Towns and city names on the maps are a reference point for audiences and we will aim to ensure that most locations are represented over a period of time. They work out how the data should look on a 2D map. I think they look pretty good. They need to lengthen it to three minutes. But what if you live elsewhere? I won’t be holding my breath. If you wish to see clean clear graphics, tune in to Channel 5 just before 7pm. For a start the UK map appears a lot smaller on screen now. This hour-long session at a Barrett & Coe studio will be tailored entirely to suit you. Surely it would be better to flag it up like we used to with negative temperatures in blue? Our maps update automatically with the latest data. Theresa May livid as Gove addresses Brexit security fears, Ireland Taoiseach orders full national lockdown for six weeks, Manchester: Govt threatens Tier 3 if agreement not reached by noon, SAGE expert predicts tough Christmas but optimistic about vaccine. The new forecasts will be on air from early next year. Thanks! ‘The UK map appears a lot smaller. Why highlight below-freezing temperatures with a thin blue line beneath the number? BBC's new-look forecasts leave me cold, says veteran weatherman Bill Giles - and he prefers CHANNEL 5 ‘clean, clear’ map. The comments below have not been moderated. Although the sun, cloud and rain icons are comfortingly familiar, and have been used for years, they do not give a really accurate picture of weather conditions. Some people like the background colour but I find the distinction between cloud and sunshine almost impossible to detect – although I must say the contrast stands out much better on the regional maps. Specifically, the BBC’s new weather forecasts, which I have to say, are as disappointing as a downpour in high summer. Two separate servers will generate graphics and images for the web and interactive TV. If you want to see what the weather has in store, try watching the other side instead. The only problem is that the forecast is too short.’ Giles is not alone in his criticisms of the BBC’s overhaul. It could take, for instance, the last 12 hours of satellite images from the Met Office's servers, and animate them automatically, in real-time. You may be able to see much further east into Europe … but if you want to know what is going on in, say, Southampton, near where I live, then you have your work cut out.’ Giles, who is retired, led the BBC’s weather team between 1983 and 2000. The presenter then just needs to call up the animation for their particular broadcast, containing whatever data they wish to display. This is supposed to be a weather map not an aerial photograph. We are confident that overall people will appreciate the new features.’. Choose from standalone weather graphics or create a looping wheel of local, automated weather content centered on your specific town. Rain is generated in 3D so that it actually looks like real rain, and as clouds sweep over the country, shadows are cast on the ground. The BBC launched their new TV weather forecast graphics on their lunchtime news today. The present system relies on a huge amount of computer equipment which was coming to the end of its life and desperately needed replacing. Giles, 78, said the old BBC forecasts were ‘more fit for purpose’. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Radio Times privacy policy. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The only problem is that the forecast is too short. You may be able to see much further east into Europe (almost to Stockholm, in fact), but if you want to know what is going on in, say, Southampton, near where I live, then you have your work cut out. What will happen when we get into summer – is it too much to hope that high temperatures will simply be shown in red? And what about the graphics? Save up to £497* a year -Compare Lots of Deals - Switch in Minutes. Here we go again! Each forecaster will have their own high end PC with graphics card running the 3D software and every studio or office across the country will have a weather graphics server. A BBC spokesman said: ‘BBC Weather has a more realistic map which presenters can customise by adding different layers of data to tell the most relevant weather story, as well as zooming in to give a more detailed forecast. The new 3D package will be completely different. I thought they were going to be like ITV's but they aren't. Combining high-end gaming graphics and processing power means visuals are generated instantly, in real-time. New book claims Prince Andrew 'laughed as teen sex trafficking victim took part in a topless photoshoot with... Skripal probe hackers unmasked: Six Russians accused of trying to infiltrate Salisbury poisoning probe are... Russia hacked the 2020 Olympics in revenge for its athletes being banned over doping, say US prosecutors as... Can John Leslie EVER shake off the seedy image that has haunted him for 20 years? He would take their money.' BBC weather veteran Bill Giles has branded the BBC's new graphics (pictured) a 'severe disappointment', Bill Giles, pictured in 1999 with the old BBC weather map, has said on the new version the UK map appears a lot smaller.