computer system over a network. The operator may choose to reroute selected files and products to remote sites on a predetermined schedule. The FTP function can be used to send critical tiles to a remote site. Only one file may be sent at a time. ARCHIVING.—Aircraft accidents, storm tracks, and high interest areas provide good reasons to save environmental data. The archive function allows you to save individual products and files to floppy disk. As data is received, it is automatically copied to the destination path and drive. FUSION  GENERATOR.—This  function  allows you to overlay various METOC products, such as a satellite image with a radar image. The operation can be set  up  automatically  for  predefined  products  at specified  time  intervals.  There  are  several  map projection and color scheme options available. In addition, alphanumeric data ingested from the AWN can also be fused with other geo-referenced products. This allows you to overlay any type of data, such as sea level  pressure  contours  with  temperature  contours, surface winds with precipitation, and so forth. Receiver  Modules The MIDDS has several receiver modules that define which products to receive from satellite data, radar data, AWN data, and digital facsimile data. SATELLITE (DSP) RECEIVER.—This  module allows for the reception of satellite images from GOES- Tap, HF receiver, APT, or WEFAX. The images are stored in PCX format and can be captured in several sizes. Images can be viewed as they are being received, and  a  looper  display  capability  is  provided.  A  database of   several   different   satellites   is   loaded   during installation. (Digital GOES 8 and 9 imagery will be received over the Internet or via the Dial RX receiver.) DIFAX  RECEIVER.—This module allows you to receive digital facsimile products from the National Weather Service. Your system administrator will establish a DIFAX product database during installation. DIAL RX RECEIVER.—This  module  acquires radar images from WSR-88D radar sites by using a commercial dial-up service or the Internet. It can also be used to receive GOES satellite images, alphanumeric products, and DIFAX products. The DIAL RX accesses a master database that contains  all  meteorological  stations,  including  those stations with WSR-88D radars. (The database also contains all satellite and DIFAX product types.) From this   database,   specific   stations   can   be   selected (activated), and desired products can then be selected from that particular station. Keep in mind that only those radars sites near your station need be activated. After you select the WSR-88D station, you then select from a list of products that you desire. Your system administrator can establish a predefined product list for each WSR-88D station. At some activities, the MIDDS computer  is  directly  connected  to  a  WSR-88D  Principal User Processor (PUP) circuit by using a CODEX modem. AWN RECEIVER.—This     module     allows observation and forecast data from the AWN to be ingested into the MIDDS. MIDDS is designed to receive  AWN  data,  identify  desired  stations  and products, and store the data in appropriate directories. The number of active stations can be selected from the master station database. Data requirements are usually determined through the system administrator. MIDDS ingests AWN data continuously, and a large volume of data is received. Thus, the amount of data selected for ingest must be determined very carefully. LIGHTNING-DATA RECEIVER (LDR).— The LDR receives input from the Lightning Detection and Tracking System (LDATS). The LDATS system displays  lightning  data  collected  by  the  National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), which consists of over 100 remote sensing stations that monitor cloud- to-ground  lightning  in  the  continental  United  States. The LDR receives LDATS data so that MIDDS can display it on a user-defined map background. This display  can  be  an  individual  LDATS  product  or overlaid on top of radar and satellite products.  MIDDS can  also  display  the  lightning  data  at  specified  time intervals. Weather Group Applications Software The primary function of MIDDS is to display satellite  imagery,  radar  imagery,  alphanumeric  text,  and weather  charts.  MIDDS  has  several  data-display applications available for weather briefings, along with numerous  other  data  manipulation  and  display  features. The main display applications in MIDDS are SAND (Satellite, AFOS, NEXRAD, and DIFAX) and FOS (Family of Services). SAND  (SATELLITE,  AFOS,  NEXRAD,  and DIFAX).—The SAND application is used to display three types of products: Satellite imagery, NEXRAD (WSR-88D  next-generation  radar  data),  and  digital facsimile  data.  AFOS  is  the  commercial  way  of 1-16