This section describes how to quickly get started using McIDAS-V and making displays of common data.

There are two main windows in the McIDAS-V application, the Data Explorer window and the Main Display window. Other windows may appear when needed.

The Data Explorer window is central to McIDAS-V. It is used to choose data sources and parameters to display, the types of displays to make, and times of data to display. More information can be found in the Data Explorer section of the McIDAS-V User's Guide.

Image 1: Data Explorer Window

The Main Display window includes the McIDAS-V display panels, Legend, Time Animation Controls, viewpoint controls for 3D displays, icons for zooming, panning, and rotating, menus of projections, the main McIDAS-V toolbar, and the main menu bar. More information can be found in Main Display window section of the McIDAS-V User's Guide.

Image 2: Main Display Window

To create displays with McIDAS-V, the common usage scenario is:

• Choosing sources of data
• Selecting parameters and times and creating a display
• Controlling the display
• Removing the displays

• Displaying Satellite Imagery
• Displaying Hyperspectral Satellite Imagery Using HYDRA
• Displaying Satellite Orbit Tracks
• Displaying Level II Radar Imagery
• Displaying Level III Radar Imagery
• Displaying Surface and Upper Air Point Data
• Displaying RAOB Sounding Data
• Displaying Gridded Data
• Displaying Fronts
• Displaying Local Files
• Displaying Files From a URL
• Using the Globe Display

For more help with getting started with McIDAS-V, please see the Installation and Introduction tutorial on the McIDAS-V Documentation webpage.