RASP update

An update on getting the Regional Atmospheric Soaring Prediction (RASP) model up and running.

Typical output from a RASP forecast
Source: ValleySoaring.net

1.  This thing takes a lot of time for someone who knows only a little bit about Unix.

2.  After about 100 hours of futzing around, most of which consisted of reading documentation and tediously tracing configuration files, I've managed to get the model to output a forecast for the default region.

3.  I'm using the GUI tool to draw/build a forecast region specific to Harris Hill.  Right now, I've defined the region but am stymied by the need for a particular Fortran library the isn't readily available for Ubuntu 11, the operating system I'm using.

4.  I've been stuck like this before and I'm going to ask for help from a Unix loving friend if I can't find the library I need.

5.  If I can successfully define the region, I should have a fair shot at getting the server running for Harris Hill.

6.  There is sure to be a lot farther to go!