Quantitative precipitation estimate quality control

Abstract

Systems and methods for improving the use of precipitation sensors, such as radar and rain gauges, are described herein. In an embodiment, an agricultural intelligence computer system receives one or more digital precipitation records comprising a plurality of digital data values representing precipitation amount at a plurality of locations. The system additionally receives one or more digital forecast records comprising a plurality of digital data values representing precipitation forecasts, each of which comprising predictions of precipitation at a plurality of lead times. The system identifies a plurality of forecast values for a plurality of locations at a particular time, each of the plurality of forecast values corresponding to a different lead time. The system uses the plurality of forecast values to generate a probability of precipitation at each of the plurality of locations. The system determines that the probability of precipitation at a particular location is lower than a stored threshold value and, in response, store data identifying the particular location as having received no precipitation.