Tomorrow.io’s Precipitation Insights: Comparing UP and Global Radar

At Tomorrow.io, we leverage multiple data sources to provide the most comprehensive weather insights possible. Differences in your experience often stem from comparing our Global Radar Layer to our proprietary Unified Precipitation (UP) product. This guide outlines the distinctions to help you choose the right option for your needs.

Unified Precipitation (UP)

Our Unified Precipitation (UP) product blends high-quality radar (Level 3) and satellite-based estimates for reliable, real-time precipitation insights.

Key Features:

• Global Coverage: Fills gaps where ground radar is unavailable using satellite data.
• Accuracy: Combines the best available radar and satellite data with quality controls.
• Timely Updates: Refreshes every 30 seconds to deliver near real-time accuracy.

Visualizing UP on the Tomorrow.io Platform

1. Navigate to the “Trends” sub-tab.
2. Enable the “Precip. Intensity” toggle to view the layer on the map.
   • Precipitation intensity is visualized through varying color gradients.

More details about this layer are available in our related support article.

Recommended Use:
Unified Precipitation is ideal for most users thanks to its consistent accuracy and global reach.

Global Radar Layer

The Global Radar Layer compiles raw radar imagery from over 1,000 radar stations worldwide (Level 2). It offers region-specific views that may differ from UP due to its broader mix of radar-only sources.

Visualizing Global Radar on the Tomorrow.io Platform

1. Click the radar icon on the map.
2. Select “Global Ground Radar” to activate the layer.

Global Coverage Overview:
This layer visualizes data from radar stations around the world. You can view global coverage directly on the platform and explore station details here.

Recommended Use:
Customers near specific radar installations included in the Global Radar Layer—but not in UP—may find this view more regionally useful.

When to Choose UP Over Global Radar

In most cases, Unified Precipitation (UP) is the recommended product due to its:

• Real-time accuracy
• Broad, global coverage
• Smooth, blended insights

However, Global Radar Layer may be better suited for use cases involving:

• Proximity to unique radar sites
• Preference for raw radar imagery

NextGen™ Unified Precipitation: Advanced Capabilities

For NextGen™ customers, Tomorrow.io offers an enhanced version of UP, integrating space-based precipitation data. Key benefits include:

• Improved Accuracy: 5–10% better accuracy compared to traditional models and public datasets like IMERG-Early.
• Expanded Coverage: Real-time data even in radar-limited regions, such as the western U.S.
• High Resolution: 5 km spatial resolution for more localized information.
• Frequent Updates: Data is refreshed every 5 minutes.

These features are available exclusively to NextGen™ customers. For upgrade options, contact your Account Team or email sales@tomorrow.io.

Need Help?

For any questions about Unified Precipitation or the Global Radar Layer, please contact us at support@tomorrow.io.