How does the Radar map layer compare to the Radar (Classic) map layer?

Radar and Radar (Classic) are composite radar layer options found on the Maps page layer selector.

Radar Layers Com, Classic, Low.PNG

Composite Radar Layers on the Maps view Layer Selector dropdown menu

The Radar and Radar (Classic) layers utilize the same internet data source but use different computing techniques to generate imagery. The Radar layer includes improvements and functional differences described below.

Improvements over the Radar (Classic) Layer

The Radar layer makes the following improvements compared to the Radar (Classic) layer:

Faster Image Loading: The algorithms powering the Radar layer require less data preprocessing than the Radar (Classic) layer, meaning that it loads and updates radar imagery on the Maps view more quickly.
Smoother Weather Graphics: The Radar layer uses vector graphics to generate pixel-free images, making weather systems smoother at close magnification. The standard Radar (Classic) layer generates raster imagery composed of individual pixels, which become grainy when zoomed in.

Graphics: Radar (Classic) Layer on Left, Radar Layer on Right

More Accurate Coverage Boundaries: Areas of the map out of radar range are shown with a hashed overlay and the message “Radar not available.” The Radar layer is able to display the dimensions of these out-of-range regions with more accuracy. This prevents the situation when a weather pattern appears to overlap a no-coverage area.

Coverage Boundaries: Radar (Classic) Layer on Left, Radar Layer on Right

Key Differences between the Radar and Radar (Classic) Layers

The Radar and Radar (Classic) maps layers have the following noteworthy differences:

Radar Timestamp Differences: The time that the Radar layer was last updated is displayed in the upper-left corner of the map, and the color is used to indicate the age of the data. On the Radar layer, the timestamp changes from white to yellow when the data is 15 minutes old and from yellow to red when the data is 20 or more minutes old. The Radar (Classic) layer timestamp changes to yellow when the data is 25 minutes old and red when it’s 30 or more minutes old.
Precipitation Color Scale Differences: The Radar layer uses a slightly different Radar Color Scale compared to the Radar (Classic) layer.