BBC Weather Graphics

3D weather graphics for real-time forecasts

A new look for weather maps and a completely new system for producing weather forecasts at the BBC.

Layers of Met Office weather data displayed over true 3D maps using the New Zealand ‘Weatherscape’ system adapted specially for the BBC. Weather data is shared across all the BBC regional centres as well as online outlets. 3D broadcast graphics all rendered in real-time.

The BBC Weather graphics picked up a BDA award in the category ‘Information Graphics’ at the BDA World Gold Finals 2006.

BBC weather graphics - new BBC Weather map

The new BBC Weather graphics were launched in May 2005 using real-time 3D technology to overlay more accurately the weather data over moving maps.

The redesign was quite a long time in preparation, and represented a big change at the time. But over a decade later it’s nice to see the maps I designed still on air, and pretty much as I left them (barring a few tweaks – the rippling sea is a nice touch!).

It is also interesting to see how the system copes year after year, given everything the weather can throw at it, still using the same core concepts for showing many layers of weather data simultaneously. It has proved, I think, to be a very robust system.

BBC weather graphics - new BBC Weather map

A lot has changed behind the scenes since these weather graphics first aired – notably the Met Office losing the contract to supply the BBC with data and forecasters (UPDATE: it was recently announced that the Met Office contract has been extended until 2018). The contract to provide the new graphics system has been awarded to MeteoGroup (I think that was announced quite a while ago too). MeteoGroup already do the weather graphics for a number of broadcasters, so it will be interesting to see how any new BBC versions shape up, if and when they arrive on our screens and devices.

Ident

A composite of an actual glass sphere from a heliograph with 3D Maya animations of refracted skies, using After Effects. Below : static tests and broadcast versions.

ident test

test for new BBC Weather ident - rainbow

ident test

BBC Weather ident – blue skies

BBC Weather ident – grey skies

Weather Symbols

See the full set of traditional BBC Weather symbols

Here are some early tests and example of reworked cloud symbol. The classic symbols were re-drawn – just a few minor tweaks, mostly to help them work at small sizes on the web.

BBC weather symbols

From ‘The Cloudspotter’s Guide’ by Gavin Pretor-Pinney :

‘The cumulus symbols were used to stand for cloud cover for thirty years until 2005, when the BBC weather graphics were completely redesigned into a dynamic 3D system, which showed how cloud coverage and rainfall distribution varied in real time. Whilst the new system gave a much more accurate indication of cloud cover, viewers complained that the way the camera panned and swooped across the computer generated map made them feel sick. But perhaps that was just and excuse and, like me, they were merely sad to have to say goodbye to the friendly Cumulus symbols.’