Svalbard Weather Information: Building a Trip-Planning Tool for the Arctic

During my internship at the University Center in Svalbard (UNIS), I had the opportunity to develop the IWIN (Isfjorden Weather Information Network), a project focused on building and maintaining a network of weather stations in the Arctic. Building on this experience, I started to develop in the summer 2024 the Svalbard Weather Information (SWI) platform to centralize weather data from the maximum number of available sources, including Norwegian Meteorological Institute.

This tool combines cutting-edge data integration with a user-friendly interface, making it an invaluable resource for trip planning and environmental monitoring in Svalbard.


Project Background

The Arctic environment is one of the most dynamic and challenging in the world, requiring accurate, real-time data for safe navigation and effective planning. During my internship with the IWIN project, I contributed to the development of a network of weather stations around Isfjorden. This experience revealed the potential of integrating data from multiple sources, such as Met Norway, into a centralized hub.

The SWI platform fulfills this vision by aggregating data from a wide network of fixed and mobile stations, providing comprehensive environmental insights. As a guide in the Arctic, I regularly planned trips in Svalbard, where understanding environmental conditions was crucial for safety. This hands-on experience inspired the SWI platform—a tool designed to address Arctic exploration’s practical challenges by blending technical precision with user-focused design.


Key Features

1. Integration of Diverse Weather Data Sources

The SWI platform aggregates data from multiple networks, including IWIN stations and external providers like Met Norway, delivering a comprehensive overview of Svalbard’s weather conditions. Key metrics include:

  • Temperature
  • Wind speed
  • Precipitation
  • Humidity
  • Atmospheric pressure

This centralized approach ensures users have access to real-time, reliable data for informed decision-making.

2. Advanced Map Layers for Enhanced Insights

To support Arctic explorers and researchers, the platform offers dynamic map layers, including:

  • Sea Ice Cover: Near real-time updates from cryo.met.no, essential for marine navigation and polar expeditions.
  • Runout Areas and Slope Steepness: Tools for assessing avalanche risks based on terrain features.
  • Driving Regulations in Svalbard: Highlights motorized travel restrictions to ensure compliance and minimize environmental impact.

These layers are continuously updated, keeping users informed with the latest data.

3. Real-Time Trip Planning

Tailored for Arctic explorers, the SWI platform offers a user-friendly interface for planning safe routes based on environmental conditions. This feature makes it indispensable for researchers, guides, and adventurers navigating Svalbard.


Technical Implementation

The SWI platform leverages data engineering, geospatial visualization, and web development technologies to create a robust, scalable, and accessible tool.

Key Technologies

  • Python: Backbone for data integration and visualization.
  • Flask: Lightweight web framework powering the interface and API endpoints.
  • Data Libraries: Pandas and GeoPandas for data cleaning, transformation, and geospatial visualization; Shapely and Fiona for spatial operations.

Geospatial Tools

The platform integrates datasets from remote sensing sources, such as cryo.met.no, to enhance precision in features like sea ice visualization and avalanche risk mapping.

Data Aggregation Pipelines

Custom pipelines harmonize data from diverse sources, overcoming differences in formats and intervals to provide consistent and accurate outputs.


Challenges and Solutions

  • Data Integration: Addressed format inconsistencies and quality issues by developing validation and harmonization pipelines.
  • Scalability: Implemented caching and modular design to handle large-scale weather and geospatial data in real-time.
  • User Accessibility: Focused on an intuitive interface while optimizing backend processes for complex queries.

Future Plans

To enhance the SWI platform further, I plan to implement the following:

1. Enhanced Trip Planning Tools

  • Dynamic Forecast Maps: Visualize weather changes during trips.
  • Historical Data Analysis: View trends in temperature, wind, and precipitation for informed planning.
  • Custom Data Retrieval: Enable users to query and download datasets for personalized analyses.

2. Automated Satellite Imagery Integration

  • Crevasse Detection: Develop a “last summer” composite satellite image of Svalbard to identify crevasse-prone areas, improving glacier travel safety.

3. Expanded Visualization Options

Add more geospatial layers to enrich the tool’s insights for Arctic exploration and research.


Explore the Project

Visit my GitHub repository to learn more about the UNIS Svalbard Weather Information tool. I welcome feedback and collaboration opportunities to refine and expand its capabilities.