# VRS X METAR Decoder

## Weather Integration: The METAR Decoder

VRS X features a high-precision, state-of-art METAR decoder. It doesn't just display raw weather strings; it parses real-time data from **NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)** to provide structured, actionable weather information directly on your radar.

### Why it's different?

Most radar systems just "show" the METAR. VRS X **understands** it. The internal engine decodes wind vectors, pressure settings, cloud layers, and visibility to provide a clear overview of flight conditions (VFR/IFR/LIFR) at a glance.

**This feature is enabled by default to ensure you always have the most accurate environmental data available.**

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### Configuration

To make it working, please make sure Airport Database is created. To do, please refer to the article below:

[Additional data: Airport Database.](https://docs.vrsx.app/books/vrs-x-configuration/page/additional-data-airport-database "Additional data: Airport Database.")

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### On-Map Visualization

Once airports are imported, weather data is seamlessly integrated into the map experience

#### Decoded Data Includes:

- **Wind:** Direction and speed (including gusts).
- **Visibility:** Reported in statute miles or meters.
- **Sky Condition:** Cloud layers (Few, Scattered, Broken, Overcast) and altitudes.
- **Temperature & Dew Point:** Precise Celsius readings.
- **Altimeter (QNH):** Critical pressure data for altitude calibration.

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### State-of-art decoding: The "Raw" vs "Decoded"

VRS X always keeps the raw METAR string for reference at the bottom of the weather card, but the UI highlights the **parsed values**. This ensures that even the most complex strings (including remarks/RMK) are handled with engineering-grade accuracy.

[![METAR_Encoded.png](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/zrzut-ekranu-2026-02-26-o-23-19-46.png)](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/zrzut-ekranu-2026-02-26-o-23-19-46.png)[![METAR_Decoded.png](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/zrzut-ekranu-2026-02-26-o-23-19-50.png)](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/zrzut-ekranu-2026-02-26-o-23-19-50.png)

> 💡 **Developer's Tip:** The weather engine relies on the **Airport Database** (OurAirports). Ensure you have imported airports first, as VRS X uses ICAO codes to match weather reports to their geographical locations.