Based on their previous responses on the implementation of this, it would likely be just a bitmap. Having this implemented on JS might be challenging, as it needs to use CoherentGT means to transfer data between the sim and JS. AFAIK, CoherentGT uses triggers with payload of primitive types. Technically it can transport bytes, however it depends on how it would be performant.
Why they’ve chosen WASM first could be because of the reasons I’ve described. Also I’m guessing that PMDG is awaiting this as well, and I think they’re using primarily WASM.
I would love to see historic weather - I live in Europe, but fly a lot in the US, and the live weather conditions just won’t match. Also, I shall wait 6 months to fly in Winter (or Summer, depending)?
The reason why simulators exists is to simulate what you cannot do in real life, and live weather only (or static presets, which are unchanged during longer flights) are a limiting factor. In FSX, back in 2006, I was able to add different presets geographically during a flight route, so have exciting and changing offline weather. This should be super easy implement, this should have been a standard function (heck, it was possible in 2006). Also, the arguments that ‘oh, it’s too difficult, you have simulate the whole globe…’ are just downright invalid - if you can probe a server for current METAR, you can probe a similar server for timestamped METAR as well (also, are you seeing the whole globe from your aircraft? No! Even from low-earth orbit, you can only see a limited area, it would be super wasteful of resources to actually simulate weather on the other side of the planet). MSFS has been out since ages, with PMDG’s 737, more-and-more people are flying longer and longer routes, I would really love to see more in the offline weather department - or just open it up, to invite those are willing to help us.
Yep. It seems that all Asobo did is this:
“Return precipitation data over a defined area, in multiple customizable layers (dependent on severity), so that custom weather radars can be implemented by third party developers.”
All the weather data API does is return a picture of precip that’s customizable. You can also change the angle of the cone in which the weather radar scans.
That’s all.
No access to raw data, just customize what’s already there.
Disappointing.
I thought Microsoft/Asobo said they wouldn’t give access to the raw data in one of their previous Twitch Q&As already. If my memory correct, it was Jorg that answered the question (not 100% if it was Jorg, but I think so), and he said either it was a permissions issue because the 3rd party weather provider (MetoBlue or METAR) does not allow direct access to the data, or it was an issue with the volume of data that is accessed.
I can’t remember which issue it exactly was, whether it was a permissions issue or an issue with the volume of data. But the general idea of the answer was that that they could not provide the raw data (sorry, I don’t remember which Twitch Q&A they said this either, it was probably a Twitch Q&A from before 6 months ago, or perhaps even last year).
Or I can just ask myself – I use to design the recent generation of, ground based aviation Weather Radar system
I do not expect the weather radar in MSFS to ever have all the features of a Modern Radar - but there is room for improvement, as the MSFS weather modeling improves, and gives the radar more data to process.
id love to see some more progress here… SU10 barely put a dent in what should be a fairly straight forward exercise. I am not saying its “easy” but exposing data-points to an endpoint is basic software engineering practice.
Please give us the data we need to make proper radar. You have access to it: expose it.
I have heard that weather radar will not be implemented on Fenix & PMDG airliners because Asobo have only provided them with a 2D weather API instead of a 3D weather API that is a shame! Hopefully SU11 will rectify this.
I hope with it saying SU10+ they haven’t finished making improvements to their current implementation and they do look at creating the necessary API so addon developers can truly create the WXR radars we need.
Asobo are contractually bound with Meteoblue. They can’t provide the data for third parties. I’m feeling doubtful that unless their contract changes, we won’t be seeing a true weather API.
Perhaps there is a way (3rd party devs only need to read the data, not change it by any means), we should push a question if it is possible before the next Q&A happens.
Because it’s not providing data. Think of it as providing an image. But then, every WXR system is different and they all have different features and visuals. Which means, if correct data was provided, developers would be able to simulate the different wxr systems from different manufacturers etc.
Honestly I don’t understand this trying to make everyone happy approach by them. It’s failing. And it’s failing miserably. Either make it right or if you can’t make it, explain why. Right now there’s literally nothing on this. They even removed it from the Wishlist because it’s fixed? What???
