AHPSVER: A web-based system for hydrologic forecast verification

Hydrologic forecast verification is a complicated endeavor due to the size and multi-dimensionality of the data sets involved. Finding an effective way to examine and interpret these data sets in ways that are meaningful to forecasters and forecast users is a central challenge in determining how good the forecasts are. We have developed the (AHPSVER) system to address these issues. The AHPSVER system consists of two components. The first is a comprehensive archive of verification data. The second component is a fully dynamic, relational database back-ended website that allows users to view the verification data in individual, customized ways. The system uses a maps- and forms-based interface to make interaction with users easy. The system outputs several types of graphs complemented with context-sensitive help. These graphs are pre-computed when possible (saving time and computation resources) and otherwise generated by the system on demand. These allow geographically diverse users to conduct individual, customized, and interactive analyses of the forecast verification data set.