Local TV stations like WLS-TV in Chicago, Ill., and WTVD in Raleigh, N.C., have recently begun experimenting with augmented reality for weather forecasts.
Augmented reality allows broadcasters to present the weather forecast in a more interactive and descriptive way. AR presentations can use tracking cameras, in order to present weather systems as they change in real time.
WSI’s director of product management, Jim Brihan, told TV News Check that “Augmented Reality allows presenters to be more open with the audience and not have to turn their back to viewers,” as well as allowing “them [to] actually explain to the audience what is going on by using augmented weather objects.”
Demonstration video of Max Reality’s AR Weather System
Why is it important?
Many local broadcast meteorologists say that national reporting on severe weather is out of control, sloppy and incessantly hyped. They say this is spreading misinformation that may be desensitizing viewers to actual weather risk.
Enhanced tools, such as Augmented Reality, make weather presentations more accurate and easier to understand.