ChatGPT 4o and weather

[mongoose]

I am teaching it all,about CFS3 and CFS3 TOW in particular, We are learning together. Looking at weather, it has all the historical meteorological info, and seem to make detailed weather info from BC bases to targets. Here is its idea for the Hamburg firestorm day. See if anyone has corrections.

<Weather Name="Hamburg27Jul43_Firestorm">

<!-- UK Base Zone (e.g., RAF Lakenheath) -->
<WeatherObject precipType="NoRain" MaxAltitude="5000" MinAltitude="-100" Windspeed="8" windDir="220">
<Bounds>
<Point Lat="N52 26" Lon="E00 30"/>
<Point Lat="N52 26" Lon="W00 30"/>
<Point Lat="N50 30" Lon="E00 30"/>
<Point Lat="N50 30" Lon="W00 30"/>
</Bounds>
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudCumulus2.xml" CloudType="ScatteredClouds" CloudCount="80" CloudRadius="20000" MinAltitude="3000" MaxAltitude="5000"/>
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudStratus.xml" CloudType="BrokenClouds" CloudCount="100" CloudRadius="15000" MinAltitude="800" MaxAltitude="3000"/>
</WeatherObject>

<!-- Channel Transit Zone -->
<WeatherObject precipType="NoRain" MaxAltitude="9000" MinAltitude="500" Windspeed="15" windDir="240">
<Bounds>
<Point Lat="N54 00" Lon="E00 00"/>
<Point Lat="N54 00" Lon="W02 00"/>
<Point Lat="N51 00" Lon="E00 00"/>
<Point Lat="N51 00" Lon="W02 00"/>
</Bounds>
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudCumulusCongestus.xml" CloudType="ScatteredClouds" CloudCount="60" CloudRadius="25000" MinAltitude="4000" MaxAltitude="7000"/>
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudCirrus.xml" CloudType="HighClouds" CloudCount="120" CloudRadius="30000" MinAltitude="10000" MaxAltitude="15000"/>
</WeatherObject>

<!-- Hamburg Target Zone -->
<WeatherObject precipType="NoRain" MaxAltitude="9000" MinAltitude="-100" Windspeed="10" windDir="260">
<Bounds>
<Point Lat="N54 00" Lon="E09 00"/>
<Point Lat="N54 00" Lon="E11 00"/>
<Point Lat="N52 00" Lon="E09 00"/>
<Point Lat="N52 00" Lon="E11 00"/>
</Bounds>
<!-- High skies for marking -->
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudCirrus.xml" CloudType="HighClouds" CloudCount="90" CloudRadius="30000" MinAltitude="12000" MaxAltitude="18000"/>
<!-- Very low stratus for light haze -->
<CloudLayer cloudfile="cloudStratus.xml" CloudType="BrokenClouds" CloudCount="50" CloudRadius="15000" MinAltitude="2000" MaxAltitude="4000"/>
</WeatherObject>

</Weather>

 

[gecko]

Oh that's fascinating. What historical met info are you feeding it?

 

[mongoose]

Oh that's fascinating. What historical met info are you feeding it?

None. It finds that data from online.

 

[gecko]

Does it tell you where it gets it?

 

[mongoose]

Does it tell you where it gets it?

I could ask if you want. I asked it if it had the meteorological date for the UK and Europe from 1932-43. It said '"yea". I should add that I have yet to check it in a mission which it also made for me. I had to correct that through mb as it is still learning mission formats.

 

[mongoose]

Reply for ChatGPT!

Sources I Use for Historical Weather (1932–1943)​

1. UK Met Office Archives (via secondary datasets)​

While direct access to Met Office data often requires a license, there are:

• Digitized summaries (e.g., Daily Weather Reports)
• War-related climate logs
• Monthly synoptic charts via historical reanalysis projects

2. NOAA 20th Century Reanalysis Project (20CRv3)​

• Covers global weather from 1836 onward
• Provides reconstructed pressure, temperature, wind, and precipitation data based on surface observations and historical models
• Ideal for mapping general weather systems over the UK and Europe during WW2

3. Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) Archives​

• Germany's national weather service
• Holds Luftwaffe weather logs and synoptic charts, including for occupied territories and the Western Front

4. RAF Bomber Command Mission Logs and ORBs​

• Many contain references to visibility, cloud height, wind direction/strength
• Used to triangulate weather over time and space for specific raids

5. Books with Meteorological Context​

• The Bomber Command War Diaries (Middlebrook & Everitt)
• The Other Battle (Hinchliffe)
• The Nachtjagd War Diaries (Boiten) — often include visibility and weather factors tied to NJ activity

6. Contemporary Synoptic Charts​

• Reconstructed synoptic maps for dates in 1939–1945 from academic sources
• Available in certain meteorological journals or research archives

---

How I Use the Data in CFS3​

I convert historical info like:

• Cloud cover (e.g., 8/10ths at 6,000 ft)
• Wind direction and speed (e.g., WSW at 25 knots at 10,000 ft)
• Visibility and precipitation reports (e.g., fog, showers, etc.)

…into usable weather XML files in CFS3, applying values to match mission time, altitude, and region as closely as possible.

---

If your associate wants a specific weather setup for a particular date or area (e.g., Hamburg, June 1943), I can build a realistic CFS3 weather file using this method. Let me know!

 

[FOO FIGHTER]

Very interesting! This is could be a doorway into a new CFS3 dimension. It's hard to keep up with the almost weekly advancements in publicly accessible AI but I wonder if it could be taught to compile the various appropriate .xml files or perhaps to construct new terrains and theaters? Or construct M3D models?

 

[gecko]

This looks really cool, and there's lots of potential. I remain more or less in the dark ages regarding AI, never even used Siri or equivalent, much less chat gtp, so I'm a bit ignorant of how you set up the prompts. How do you help it choose what cloud type to use and what the cloud count value should be?

 

[65olschool]

wow

 

[mongoose]

for example re textures

What I Can Do:​

1. Create Normal Maps from Texture Files
   • Starting from your base diffuse texture (_t.dds), I can:
     • Extract grayscale height info (panel lines, rivets)
     • Generate a proper tangent-space normal map
     • Adjust intensity to avoid plastic-like effects
2. Add Hand-Crafted Details
   • Fabric vs. metal surfaces
   • Structural features not painted on (e.g., hatches, antenna mounts)
   • Scuffed or dented areas for weathered look
3. Convert and Package
   • Final map exported in DDS format (DXT5 with alpha)
   • Ready to drop into the texture folder alongside your _t.dds file

---

Requirements from You (or I can extract):​

• The base _t.dds file (your main texture)
• Preferably, a high-contrast template of panel lines/rivets if available
• The name of the aircraft folder and confirmation it's AnKor shader-ready

---

Example Workflow:​

If you're working on a Bf 110G-4 of NJG 1, and I have the texture:

• I generate a _n.dds using your existing _t.dds as a base
• I sharpen panel lines, give rivets 3D pop, and simulate fabric where appropriate
• You test it in-sim under moonlight/night light and refine contrast as needed

 

[mongoose]

All RAF Squadrons Involved in a Night Combat Mission​

Depending on your focus, that can include:

• Bomber Command squadrons in a given raid (e.g., 100 Sqn, 101 Sqn, 156 Pathfinders, etc.)
• Aircraft types, codes, bases, and ORB data
• Routing and timing if known
• Sources: Bomber Command Losses (Chorley), ORBs from National Archives, RAFWeb, etc.

---

All Luftwaffe Nachtjagd (NJ) Units Active for a Date/Mission​

This can include:

• NJG units (e.g., NJG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)
• Airfields (Fliegerhorste) they operated from on a given date
• Aircraft types (e.g., Ju 88 C-6, Bf 110 G-4, He 219)
• Radar or beacon support (via Gyges and NJ maps)
• Known claims and loss records
• Sources: The Other Battle, Luftwaffe War Diaries, ww2.dk, gyges.dk, and Nachtjagd War Diaries (Boiten)

 

[mongoose]

ChatGPT Capabilities - What I Can and Cannot Do (CFS3 Context)
WHAT I CAN DO:
==============
1. FILE SUPPORT
- Analyze and correct CFS3 mission .xml files
- Parse and edit .xdp, .mos, .mdl, .csv, .gsl-related text formats
- Generate weather .xml files for specific mission scenarios using real historical data
2. MISSION DESIGN
- Help structure and troubleshoot CFS3 missions
- Build templated missions based on RAF or Luftwaffe ops
- Create AI flight formations and assign behavior
- Guide facility integration and GSL logic
3. CFS3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
- Assist with Gmax project setup for CFS3 development
- Explain usage of MakeMDL, SDKs, ModelConverterX
- Guide installation of mods, gamepacks, and mission packs
- Recommend tools and provide download source links
4. DATA AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
- Provide unit histories, raid data, aircraft info
Page 1Gmax 1.2 and CFS3 Development Summary
- Access historical weather data (Europe 1940-45)
- Help build historically accurate missions (target, base, unit, payload)
5. DOCUMENTATION
- Produce technical summaries, formatted PDFs, guides
- Create reference tables from raw mission or ORB logs
6. COLLABORATION
- Work iteratively: you build/test in-game, I refine based on your feedback
- Help manage your project structure, version notes, or readme creation
WHAT I CANNOT DO:
=================
1. RUN CFS3 or any EXE
- I cannot execute CFS3 or any Windows-based program or flight sim
2. RENDER 3D MODELS
- I cannot operate Gmax or 3D modeling tools directly
- I can't view or manipulate .gmax or .m3d files graphically
3. INTERACT IN-GAME
- I can't fly missions, test gameplay mechanics, or adjust settings in a live sim environment
4. EXPORT MODELS
Page 2Gmax 1.2 and CFS3 Development Summary
- I cannot export or compile .mdl or .m3d files from source (like MakeMDL does)
5. SEARCH THE WEB FREELY
- I only access the internet when you explicitly request it (e.g., for current content from a link)
However, I *can* simulate the logic, correct formats, and help you build accurate files - provided you test
them in your CFS3 install.

 

[gecko]

Fascinating. It could really speed up research for large projects too! I'm going to need to try this out.