Automated Data Plotter

This application dynamically generates many types of graphs. These graphs are derived from processing of various data sources done by the IEM. Please feel free to use these generated graphics in whatever way you wish. Reset App. The IEM Explorer application offers a simplified frontend to some of these autoplots.


First, select a chart type::

Second, select specific chart options::

Select Sector:
Plot zoomed in on given County/Parish/Forecast Zone:
Plot for CONUS NWS WFO
Select Source:
Plot Precipitation As:
Overlay Drought Monitor
Select Plot Type:
Start Date:
(YYYY/mm/dd)
End Date:
(YYYY/mm/dd)
Color Ramp:
  Reverse Colormap?
Image Pixel Size @100 DPI
Image Resolution (DPI) (50 to 500)
Select Output Format:

Plot Description:

This application generates maps of precipitation daily or multi-day totals. There are currently three backend data sources made available to this plotting application:
  • IEM Reanalysis
    A crude gridding of available COOP data and long term climate data processed by the IEM. The plotted totals represent periods typical to COOP data reporting, which is roughly 12 UTC (7 AM local) each day.
  • NOAA MRMS
    A state of the art gridded analysis of RADAR data using observations and model data to help in the processing.
  • Oregon State PRISM
    The PRISM data is credit Oregon State University, created 4 Feb 2004. This information arrives with a few day lag. The plotted totals represent periods typical to COOP data reporting, so 12 UTC (7 AM local) each day.
  • Stage IV is a legacy NOAA precipitation product that gets quality controlled by the River Forecast Centers. This page presents 24 hours totals at 12 UTC each day.
  • Iowa Flood Center is an analysis produced by the U of Iowa IIHR.

Based on a sampling of recent timings for this application, plot generation time has averaged 10 seconds. Hold on for the plot is generating now!


If you notice plotting issues with the image above, please do let us know by providing the URL address currently shown by your web browser.

IEM Daily Features using this plot

The IEM Daily Features found on this website often utilize plots found on this application. Here is a listing of features referencing this plot type.