What observed, aging, estimated, modelled and scenario mean
The visual truth key on the time bar, explained.
What you get: You can read the state of any mark from its style, without relying on colour alone.
| State | Means |
|---|---|
| OBS — observed | A direct, recent fix or measurement from a feed. |
| AGING | A fix that is getting old; it may no longer be where it was. |
| STALE | Too old to act on; kept for context only. |
| EST — estimated | Projected by dead reckoning from a last known course and speed. |
| MODEL | Output of a named model run (for example severe-weather guidance). |
| SCEN — scenario | Something you drew yourself: a what-if, not a feed. |
| DECL — declared | Your own imported data: true because you said so, drawn violet, long-dashed and hollow. |
Fill, stroke and hatching repeat each state, so the key reads without colour. Open "VISUAL TRUTH" on the time bar for the key.
Related
- Read a map item, its source and its date
- Understand time: live, recent past, ahead, history and scenarios
- Coverage, sources and freshness
Last checked against the product on 23 September 2026. Live contents change; this describes how the product works.