wx_james We will have it. There are lots of little things like this that add a lot of subjective value despite being minor additions that operate with the logic of some specific data set. My philosophy is to start with the creation of broad and generic 3D geospatial data visualization engines for raster and vector data first, and then to go one-by-one on specific datasets in 2025 to integrate first the general data and then, on top, specific logic.
This is something that relates here specifically to NEXRAD Level 3 storm cell positions, but the general concept could also apply to NWS warning tracking objects, manual storm vectors, or even tropical layers.
By focusing on Cartographer in 2024 and having a solid base mapping engine, I will be able to focus on the specific logic for tactical, analytical, and interactive tools which are specific to certain datasets. Perhaps a general notion of "vector motion path" can exist, exposing similar analytical tools for L3 radar storm cells, warning object storm cells, tropical forecast paths, etc. Rollover tools could display stats such as "nearest approach to forecast path / distance" and render a line from cursor point to nearest point on target tracking path. A "fix map view to tracking path" feature could accomplish what you propose. I will return to watch the YT video but I'm assuming that is what it is doing.
Let me know if this inspires any broader ideas on vector path interactive tracking/analysis tools that can interact with other components in the system. Certainly the interaction with GIS point data is necessary, e.g., for the storm cell path ETA list. But I don't want to recreate these things as hard-coded layers specific to one NWS dataset, but rather as general engine entities that apply to similar kinds of data. E.g., what we are looking at here is the concept of anything that has a forecast path, whether from manual NHC tropical forecast storm path points, or from extrapolated speed/direction radar cell points, or from some totally different dataset with a similar concept to be added in the future. The optimal logic for these features in one which adopts the necessary abstractions so the same systems can apply to multiple similar datasets.