Contour line future weather patterns. Isobars are commonly used in television weather reporting. Isallobars are lines joining points of equal pressure change during a specific time interval. These can be divided into "anallobars", lines joining points of equal pressure increase during a specific time interval, and "katallobars", lines joining points of equal pressure decrease. In general, weather systems move along an axis joining high and low isallobaric centers. Isallobaric gradients are important components of the wind as they increase or decrease the geostrophic wind. An isopycnal is a line of constant density. An "isoheight" or "isohypse" is a line of constant geopotential
Prognostic chart charts generated by computer models are sometimes referred to as machine-made forecasts. Surface weather prognostic charts for mariners indicate the positions of high and low pressure areas, as well as frontal zones, up to five days into the future. Surface wind direction and speed is also forecast on this type of chart. Wave prognostic charts show the expected sea state at some future time. Low-level prognostic charts used by aviators show the forecast between the Earth's surface and above sea level over the next two days. They show areas where visual flight rules are in effect, instrument flight rules are