Integrated Data Viewer (IDV)

Integrated Data Viewer (IDV)

Integrated Data Viewer (IDV) Unidata’s Integrated Data Viewer (IDV) is a freely available 3D geoscience visualization and analysis tool that gives users the ability to view and analyze a rich set of geoscience data in an integrated fashion. The IDV brings together the ability to display and analyze satellite imagery, gridded data (such as numerical weather prediction model output), surface observations (METARs), upper air soundings, NWS NEXRAD Level II and Level III RADAR data, and GIS data, all within a unified interface. The IDV integrates tightly with common scientific data servers (including Unidata’s TDS) to provide easy access to many real-time and archive datasets. It also provides collaborative features that enable users to easily share their own data holdings and analysis products with others.

IDV is available on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms, and features:

  • 2- and 3-D data displays
  • Interactive probes for dataset exploration
  • Parameter readouts
  • Vertical profiles
  • Time/height displays
  • A rich set of analysis capabilities
  • Interactive and script based generation of image, movie, PDF and KML/KMZ products
  • Bundling mechanism for saving state
  • Client/server data access
  • Easy configuration through a plugin facility
See the IDV package overview
IDV Display Examples
  • Globe DisplayIn the IDV Globe Display, displays and maps are projected onto a spherical globe
  • Plan Views Display Plan View horizontal 2D map data or cross-sections of 3D data using the IDV
  • 3D Surface3D Surface supports isosurface, topography, and 2D data draped over topography displays
  • IDV 3D Tracer PointsThe IDV 3D tracer points is a new 3D flow display type of the IDV for volume gridded dataset.
  • Satellite & Radar ImageryCreate displays from Satellite and NWS WSR-88D Level III Radar data using the IDV
  • Profiler WindsThe IDV Profiler Winds provides a Time/Height plot, Station plot, and a 3D view
  • IDV 3D StreamlineThe IDV 3D streamline is a new 3D flow display type of the IDV for volume gridded dataset.
More examples of IDV display capabilities

IDV Documentation

How To Use The IDV
User Guide The IDV user guide is the primary documentation for the IDV.
Training and Tutorials

IDV Support

Training and Tutorials

For IDV Developers

The IDV is an Open Source project led by developers at the Unidata Program Center. If you're interested in contributing to the project, you might be interested in these resources: