The Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) is an operational software package for analyzing snow and ice coverage. This software enables qualified analysts to look at various satellite imagery, derived products and ground station data in order to make an informed decision as to snow and ice cover over the Northern Hemisphere at 1-km resolution. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) relies on IMS for snow cover and lake cover initialization for its multiple models. The analysis also serves as a data source supporting NOAA’s hydro-meteorological and climate programs, as well as numerous university and private institutional studies.

The IMS is operated by the US National Ice Center (US NIC), a multi-agency center comprised of the United States Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Coast Guard. The NOAA portion of the US NIC is realigning from NOAA/NESDIS into NOAA/NWS. MDL is working collaboratively with the aforementioned organizations to ensure the successful transition of the system from NESDIS/OSPO to NWS/NCEP infrastructure.