NEFOCAST Project for Real-Time Precipitation Estimation from Ku Satellite Links: Preliminary Results of the Validation Field Campaign

NAdirosietalURSIATRASC2018summarypaperV4. The system does not require the set-up of specific precipitation measuring instruments, but uses telecommunication links. An algorithm that converts the SmartLNB raw data into attenuation values, and infers rainfall rate from the total signal attenuation provided by the devices and from the knowledge of the link geometry, has been developed. An experimental campaign will take place in 2018 in Tuscany with the purpose of validating the NEFOCAST estimates, obtained through a dense population of smartLNBs and an X-band dual-polarization weather radar, purposely installed. During a preliminary test phase, performance of the algorithm has been assessed tested by comparing data from individual smartLNBs with tipping bucket rain gauge and a co-located laser disdrometer. This study presents and discusses results obtained during the test phase, focusing on disdrometer evaluation.