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Frequently Asked Questions



Does the Hurricane and Ocean Testbed (HOT) replace the Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT)?

The HOT expands on the 20-year legacy of the former Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT). New funding opportunities will be designated as "HOT projects" instead of "JHT projects" moving forward.


What is the process for transitioning new innovations into NHC's operational environment?

The flowchart below outlines a typical path for a new innovation to reach operations. However, the path is rarely a straight line, with frequent iterations among developers of the new innovation, operational scientists and technologists who facilitate the operational transition, and operational forecasters who will use the new innovation.

A flowchart showing how research to operations (R2O) works in the HOT. New innovations begin at RL4, endure a external innovation assessment, operational readiness review, internal HOT integration, and internal demonstration before they are ready for operational transition (RL8-9).

Reference: R2O Transition Readiness Levels (RL)



What technical aspects are most desirable for operational products?

The Technology and Science Branch (TSB) at NHC has determined the following technical standards for a successful and maintainable transition to operations:
  • Coding languages: Python 3, Fortran, Bash
  • Web utilities: PHP, HTML, Apache, Javascript
  • Platforms: RedHat 8+, AWIPS-2, ESRI ArcGIS, most web-based applications
  • Input data from an operational source (e.g., NOAA) or generated locally at NHC
  • Version Control: git or other version-controlled repository