Dynamic Radio Interference Finding Tool (DRIFT)

Screenshot 2026-03-18 at 2.28.14 PM.png

DRIFT is NRAO's Dynamic Radio Interference Finding Tool. The various NRAO sites are regularly conducting RFI Sweeps to better understand what the spectrum looks like at their individual locations. DRIFT seeks to aggregate all of these RFI Sweep data into a common format and act as a visualization tool to allow users to interactively explore the spectrum at the various NRAO sites. Users of DRIFT will find they are able to plot the RFI Sweep data in typical spectra and waterfall style plots with both common and site specific filters. Users will also be able to take advantage of a few plot styles that are calculated on the fly, such as percent difference and rolling median plots. For users looking to do more in-depth analysis, DRIFT will allow users to download the Amplitude/Frequency data as a CSV file for further study.

FCC Allocations: The Spectral Plot includes an optional overlay of US Frequency Allocations to provide regulatory context for the observed RFI. The allocation data displayed there is derived from the United States Frequency Allocation Chart from September 2025. Colored bands represent frequency ranges allocated by the FCC to specific services. Allocations are displayed proportionally along the frequency axis and scaled vertically to match the current plot range. Colors are rendered with reduced opacity so the underlying spectral data is visible.

Connect with NRAO

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory and NSF Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.