New look for Enviro-weather means easier use for you
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EmailEditor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.
With the start of the new year, Enviro-weather has a new look.
Last year, in response to user comments and requests, Enviro-weather staff began a redesign of the existing website. We evaluated several designs, and solicited feedback from users and work groups before selecting the final version. Next, we programmed the site – translating the existing site into a new, more advanced web language to include more advanced features in the tools.
As you might expect, it took several iterations and much feedback to get the site ready. As of 5:00 PM on January 15, 2010, when you type in the Enviro-weather address, you experience the new interface.
Key changes you will see
- The map on the home page shows major highways to help users find the nearest weather station for their location.
- The mouse pointer includes a magnification feature, which will help users select the correct station, especially in areas with multiple stations.
- From the home page, you can select either your local weather station by clicking on the station location, or a commodity group by clicking on the list across the top of the page. If you choose a commodity group first, a default weather station is shown, but can be changed from the pull-down menu at the top.
- A new commodity group page “Landscape and Nursery” is available.
- A new category “Advanced Weather” is also listed with the commodity groups. This selection contains weather tools, such as the 60-hour forecasts, that have been available through the MAWN site.
- Commodity group pages include general weather and weather summaries in the middle and right columns and “tools” (i.e., reports, pest and disease models, crop management tools, resources) listed under specific “crops” in the left column. Click on a crop to see the list of tools and resources for that specific crop.
Although we’ve worked hard to catch and fix any problems, like any new website, there may be glitches. Please let us know if you find any. Enviro-weather exists to serve its users. We want your feedback. Please send your comments and questions to Beth Bishop, Enviro-weather coordinator. You can contact her at bishopb@msu.edu, eweather@msu.edu or (517) 432-6520).
