defined Radios (SDRs). While it should be
understood this is not an endorsement, we recommend looking at:
- What size antenna do I need?
- The broadcast should be able to be received using a VSAT antenna of less than 2 meters diameter equivalent with a minimum size of 1 meter at 10 degrees or more elevation and 1.2 meters at 5 degrees elevation or less.
- How much data will I receive?
- The HRIT/EMWIN net data rate is 400 kilobits per second, at which rate the maximum amount of data that could be downloaded in one day is approximately 4.0 Gigabytes. However, the broadcast will never be full as un unused buffer is kept to avoid broadcast file latency, especially for National Weather Service watches, warnings and emergency information. Currently, the averaged maximum utilized bandwidth is 75%.
- Do I need the internet in order to receive HRIT/EMWIN?
- The internet is not necessary for HRIT/EMWIN reception. Electrical power is needed to power the computer, satellite receiver and low noise block down converter (LNB). The LNB is often powered by the receiver.
- Do I have to pay a fee to receive HRIT/EMWIN?
- No NOAA initial or recurring fee is required for HRIT/EMWIN reception. Depending on how you acquired your reception system, you may have a maintenance and licensing agreement with your vendor.
- Do I have to register with NOAA to receive HRIT/EMWIN?
- There is no mandatory registration required to receive HRIT/EMWIN. If you would like to complete a voluntary registration navigate to the link just below. This registration is voluntary. Outside of FOIA requests, the information will not be disclosed.
- At the bottom of the webpage, click the text that states: "Help us keep you up to date with changes and anomalies!" to open the Direct ReadOut database registration page
- Do I need special software for the EMWIN products?
- EMWIN products are in either a text or graphic (e.g. JPG) format so they can be read and displayed by most systems. However, there are software packages offering various levels of enhanced display including warnings, etc.
- How can I get the latest information about the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast?
- The NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations maintains an archive of all notifications regarding events related to satellite operations or product generation. You may register to receive all such notifications by emailing the ESPC Helpdesk at ESPC.Notification@noaa.gov.
- If you wish to receive only notifications deemed by the HRIT/EMWIN Program Manager to be of interest to broadcast users, please request to be added to the HRIT/EMWIN User Group mailing list by emailing hrit.manager@noaa.gov.
- Occasional information is promulgated to users who have voluntarily registered with the Direct ReadOut database maintained by the DCS program, at any of the links:
- At the bottom of the webpage, click the text that states: "Help us keep you up to date with changes and anomalies!" to open the Direct ReadOut database registration page
- Users are free to attend the virtual HRIT/EMWIN User’s Group meetings to get the latest information on the broadcasts. Please email the HRIT/EMWIN Program Manager to be added to the HRIT/EMWIN User Group email list. Recent meeting presentations are kept on the GRB web page.
- Who can I call for help if my reception stops or if there are anomalies with the HRIT/EMWIN broadcast?
- Users can contact the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility Help Desk by email ESPCOperations@noaa.gov or phone 301-817-3880 (24x7), or at lesser priority the HRIT/EMWIN Program Manager directly at hrit.manager@noaa.gov.
- What is GOES-R?
- From the GOES-R FAQ Page, “The GOES-R Series is the next generation of NOAA geostationary Earth-observing systems. The satellite’s advanced spacecraft and instrument technology will support expanded detection of environmental phenomena, resulting in more timely and accurate forecasts and warnings.” View Mission Page for more information.
- What is the ABI instrument?
- “The Advanced Baseline Imager is the primary instrument on the GOES-R Series for imaging Earth’s weather, oceans and environment.” View Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) for more information.
- What is the difference between the GOES-Imager and the ABI?
- “ABI views the Earth with 16 different spectral bands (compared to five on the previous generation of GOES), including two visible channels, four near-infrared channels, and ten infrared channels.” “It provides three times more spectral information, four times the spatial resolution, and more than five times faster temporal coverage than the previous system.” View Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) for more information.
- What is HBI?
- HBI is the Himawari Baseline Imager. It is resident on the Japanese Himawari-9 spacecraft. It is similar to the NOAA GOES-R Series Advanced Baseline Imager.
- How can I get training on the GOES-R products?
- Information can be found on the GOES-R User Readiness Page and there are many resources listed on the GOES-R Educational Resources Page.
- How do I find out the imagery schedules from the NOAA satellites?
- The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) can be operated in several scheduling modes. More information can be found on the ABI Page and on the NOAA Satellite Operations Schedule page.
- How can I find more information on NOAA satellites?
- See the Satellite Operations page hosted by OSPO.
- How can I find more information on all of the meteorological satellites?
- The WMO-CGMS Satellite User Readiness Navigator (SATURN) site exists to provide information on the new generation of Meteorological satellites. The Saturn Portal will provide a single point of access for all information needed for user community preparations for the new missions using information gathered from the satellite operators and by the WMO Space Programme.