Q&A

1. Why do I need this app?

Stay informed about all important aspects of tropical weather phenomena.

2. Why there are several Pflotsh apps and not just one?

The various apps are focussed on specific purposes. They have different functionalities, and contain a different selection of weather parameters and models. If all apps were combined to one single app, that one would be rather confusing with too many options getting into the users way. The individual apps each show exactly what is required for a specific purpose. See all Pflotsh apps at a glance.

3. What is the ECMWF weather model?

The ECMWF aka "Euro model" is the best weather forecast model worldwide being standard for all important decision.

4. What is the resolution of the weather model?

The App uses the ECMWF with a ca. 9x9 km resolution.

5. Why are maps always the main view in the all Pflotsh apps?

A weather map provides a lot more information than weather data for just one location. E.g: If you want to take a picture of a mountain, it is not important if the sky above you is cloudless, you want to know if the subject is hidden in fog. And anyone who is on the move wants to know how the weather is developing along the way.

6. How do I choose which weather parameter is displayed?

Tap the button bar at the top center of the screen. Select the desired parameter (for more information, see select in the Tips and Tricks section). It may take a moment for the data to load.

7. What weather parameters are in Pflotsh Tropical?

Probabilities for hurricane, tropical storm, or tropical depression, as well as satellite images, satellite IR simulation, barometric pressure, wave height, and water temperature.

8. While I am panning or zooming, the data is not shown. Why?

In order to see the map. Data is drawn with little transparency, so that it is visible well and without interference with the map. However, in some cases, you won’t see the map well enough. In those cases, just pan.

9. Why do I sometimes only see a map?

Either there is no significant weather in your area or there is the unlikely possibility that one of our servers is down. Try an other parameter or check back past events via the archive function (star icon).

10. How do I toggle between map and satellite view?

Go to the menu and touch "Settings". You can then customize the map type.

11. What do the dots at the bottom of the screen mean?

They help with the orientation in time (see also Timeline in Tips and Tricks). You can swipe your finger or tap to select a point in time. Or you can set a date by date, even if it is in the past.

12. Why do I sometimes see more and sometimes less dots?

The ECMWF calculates its forecasts in a 3 hourly resolution for a week, the 3 following days include forecasts every 6 hours.

13. How do I choose the date and time which I need information for?

Please tap on the date display in the center and choose date and time and confirm your choice via check mark. You can also tap the arrows to the left (to the past) or right (to the future).

14. How do I get immediately to the present time and my place?

Shake your phone! Alternatively, select the corresponding item from the menu.

15. How do I update the data for the place I am currently seeing?

Long press the date display. Alternatively, select the corresponding item from the menu.

Follow us on Twitter@pflotsh, or send us an email support@pflotsh.com. We are looking forward to your feedback.