Category: Weather
Date: 27.05.2005
Printable version
The 91Èȱ¬ will introduce a change to the perspective of
its new 3D weather map after carefully assessing feedback from viewers.
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The move follows comments from viewers that the map
gave too much prominence to the southern part of the country.
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The change to the 'tilt' of the map will allow viewers
to see more of the North of England and Scotland.
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Andrew Lane, 91Èȱ¬ Weather Manager, said: "We are proud
of the new weather map - it is very flexible, and we believe that it
provides the clarity and realism that viewers want.
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"However, we have always made it clear that we
listen to our audiences and our complaints system has had a role in
helping us to understand our audiences' concerns."
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He added: "The global look of the map naturally makes
the bottom of the map appear slightly larger, but we now recognise that
the perspective needs changing, and are responding."
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The new perspective weather map will be in use from
Saturday 28 May across the 91Èȱ¬.
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The new weather system will continue to take viewers
on 'tours' of the nations and regions, and to show in clearer detail
than before what the weather is doing - although the speed of these
'tours' had already been slowed down.
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Andrew Lane said: "The new technology has already led
to more live forecasts than ever before, such as those on 91Èȱ¬ News 24
and more frequent updates to the weather website.
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"We are satisfied that overall, the system is providing
more detailed and up-to-date analysis, particularly by zooming into
the nations and regions."
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Mr Lane also addressed comments surrounding the colour
of the map: "Although there have been some comments about the colour
of the map, it is a key part of the new system and helps us to show
detailed weather conditions to be shown over it."
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The 91Èȱ¬ also reiterated that there has been no change
to the policy of showing wind speed and direction in its forecasts,
when the wind is the main story.
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Forecasts are continuing to use this information and
display isobars where they are helpful to viewers.
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The new weather maps are the first major change to the
look of 91Èȱ¬ weather since 1985. No further changes are planned, but
the 91Èȱ¬ is continuing to monitor feedback and will later carry out further
audience research.
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Although there have been concerns
raised about the new weather map, audience research of 5,000 people
showed that seven out of ten viewers either preferred the new weather
system or liked it as much as the old forecasts.
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Pete Wishart, SNP MP for North Tayside, said: "I'm delighted
the 91Èȱ¬ has responded so positively to the many representations we have
all received on the relative size of Scotland on the new weather map.
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"Scotland requires reliable and accurate weather
forecasts and I'm confident this can be secured now we have regained
our rightful size."
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Notes to Editors
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The sandy shade / neutral colour of the map will remain, as it reflects
the 'natural sunlight' which is a key part of the new system - so when
it is sunny, the land warms up and highlights the good weather. The
sandy shade also allows for detailed weather conditions to be shown
over it.
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There has been no change to the 91Èȱ¬'s policy of showing wind speed and
direction, and when the wind is the main story, forecasts have been
using arrows to indicate its direction and speed.
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For those that require even more detailed information, the 91Èȱ¬ weather
website gives this with its popular five day forecasts.
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91Èȱ¬ weather forecasts continue to include isobars
particularly when they help to explain the weather story - isobars are
particularly of use to fishing and farming communities.
