MAKING

COMPLEX
EASY

USER MANUAL
VERSION: 7.2.0
1. 1
 We have deep expertise in things that
matter and we are easy to work with.
Our clients trust us and we are
respected for our creative thinking.
Together we build strong relationships by
repeatedly delivering on our promise.
MAKING COMPLEX EASY
RPS PROMISES
ABSOLUTE DELIVERY:

Prepared by:

RPS Ocean Science

55 Village Square Drive

South Kingstown RI 02879, USA

T +1 401 789 6224

E MapSupport@[Link]
 Contents

ABOUT OILMAP ........................................................................................................................................... 1

1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ........................................................................................................................ 2

2 RUNNING A SPILL SIMULATION ........................................................................................................ 2

2.1 Setting Up a New Spill Scenario .................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Polygon Release Updates ............................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Spill Scenario Form ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.2.1 Spill Information Form: Spill ....................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Spill Information Form: Oil ....................................................................................................... 13
2.2.3 Spill Information Form: Wind .................................................................................................... 14
2.2.4 Spill Information Form: Currents .............................................................................................. 21
2.2.5 Spill Information Form: Parameters ......................................................................................... 29
2.2.6 Spill Information Form: Options ............................................................................................... 32
2.2.7 Spill Information Form: Air ....................................................................................................... 35
2.2.8 Spill Information Form: Review ................................................................................................ 38
2.3 Viewing Trajectory and Fates Model Results .............................................................................. 39
2.3.1 Features of the Time Slider Toolbar ........................................................................................ 40
2.3.2 Adjusting the Trajectory Display .............................................................................................. 41
2.3.3 GIS Tab .................................................................................................................................... 42
2.3.4 Legend Tab .............................................................................................................................. 44
2.3.5 Live Data Tab ........................................................................................................................... 45
2.3.6 Weathering Results .................................................................................................................. 46
2.3.7 Interrogating Shoreline Oil ....................................................................................................... 48
2.3.8 Section View............................................................................................................................. 48
2.3.9 Times Series ............................................................................................................................ 50
2.3.10 Resource Hits....................................................................................................................... 52
2.3.11 Model Display Settings......................................................................................................... 52
2.3.12 Determining the Oil within a Region..................................................................................... 54
2.3.13 Applying “This is a Drill” Label ............................................................................................. 54
2.5 Changing the Spill Site ................................................................................................................. 52
2.5.1 Move Spill Site ......................................................................................................................... 52
2.5.2 Add Spill Site ............................................................................................................................ 52
2.5.3 Add Polygon Spill Site .............................................................................................................. 53
2.6 Adding Distance Rings ................................................................................................................. 54
2.6.1 Editing Distance Rings Layer ................................................................................................... 55
2.7 Incorporating Response Activities in Model Predictions .............................................................. 55
2.7.1 Adding Overflights .................................................................................................................... 56
2.7.2 Adding Boom............................................................................................................................ 56
2.7.3 Adding Dispersant .................................................................................................................... 57
2.7.4 Adding Removal ....................................................................................................................... 57
2.7.5 View Response Output Information ......................................................................................... 58
2.8 Managing Spill Scenarios ............................................................................................................ 59
2.8.1 The Spill Scenario .................................................................................................................... 59
2.9 Exporting Model Results to Other Applications ........................................................................... 59
2.9.1 Exporting Subsurface Module Results..................................................................................... 61
2.9.2 NEW – 7.2 SHP File Export Updates ......................................................................................... 61
2.10 Running Batch Simulations .......................................................................................................... 62
[Link] Page ii
 3 DATA MENU ........................................................................................................................................ 62
3.1 Winds ........................................................................................................................................... 63
3.1.1 Wind Data Editor ...................................................................................................................... 63
3.1.2 Entering Wind Data .................................................................................................................. 64
3.1.3 Editing Wind Data .................................................................................................................... 64
3.1.4 Importing Wind Data ................................................................................................................ 65
3.1.5 Updating the Winds Layer........................................................................................................ 65
3.2 Currents ....................................................................................................................................... 65
3.2.1 Types of Currents .................................................................................................................... 65
3.2.2 Viewing Current Data ............................................................................................................... 66
3.2.3 Creating a Currents Grid .......................................................................................................... 66
3.2.4 Editing a Current Grid .............................................................................................................. 67
3.2.5 Adding/Editing Current Vectors................................................................................................ 67
3.2.6 Filling the Current Field ............................................................................................................ 68
3.2.7 Currents Display Options ......................................................................................................... 69
3.2.8 Scaling Current Data ................................................................................................................ 69
3.2.9 Using NetCDF Currents ........................................................................................................... 69
3.3 The Oil Database ......................................................................................................................... 70
3.3.1 Master Oil Database ................................................................................................................ 70
3.3.2 Editing an Oil ............................................................................................................................ 71
3.3.3 Adding an Oil............................................................................................................................ 71
3.3.4 Adios Oil Database .................................................................................................................. 71
3.4 Incorporating Reed Beds in Model Predictions ........................................................................... 72
3.4.1 Creating a Reed Cover File ..................................................................................................... 72
3.5 Using Ice Data in OILMAP ........................................................................................................... 73
3.5.1 Adding Ice Polygons ................................................................................................................ 73
3.6 Land-Water Grid .......................................................................................................................... 73

4 TOOLS MENU ..................................................................................................................................... 74

4.1 Importing/Exporting GIS Files ...................................................................................................... 74
4.1.1 TIE Files ................................................................................................................................... 75
4.1.2 MIF/MID Files ........................................................................................................................... 75
4.1.3 ESRI ArcView/ArcInfo Shape Files .......................................................................................... 76
4.1.4 MOS Files ................................................................................................................................ 76
4.1.5 GPX Files ................................................................................................................................. 76
4.2 Import ALOHA File ....................................................................................................................... 77
4.3 Import Winds and Current Data ................................................................................................... 77
4.4 Import LLU Files ........................................................................................................................... 77
4.5 Import Depth Data ........................................................................................................................ 78
4.6 Deleting Scenario Files ................................................................................................................ 78
4.7 Scenario Compression and Extraction Tools .............................................................................. 79
4.7.1 Compression ............................................................................................................................ 79
4.7.2 Extraction ................................................................................................................................. 79

5 MANAGING GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS AND BASEMAPS ........................................................... 80

5.1 Creating New Base Maps ............................................................................................................ 80
5.2 Selecting a Base Map .................................................................................................................. 81
5.2.1 Selecting ENC (S57) as a Base Map ....................................................................................... 81

[Link] Page iii

 5.2.2 Displaying a Land-Water Grid ECDIS Chart Update Instructions............................................ 82
5.2.3 Selecting C-Map Charts as a Base Map .................................................................................. 82
5.2.4 Selecting a WMS Service as a Base Map ............................................................................... 83
5.2.5 Selecting an ArcIMA Service as a Base Map .......................................................................... 84
5.3 New Location ............................................................................................................................... 84
5.3.1 Creating a New Location from the OILMAP CD-ROM ............................................................. 84
5.3.2 Creating a New Location from an External File ....................................................................... 85
5.4 Display Settings ........................................................................................................................... 85
5.4.1 Viewing Options ....................................................................................................................... 85
5.4.2 Units ......................................................................................................................................... 86
5.4.3 Vectors ..................................................................................................................................... 86
5.5 Measuring Distances ................................................................................................................... 86
5.6 Printing ......................................................................................................................................... 87
5.7 Create AVI File ............................................................................................................................. 88

6 ZOOM MENU ....................................................................................................................................... 88

6.1 Create Zoom Window .................................................................................................................. 88
6.2 Zoom In Previous ......................................................................................................................... 89
6.3 Zoom Out Previous ...................................................................................................................... 89
6.4 Unzoom All ................................................................................................................................... 89
6.5 Pan Map ....................................................................................................................................... 89
6.6 Saving Zoom Windows ................................................................................................................ 89
6.7 Zoom to Layer .............................................................................................................................. 90

7 GIS SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................................... 90

7.1 Understanding GIS Objects and Layers ...................................................................................... 90
7.1.1 Deleting Layers ........................................................................................................................ 91
7.1.2 Attach/Create New Layer ......................................................................................................... 91
7.1.3 Layer Properties ....................................................................................................................... 91
7.2 Adding GIS Objects ..................................................................................................................... 91
7.3 Interrogating GIS Objects ............................................................................................................ 92
7.4 Link Files ...................................................................................................................................... 93
7.5 Editing the Attribute Data of GIS Objects .................................................................................... 94
7.6 Moving and Copying GIS Objects ................................................................................................ 95
7.6.1 Moving Polyline and Polygon Vertices ..................................................................................... 95
7.7 Deleting GIS Objects ................................................................................................................... 95
7.8 Select Sets ................................................................................................................................... 96
7.8.1 Color Coding GIS Objects in a Layer ....................................................................................... 97
7.9 GIS Databases ............................................................................................................................. 97
7.9.1 Adding Databases .................................................................................................................... 97
7.9.2 Changing Databases ............................................................................................................... 97
7.10 Attaching External Files to GIS Layers ........................................................................................ 98
7.10.1 RPS GIS Files ...................................................................................................................... 98
7.10.2 ArcView Shape files ............................................................................................................. 98

[Link] Page iv
 7.10.3 Microsoft Access and dBase Tables.................................................................................... 98
7.10.4 Attaching an Access or dBase Table ................................................................................... 99
7.10.5 ArcView FLT Grid Files ........................................................................................................ 99
7.10.6 NetCDF Files........................................................................................................................ 99
7.10.7 Map Services ..................................................................................................................... 100
7.10.8 Georeferenced Images ...................................................................................................... 100

1 APPENDIX A ..................................................................................................................................... 100

1.1 References .................................................................................................................................. 100
1.2 ASCII Wind Import Wind File Format ......................................................................................... 100
1.4 PDW File Format for Wind Speed and Direction Probability ..................................................... 103
1.5 Using External Wind and Current NetCDF Files in OILMAP ..................................................... 106
1.5.1 Introduction: Which NetCDF files can be used? .................................................................... 106
1.5.2 Importing NetCDF files in the Spill Information form .............................................................. 107
1.5.3 Examples of NetCDF files handled in OILMAP v7 ................................................................. 107
1.6 Current Latitude, Longitude, U, V, File Format (.LLU) ............................................................... 119
1.6.1 Importing Currents from an MDB File .................................................................................... 120
1.7 Canadian Current File Format ................................................................................................... 121
1.8 Current File Format for Current Meter Data (.cmt) .................................................................... 122
1.9 The CMAP Cartographic Service ............................................................................................... 125
1.9.1 Registration of the system at CMAP Norway ........................................................................ 125
1.9.2 Ordering Charts...................................................................................................................... 126
1.9.3 Applying Licenses .................................................................................................................. 126
1.9.4 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 126
1.9.5 Contact Information ................................................................................................................ 126
1.10 Using Ice Cover in Simulations: An Example ............................................................................ 126

[Link] Page v
ABOUT OILMAP
OILMAP is an oil spill model system used to predict the movement and fate of oil spilled in marine or fresh water.
The OILMAP model system consists of several integrated components, including an embedded Geographic
Information System (GIS), environmental data, spill scenario definitions, and the spill models. An overview of the
OILMAP system, the models and their uses is provided below.

The OILMAP spill model predicts the movement of oil on the water surface; the forwards-in-time models also
predict the distribution of oil in the environment (evaporated, in the water column, on the shoreline). The
subsurface model predicts the movement of oil in the water column as well as on the surface. For these
calculations the spill model relies on environmental data such as wind and currents, physical data such as the
proximity of shorelines, and chemical data that define the properties of the oil. Each of these types of data can
be input and edited using the appropriate OILMAP component.
OILMAP’s embedded GIS is used to store, display, and analyze any type of geographically referenced data.
Types of data often included in the GIS are place names, critical habitats for fish and wildlife, oil spill response
equipment, shipping lanes, and real-time spill observations. The spill model does not necessarily use these data,
but they helpful in analyzing and interpreting model results.
The version of OILMAP you are using will contain one or more of the following model options:

[Link] Page 1
The Trajectory and Fates Model (Deterministic Model) is one comprehensive 3-dimensional oil spill model which
tracks both the surface and subsurface movement of oil and determines the oil’s distribution in various
environmental compartments (water surface, atmosphere, water column, and shoreline). Depending on the
Module licensed (Surface Module or Subsurface Module), the spill source may be either at the surface or below
the water surface (a subsurface release or a blowout). The Surface Module allows users to release oil on the
water surface. The Subsurface Module allows users to release oil at any depth in the water column. The model
tracks both oil entrained into the water column by breaking waves (due to wind energy) and oil that resurfaces.
The trajectory and fates model may be run in the standard mode, which tracks the oil forwards in time, or the
backwards mode which tracks the oil in reverse (backwards in time) to determine where an oil slick may have
originated. Backward mode is only available for surface releases. OILMAPDeep is a sub-module of the
Subsurface Module that simulates well or pipeline blowouts. Subsurface and OILMAPDeep users may access a
more detailed and specific User’s Manual for Subsurface and Deep simulations by going to Help
Contents3D/Deep.
The Air module, known as AIRMAP, is the integrated air dispersion model that predicts the trajectory and fate of
evaporated oil into the atmosphere. The model uses physical and chemical properties such as vapor pressure
and environmental degradation rates to predict the fate of oil that has volatilized into the atmosphere. The
linkage of AIRMAP and OILMAP allows the user to track the movement and dispersion of volatized oil from a
spill in or on the water.
The Stochastic Model is a contingency planning tool. It is useful for determining the range of distances and
directions oil spills from a particular site are likely to travel, given the historical winds and currents for the area.
The stochastic model performs a large number of simulations for a given spill site, varying the wind and current
conditions for each simulation. Output of the model is the time history of surface oiling for a large number of spill
trajectories. These trajectories are used to generate probabilities that water surface and shoreline areas will be
oiled by a release from the given site, and the minimum time needed for oil to reach a particular location.
Practical uses for such information include determination of the most effective locations for placement of
response equipment and the time available for mounting a response.
OILMAP is compatible with all current Windows platforms: Windows 10, 8, 7, Windows Server 2012 and 2016, Azure
Cloud Services and Amazon Web Services.

1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual explains the functionality of the OILMAP spill transport and fates modeling system and provides a
step-by-step guide to using its many features. To run an OILMAP spill simulation and view the results, see
Section 2. Sections 3, 4, and 5 describe how to create, modify, and display data used in a simulation, such as
wind and current data and base maps. Section 7 describes the embedded Geographic Information System,
which allows the user to enhance the visual appearance and functional quality of the simulation results with
geographic data. The Appendix provides file formats for selected wind and current data types used by OILMAP.

2 RUNNING A SPILL SIMULATION

This section describes the steps to specify and run a new OILMAP simulation and view the model predictions.
The process is explained in detail for the Trajectory and Fates Model. At the end of each section, the differences
that would be applicable for the other types of models in OILMAP are described, as appropriate.

2.1 Setting Up a New Spill Scenario

Make sure you are in the appropriate geographic location for running the simulation. Go to the File menu and
select Geographic Location. Browse to the Geographic Location (Loc_data) in the right panel. Select the
Geographic Location in the left panel.

[Link] Page 2
From the File menu, select New Scenario. A prompt will ask if you’d like to specify the spill location by using the
mouse to click in the spill site on the map. This method of specifying the spill site is optional. Select No to
continue. If you select Yes, the longitude and latitude coordinates of the mouse position are given on the right
side of the shortcut toolbar at the top of the map window. Click when the mouse is positioned at the desired
location.

• Enter a scenario name that will identify the simulation to be run. A default scenario name is provided; enter
a different name if desired. A warning will appear if the selected name has already been used.
• Select the type of simulation to be run (options grayed out are not available based on license). The
Trajectory and Fates Model predicts the surface and subsurface transport and fate of spilled oil. Select this
option to run a single deterministic spill simulation either forwards or backwards in time. When run in
backwards mode, the model predicts the path the oil followed to arrive at a particular location. A backwards

[Link] Page 3
 simulation predicts only the trajectory of the oil and includes no weathering information. Oil may be
released at the water surface with a Surface License or below the water surface with a Subsurface License.
The blowout model, OILMAPDeep (not listed in the new scenario form, but embedded in the model input
form), calculates the near field dynamics of a blowout plume in the water column.
• If a spill site was entered using the mouse in the previous step, its coordinates are displayed. If no site was
specified, the coordinates are those of the previous active scenario. The coordinates can be edited on this
form, or on the Spill Information form in the next step.
• Select the land-water boundary definition to be used in the simulation from the drop-down list of available
base maps in your location. Both the RPS map file (BDM) and ESRI shapefile (SHP) formats are
supported.
• Click OK to access the model input form. The active scenario (displayed along the top of OILMAP) changes
to the name specified for the new scenario.

2.1.1 Polygon Release Updates

OILMAP has been updated to include the ability to start a scenario using a user-drawn or SHP file polygon.

Select File → New Scenario. This will open the newly created oil spill location form
that allows the user to define how the scenario location will be selected. The user can
now continue to draw a manual polygon release, as was previously available, and
OILMAP can now use a SHP file to initialize a scenario.

This enables user to input a potential spill as a polygon SHP file. This is often the
format that satellite detections and spill observations are presented using. The user
can now easily start a scenario from the SHP file and view the trajectory out

When ‘Select SHP file for polygon release’ is chosen the windows explorer window will open and the user can navigate to the
desired SHP file. Once the SHP file is selected the GIS file will be added to the layer list so the user can see the data. The New
Oilmap Scenario form opens and shows the number of polygons in the chosen file and allows the user to define the Scenario
name.

[Link] Page 4
The user Clicks OK and is presented with the Polygon Release Parameters form
to define the release information for the SHP file. There are 3 options that the user
can select to initialize the oil spill.
• Calculated Area
• User defined %
• User Defined Thickness
The user can input the chosen option for
each input type to initialize the polygon
types. The user can click ok and move to
scenario inputs. The user can also skip
this step and click apply and access the
Polygon Release Parameters from the
Run Form.

For User Defined Thickness the user can defined thickness definition as per the table below:

Bonn Agreement approx. thickness (in mm, see User Manual)

Silver Sheen: 0.0001

Rainbow Sheen: 0.001

Metallic Sheen: 0.025

Transitional Dark Color: 0.1

Dark (true) Color: 0.5

Emulsified: 0.5

The spill form user inputs remain the same for all polygon
release. The user must enter the Oil Spill Amount for
Calculated Area and User defined % but the spill amount will
be calculated based on oil type and chosen thicknesses for
User Defined Thickness. Spill Duration will always be set to
0 as an instantaneous spill to represent the polygon oil slick
transport.

[Link] Page 5
The particles fill the area defined by the SHP polygons and transport the oil based on the user inputs.

2.2 Spill Scenario Form

After initiating the scenario with a scenario name and spill site location (see Changing the Spill Site to add spill
sites or specify a release area), the Spill Information form appears on which to enter the remaining information
defining the spill scenario. Data entry is organized into five basic categories:
• Spill
• Oil
• Winds
• Currents
• Review
If Advanced Options (lower left corner of the form) is checked, additional tabs are also available:
• Parameters
• Options
• Air (only available with an AIRMAP license)
A Save As Default button also appears when Advanced Options is checked. Click this button to save all the
parameters used to specify the current scenario as the default initialization values for future scenarios.
To move between tabs, either click on the desired tab category at the top of the Spill Information form or click on
the Next or Previous buttons at the bottom of the form to move sequentially through the tabs.

2.2.1 Spill Information Form: Spill

In the Spill section of the form, enter information that defines the simulation to be run. The form shown below is
for the Trajectory and Fates Model. Differences applicable for the Stochastic Model are explained following
the discussion of all fields in the form.

[Link] Page 6
• Scenario Name. The scenario name entered in the previous step. The name cannot be changed here. From
the drop-down list you can select a previously defined scenario; the values in all fields will change to reflect
that scenario.
• Description. An optional description of the scenario you may enter.
• Spill Coordinates. The coordinates previously entered (or default values) are displayed and may be edited.
To the right is the option to specify the latitude and longitude in decimal degrees ([Link]), degrees and
decimal minutes (DD [Link]), or degrees-minutes-seconds (DD MM SS). To switch between east and
west longitude or north and south latitude, click on the E or W, or on the N or S labels to toggle them.
• If multiple spill sites or a polygon release site are being used for the simulation, the spill coordinates can be
changed through the Add Spill Site or Use Polygon Release Site box located in the Model menu. See
Section 2.5 for information on using multi-point release sites. To edit a spill site, double click on the desired
site. The Spill Site Information form will open, and spill parameters can be changed. See Changing the Spill
Site for details about this form.
• Release Time. The default spill start time is the present time. The date can either be edited manually or by
clicking on the drop-down menu to the right of the date field to access a calendar.

[Link] Page 7
 – Change the month and year by clicking the left and right arrows. Click on the desired day to save the
selected month and year and exit the calendar.
– Enter the time the spill begins (hour, minute, AM/PM) either manually or using the drop-down menu to
the right of the Time field.
– Click the Today button to reset the time and date to the current settings.
• Time Zone. Use the drop-down list to specify the time zone in which the spill occurs. If no time zone is
selected, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is assumed.
• Select Standard (forward in time) mode for a Trajectory and Fates Model simulation. Note that backwards
mode is available for surface spills.
• Simulation length. This is the length of time for which the prediction of the oil’s trajectory will be made. Enter
a value and select hours or days.
• Release Depth. Choose either Surface or Subsurface to define the depth of release. A Surface Module
license only allows for surface releases of oil. A Subsurface Module license allows oil to be released at any
depth. If the Subsurface release depth is selected, the Subsurface Parameters box will need information.
– Depth of Release. Enter a number greater than 0 for the Release Depth (in meters).
– Release Method. There are three options to choose from: Release Turbulence, OILMAP Deep Blowout
Model, or User Defined Droplets. Choose the User Defined Droplets if information is available on the
droplet size distribution. The OILMAP Deep Blowout Model calculates the particle size/velocity
distribution for automatic input to the Trajectory and Fates Model. The OILMAPDeep option is only
available with an OILMAPDeep Module license.
○ Release Turbulence. Select the release energy from the drop-down list. Low should be used for
a slow, low pressure release such as a pipeline leak. High turbulence should be used for a highly
turbulent release such as a blowout under pressure, while medium is for an intermediate turbulent
energy. This parameter controls the size distribution of the released subsurface droplets. Low

[Link] Page 8
 turbulence equates to larger particle sizes and more rapid ascent to the water surface, whereas
high turbulence means smaller particle sizes that rise to the surface more slowly. Click on the

button for more information about these options.

○ User Defined Droplets. Here, a droplet size input file (*.DSV) can be created by entering the
Number of Droplet Size Bins, by either typing a number or using the up and down arrows to the
right. Typical values for the number of droplet size bins range from 5 to 10. Enter the droplet sizes
(µm) and % volume in the appropriate fields for each bin. The droplet size should be entered in
order of increasing droplet diameter and the values entered for percent volume should sum to
100. To save the distribution click OK.

[Link] OILMAP Deep Blowout Model

– Gas/Oil Ratio. The gas/oil ratio is the volume
ratio of gas to oil at 1 atm (surface pressure).
The ratio must be great than or equal to 1,
meaning that there is oil present in the mixture.
Typical GOR values range from 50 m3/m3 to
10,000 m3/m3 (280 scf/bbl to 55,000 scf/bbl).
The greater the value the more gas expected to
be in the mixture, greater values are more
typical of condensate wells. Average GOR for
crude oil wells are 200 m3/m3 to 500 m3/m3
(11,000 scf/bbl to 28,000 scf/bbl).
– Salinity/Temperature Profile. The
salinity/temperature profile is the vertical profile
showing the variation of salinity and
temperature with depth. A previously created file
can be selected using the drop-down menu to
the right. The selected file may be used as-is or
can be edited by clicking Edit. A new file can be
created by clicking New. To enter the number of
depths in the profile, simply use the up or down
arrows. Enter a desired file name (which is
stored \DENSITY directory of the active location
for each simulation). To create the profile, enter
the depth, temperature, and salinity values in
the appropriate fields and click OK.
– Methane Hydrate Formation. Using the dropdown menu, select YES to include hydrate formation in
blowout calculation (which is dependent upon the Gas/Oil Ratio).
– Methane, the most common gas to be released during a blowout, is known to form hydrates. Gas
hydrates, which form in water depths greater than ~200 m principally due to the increased hydrostatic
pressure at the seabed, are a class of solids in which small molecules occupy spherical holes in ice-
like lattices made up of hydrogen-bonded water molecules.
– Hydrate formation rates are based on a model used to determine the mass of hydrate produced at
equilibrium assuming that the blowout gas is pure methane. The amount of hydrate formed is assumed
to depend on the ambient pressure, temperature, and water/gas ratio in the plume. The blowout plume

[Link] Page 9
 and hydrate formation models are then used to predict the distributions of velocity, oil, and buoyancy
as a function of the distance along the plume trajectory.
– Note that OILMAPDeep incorporates hydrate formation in the calculation it does not track the transport
or dispersion of the hydrates or gas.
– Particle Size/Velocity Distribution. The particle size and velocity distribution data are either
model calculated or loaded from an existing distribution.
– Model Calculated. For the model to calculate the distribution, the opening diameter, the
discharge temperature, and the number of droplet size bins must be entered.
○ Opening Diameter. The diameter of where the blowout is occurring. The user can choose the
units of their choice.
○ Discharge Temperature: The temperature that the oil is discharging from the well. The entered
units are either ⁰C or ⁰F
○ Number of Droplet Size Bins. The model will calculate the size distribution of the oil droplets that
are released from the blowout. The user can select how many bins (i.e. groupings) they would
like. Too few bins will not represent the distribution of oil droplets from the blowout well and too
many bins will slow the model down. It is suggested to have 5 to10 bins.
To save the model calculated particle size/velocity distribution, check the box to the left of Save
Distribution and enter a desired filename. To save all subsurface parameters, click OK.
○ Existing Distribution. Select Use Existing Distribution and use the drop-down menu to select an
existing distribution. To edit the existing distribution, click the Edit button. In addition, there is an
option to create a user defined distribution. A user defined distribution can be created by clicking
New. Here, a new DSV file can be created by entering the number of Droplet Size Bins, by either
typing a number or using the up and down arrows to the right. Typical values for the number of
droplet size bins range from 5 to 10. Enter a desired filename, as well as the droplet size (µm), %
volume, and rise velocity (cm/s) in the appropriate fields. The droplet size should be entered in
order of increasing droplet diameter and the values entered for percent volume should sum to
100. To save the distribution click OK. To save the Subsurface Parameters click OK.
• Water Temperature. Enter the surface water temperature (an approximate value is sufficient) and select
Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• Response options. If spill response data has previously been entered into the GIS, the appropriate box(es)
will be selectable and checked on. Check the boxes off to run the simulation without any response. This
option is only available for a Trajectory and Fates Model (both standard and backwards), only if response
data exist in the GIS for this scenario. See Incorporating Response Activities in Model Predictions for
details.

There have been both user interface and model updates to the OILMAPDeep blowout module:

1. Additions to the form include:

a) Gas viscosity,
b) Droplet/Bubble distribution lognormal standard deviation, and
c) The ability to turn off randomization of droplet sizes.
2. Additions a) & b) have an option that toggles between default (RPS assigned value based on most up to date
scientific expertise) and the user-defined value.
3. There is now an option to read in pre-existing SPT’s in the subsurface parameters form
a) Reads from the RUNDATA folder of users Loc_data for available “.SPT” files.
4. Running with Uncertainty Particles is now an option for Subsurface releases.
[Link] Page 10
[Link] Differences for Backwards Trajectory and Fates Model
• Select Backwards (to right of time field) to run a backwards-in-time trajectory simulation. This option is only
available for a surface release.
• The Release Time field name is changed to Arrival Time. Enter the date and time the simulation ends
following the procedure described above for the Release Time. This time is the time oil reaches the spill
location specified by the latitude and longitude.
• Simulation length defines the length of time into the past the simulation is to cover.

[Link] Page 11
[Link] Differences for Stochastic Models
• Randomize Dates. Specify the period that the simulations are to run (start month and end month) and the
model will randomly start the simulation during the time selected. Slightly different stochastic results will be
generated as different start times will be used for individual simulations.
• Read Dates from File. To be able to re-run a stochastic scenario using exactly the same start times (and
therefore the same environmental forcing) as the original scenario, select this option rather than the
randomize dates. A drop-down list will appear, and the appropriate file will need to be selected. Note that
a DTL file is required for this option.
• Stochastic Runs. Choose the number of simulations to be included in the stochastic model by either typing
the number directly into the interface or using the up and down arrows.

• Stochastic Parameters. Click on the Stochastic Parameters Tab on the Spill Form. A window will appear in
which the following features will need to be defined.
• Number of Simultaneous Runs. The number of trajectory
runs you would like to perform simultaneously. This
number should reflect the amount of cores on your local
machine. The recommended number of cores is 4.
• Distribution of Mass on Grid Cells. This option allows for
the user to determine how the mass will be distributed on
the grid cells for calculating statistics. The Fixed Mass will
compute the fastest. The Gaussian Spread option
computes the slowest.
– Fixed Mass = mass of spillet is placed in the grid cell
that intersects with the center of the spillet (i.e. mass
is not distributed to other grid cells).

[Link] Page 12
 – Spillet Radius = mass of spillet is distributed based on the radius of the spillet, the radius of the spillet
is based on the spreading of the oil.
– Gaussian Spread = mass of spillet is distributed based on a Gaussian distribution, which is a function
of dispersion coefficients and the age of the spillet (i.e. more dispersion and older spillets have a larger
distribution; mass may be distributed across multiple grid cells).
• Thresholds. Thresholds for Water Thickness (mm), Land Thickness (mm) and Water Concentration (ppb)
need to be specified. These can be specified for up to a maximum of 5 bins using arrow feature. Users must
enter thresholds to run the stochastic model. These may be adjusted later.

2.2.2 Spill Information Form: Oil

In the Oil section, specify the type and amount of oil released, along with the Spill Duration.

• Oil Spill Amount. Enter the total amount spilled in the first field and select the units from the drop-down
menu to the right. If multiple spill sites are selected, the spill amount on this form applies only to the first
site. To edit the amount released at other sites, go back to the Spill tab, and click on the specific site in
the Multi-Point Release Site box. This will open the Spill Information Form. See Changing the Spill Site
for details about this form.
• Spill Duration. This is the length of time (in hours) over which the oil is being released onto the water
surface. Enter 0.0 for an instantaneous release.
• Spill duration is not specified for the backtrack model, it is assumed that all oil reaches the specified location
at the same time.
• Oil Type. First select which oil database is to be used under Oil Database Options on the left side of the
screen. Then select the desired oil in the list to the right. The evaporative weathering algorithm has been
updated to utilize a component (i.e. chemical component classes) evaporative methodology, where the flux
to the atmosphere is specific to the component’s molar volume, vapor pressure, and molecular weight. To
utilize the new evaporative weathering algorithms the user must use an oil listed under the Oil Database

[Link] Page 13
 option. Within this option there is a Master Database and Personal Database. The Master Database is the
database that is delivered with OILMAP. The Personal Database is the database that allows the user to
create a library of user specific oils. To view the oil properties from the Master or Personal Database go to
the Data Menu and choose Master Database. The Master database has the most up-to-date oil properties,
including distillation data and is based on superior and accurate, component evaporative methodology.
• Variable Flow. This option allows for variable flow rates to be used. The option will only work when
OILMAPDeep is computing the near-field initialization or with the Release Turbulence option. User defined
droplet sizes cannot be used with variable flow. In addition, subsurface dispersant application cannot be
used. This option does not read release amount and duration from the spill form. This information comes
from the selected variable flow rate file (*.vfl).
– To use: A file with the extension of *.vfl is to be saved in the RUNDATA folder of the location. The file
contains hours since release date and release amount (in barrels), the model will begin releasing at the
first release hour and stop at the next entered next release hour with a uniform release rate calculated
based on the release amount and the entered start hours. The first line must have 0 hrs entered to
start releasing and the last line of the file must have the hours when to terminate the release with
release amount set to 0. The first line of the file must have an integer stating the number of lines in the
file.
– An example of a file is
○ 4
○ 0.00 1025.60010
○ 12.00 201.39890
○ 15.50 22.72075
○ 24.00 0.00000
• The release time (hrs since release) must be sequential and a multiple of the model time step.

[Link] Differences for Backwards Trajectory and Fates Module

• There is no Spill Duration option available. All oil is assumed to have reached the specified spill site at the
Arrival Time.

[Link] Differences for OILMAPDeep Module

• The spill duration must be greater than zero, as blowouts cannot be instantaneous.

2.2.3 Spill Information Form: Wind

The Wind section allows the user to select from several different options to specify the wind data used in the
simulation. The appearance of the Wind form changes depending on the wind data option selected. The
available options are:
• Manual Winds – to enter the winds for the simulation period
• Wind File – to select an existing wind file
• COASTMAP – to use the COASTMAP Data Server to access on-line forecast winds
• No Winds – to run a simulation with no wind forcing.

[Link] Page 14
[Link] Manual Winds
Select Manual Winds to enter wind data for the simulation. When this option is selected, an empty wind file that
covers the simulation period at one-hour intervals is automatically created and given the same name as the
scenario. You will be given the option to specify a default wind speed and direction that will be used for all times
in the file. This default value can be edited on an hour by hour basis.
For any winds entered, select the correct time zone for the wind data from the Time Zone drop-down menu. The
default time zone is the same as the selected spill information time zone.
Wind data is shown in the table at the left of the window. The speed is in knots, and the angle is the direction the
wind is coming from. To edit the wind data:
• Edit an individual value by double-clicking on the appropriate cell in the table or select a cell and then click
the Edit Cells button to the right. Enter the desired wind speed and direction.

• Edit a block of cells by highlighting the cells (drag the mouse over the cells) and then click the Edit Cells
button to the right. Enter the desired wind speed and direction to be applied to all selected cells.
• Edit all values by clicking in the Date/Time box at the top of the table to select all values in the table. Click
the Edit Cells button to the right and enter the desired wind speed and direction to be applied to all times.
• When editing the cell(s), wind speed can be set in knots, meters/second, or the Beaufort Scale. The wind
direction can be set in meteorological convention or degrees; in either case enter the direction the wind is
coming from.

[Link] Page 15
You may also import an existing wind file into the manual winds section by using the Import Wind File button.
Select the desired file from the list of available files. The wind speed and direction data will be displayed in the
table and may be edited as described above. If the selected wind file does not contain data for the time period
covered by the simulation, the data will be displayed as all 0’s for the simulation time.
Another option for entering wind data is to use the Wind Tool. Click on the Use Wind Tool button to access the
Wind Data Editor window for entering wind speed and direction.

• The Wind Data Editor will initially display hourly

wind data for the period of the simulation,
although all data will be 0.
• Click on the “target” to populate subsequent
cells of the table with the direction and speed of
chosen. Each band of the target represents a
wind speed in increments of 5 knots. To enter
wind speed with a finer resolution, the data in
the table must be edited as described above.
• The vector plot below the target shows the wind
data that has been entered. The vectors point in
the direction to which the wind is blowing.
• The Time Zone of the Wind Data Editor will
default to the Time Zone selected in the Winds
tab.

[Link] Page 16
• To save the wind file click the Save and Close button at the lower right of the window, or from the File
menu select the Save File option.
• For more information on using the Wind Data Editor, see The Wind Data Editor.

[Link] Wind File

Use the Wind File option to select an existing wind data file to be used for the simulation. You can also create a
new wind file under this option.
• Select File – displays a list of all available wind files for the current geographic location. The start and end
times of the wind data in each file are listed next to the file name. The wind files that are available are WNE
(single point time series), WIX (gridded wind time series), NetCDF (gridded or unstructured NC files), and
PDW (wind statistics for the stochastic model).
– Select the desired file from the list. To use multiple single point wind files (WNE), check the Select
Multiple Files option at the bottom of the form; more than one file may then be selected. This option is
typically used for wind data recorded at different locations over the same (or overlapping) time periods.
The models spatially interpolate the wind data. Click OK to exit the selection form.
– The name of the selected file(s) is shown in the far left box of the Wind File window

– If the selected file has an NC extension, an Advanced button will appear. Click this button to access
the NetCDF Options form for specifying the naming conventions in the NC file. If the file was created
using the COASTMAP EDS, this step is not necessary. If the NC file was created by outside sources,
OILMAP may have trouble interpreting the data (i.e., model predictions will not be as expected). The
form will list the data names available in the file; choose the appropriate name for each type of data
and rerun the simulation.

[Link] Page 17
• New Wind – provides access to the Wind Data Editor for manual input of wind data. The New Wind File
form appears with default data based on the current scenario. Any of these values can be changed. Click
OK to continue. For more information, see the Manual Winds description above and The Wind Data Editor.

[Link] COASTMAP Winds

The COASTMAP option is only available to users with a subscription to this service. This option provides
automated access to the COASTMAP Environmental Data Server (EDS). This is a server that collects and
disseminates public and private weather, wind, and current forecasts and observation data. Forecast data is
typically available for 3 days (72 hours) into the future. The data can be either global or regional, and custom
forecast products can be developed for specific regions. The COASTMAP EDS linkage allows OILMAP users to
access both the meteorological and hydrodynamic data available on the COASTMAP EDS from within OILMAP.
The coverage map can be shown by clicking the Coverage button. It shows a transparent region where data is
available for a given source like can be seen below. Different sources may appear in the list on the left
depending on the region in which the user is running a scenario. The metadata for a chosen data source can be
accessed by clicking on the Metadata button. This shows important information pertaining to the data source.

[Link] Page 18
It is now possible to define the Area of Interest (AOI) for the Environmental Data Server (EDS) wind and current
data region. This function allows the user to define the region which they would like to retrieve data from. The
AOI that is chosen for the wind data becomes the default value for the current data. If a specific option is not
chosen for the current data, it will use what was defined for the wind data. The chosen region will appear on the
map as a transparent region and its visibility is controlled by the ‘Display EDS Download Area’ checkbox in the
Model Information which can be seen on the right.

There are two ways to define the region for the AOI.
1. Value Specified: Choose one of the listed values specified (e.g. 1000 m/hr; 20000 m/hr, 3000 m/hr). This
option sets the size of the region based on a distance from the spill site which is set by several meters per
hour of simulation time. For example, if 1000m/hr value is selected for a simulation that is modeled for
24hrs, the region would be 48km x 48km.

2. User Defined: This option allows the user to define the AOI by drawing a region on the map. First select

‘User Defined’ from the drop-down menu. The following button will appear to the right of the dropdown
like is highlighted in the image below.

[Link] Page 19
 Click the following button and draw a region on the map by clicking and holding the left mouse button
at the desired start point and dragging to the end point. Release the left mouse button at the end point to
define the region. The region will appear as a transparent box as shown in the image below. The spill form
will automatically reopen, and you are now ready to download EDS data for the user defined AOI.
This user defined AOI does not have to be drawn twice. Once drawn for winds or currents, the AOI will be
remembered and the other environmental data (i.e. wind or currents) can then be downloaded by clicking
on the other tab and selecting the data product to download.

User Defined AOI

Click on the desired winds product from the list of available products in the left pane and select Get Data.
This downloads the data to a file stored in the Winds folder of the active location. The file is named
OILMAP_TEST_3_GFS.NC. The downloaded times are listed in the File information panel.

[Link] Page 20
[Link] No Winds
Select the No Winds to run a simulation with no wind data.

[Link] Differences for Backwards Trajectory and Fates Model

In the Winds form, the wind data is inputted as described above. However, the time of the wind data is now the
time period prior to the oil arrival time. For example, with a simulation length of 24 hours and an oil arrival time of
11:30 a.m. on April 20, 2010, the wind data will cover the period from 11:30 a.m. on April 19 to 11:30 a.m. on
April 20.

[Link] Differences for Stochastic Model

Only the Wind File option is available for the Stochastic Model since a long period of wind data (typically many
years) is needed to adequately sample the variability in the wind record. It is not possible to run a Stochastic
model without a wind file.

2.2.4 Spill Information Form: Currents

In the Currents section, there are several options for selecting current data to drive the oil spill simulation:
• Current File – Select an existing current file. This file may be on the local computer or on an external hard
drive.
• COASTMAP – Download currents data (forecasts and observations, global and regional data products)
from the RPS Environmental Data Server (EDS)
• No Currents

[Link] Current File

There are two options for selecting the current folder location:
• Default: This option points to the CURRENTS folder in the active Geographic Location.

[Link] Page 21
• User Defined: This option allows users to point to any folder which contains currents files. This may be a
folder on an external drive. This option is useful for stochastic modeling that requires a large dataset of
currents.
Use the dropdown menu to select Default or User Defined. Click on the folder icon next to Folder Path and
select the folder containing currents files.

There are 5 different options for selecting a current file and combinations of current files that may be used.
These may be used for both the deterministic model and the stochastic model. These options are outlined
below.
1. Single: This option allows users to specify only 1 current file for use in the simulation. The time frame of the
current file must cover the duration of the simulation. If oil particles move outside of the spatial extent of the
currents file or outside of the temporal extent of the current file, no current forcing will be applied to the
cloud of particles. Particles outside of the currents field (spatially and temporally) will only be transported by
winds (if available) and the dispersion factors.

[Link] Page 22
2. Concurrent: This option allows users to select 2 current files to be used in the simulation. Both files are
applied over the duration of the simulation. There are two options for Concurrent use of current files:
a. 2D surface current file with a single point vertical current profile. The first file, the surface current, must
be a NetCDF (.NC) file. The second file, vertical profile, must be a .CMT. Both files must cover the
temporal extent of the simulation.
b. 2D or 3D current file with a harmonic tidal file. The first file must be an .NC file and the tidal file must be
a .CIR. Typically, the tidal file is not time-stamped and will be synchronized with the .NC file by the
model. Any other component of the .CIR file (e.g. wind-driven, river flow) will not be considered.

[Link] Page 23
3. Sequential: The model can accept current files sequentially over the duration of the simulation. Typically,
this option is used for stochastic modeling or deterministic simulations that are longer than an individual
current file. There is a naming convention that must be followed when using sequential current files. Each
current file must have the same first 6 characters. The last character of each file name must be numbered
sequentially from 1-12. For example:
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2009_09
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2009_10
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2009_11
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2009_12
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2010_01
GoM_HYCOM_3D_2010_02
The model uses this naming convention to check the available files and select the correct file for use in the
simulation.

[Link] Page 24
4. Concurrent and Sequential: This option is a combination of the sequential and the concurrent options.
The sequential currents are used as described above, including the naming convention. A harmonic tidal file
(.CIR) may be added to the simulation. When the model chooses the current file to use from the sequence
of current files, it will also apply the tidal file to the simulation.

5. Nested: This option is only applicable to .GVR current files.

[Link] Page 25
There are many different formats for hydrodynamic data formats that are supported in OILMAP. Some files
contain cyclic or mean data that is not referenced to a particular time. Others contain time-varying data for a
specific time period. Any additional input required (and the display on the right side of the window) depends on
the type of current file selected.
If applicable, select the current components (tidal and/or background) to be used in the simulation. If the High
Tide Time is required, use 24-hour time (e.g., 1:15 p.m. is 13:15) to specify the time of high tide on the day the
simulation begins. Note that tidal currents entered with the current data editor (see Adding Current Vectors) do
not have any information about high tide. The vectors that are entered represent maximum flood currents.
Entering the time of high tide on this form allows the model to correctly phase these currents for the oil spill
calculations. Time of high tide is the time when the water elevation (not the currents) is the maximum. If a. DIR
file is selected, and the Tides & Currents system is installed on your PC, the Time of High Tide button in the
Tides and Currents box will be available to obtain high tide times from tidal stations near the spill site.

[Link] Page 26
Click on the Time of High Tides button to open the Tides and Currents window. Click in the Date/Time field to
bring up the Calendar window on which to specify the desired time. Under Search Radius, select From Spill
Site or From Center of Map. Enter the radius within which Tide Stations will be searched. Click Search for a list
of Tide Stations to appear. Click on a station for data to appear in the lower half of the window. Create Tide
Stations Layer creates a GIS layer on the map with all the stations listed in the Tide Stations results. This TC
Tide Stations layer will appear in the GIS tab in the left panel. After selecting a Tide Station, click OK for that
station’s high tide time to be entered into the Currents tab. If a station has multiple high tides listed, the first time
will be entered in the Currents tab.

If the selected file has an NC extension, a NetCDF Advanced button appears below the list. Click this button to
access the NetCDF Options form for specifying the naming conventions in the NC file. If the file was created
using the COASTMAP EDS, this step is not necessary, but is available. If the NC file was created by outside
sources, OILMAP may have trouble interpreting the data (i.e., model predictions will not be as expected). The
form will list the data names available in the file; choose the appropriate name for each type of data and rerun
the simulation.

[Link] Page 27
[Link] COASTMAP EDS Currents
The COASTMAP EDS option is only available to users with a subscription to this service. This option provides
automated linkages to the COASTMAP EDS, a server that collects and disseminates public and private weather,
wind, and current forecasts and observation data. The data can be either global or regional, and custom forecast
products can be developed for specific regions. The COASTMAP linkage allows OILMAP users to access both
the meteorological and hydrodynamic data available on the COASTMAP EDS from within OILMAP.
The COASTMAP form is divided into two sections:
• On the left is the list of data
• The panel on the right displays the selected data source’s coverage and metadata

Each of these sections is described below.

• The list of data sources that is displayed depends on the sources that have been subscribed to on the EDS.
Note that different data sources will have different spatial and temporal resolutions. To get currents data for
the period of the simulation, select one of the listed sources. A default name for the currents file will appear
in the field directly below the list. To change the file name, click on the field and enter a new name for the
file.
AOI Size – The Area of Interest (AOI) is the bounding box around the spill site where EDS data will be
downloaded. The AOI is calculated by multiplying the simulation length (hours) by this distance specified by
the user. A larger number will lead to a larger AOI, so if the EDS data coverage does not extend to cover
the complete trajectory, this number may be increased. For very long simulations, the AOI can get very
large and can be controlled by this user defined number.
Click the Get Data button.
• Occasionally some of the listed sources will not have data for the particular time period of the simulation. In
these cases, an error message will be displayed stating the problem. Click OK to close the error message
window and try selecting a different data source.
Once data is retrieved, the new currents file is added to the local data store and the name of the file is
displayed below the list of data sources.
The section on the right displays the selected data source’s coverage and metadata.

[Link] Page 28
[Link] No Currents
Allows the simulation to be run with no currents forcing.
The Current File option does not include a selection to manually enter currents data. To create a file containing
currents that can be used by the simulation, close out of this form and select Create Hydrodynamic Grid from
the Data menu. For details see instructions in the Currents section of Chapter 3.

[Link] Differences for the Stochastic Model

Only the Current File and No Currents options are available for the stochastic model. Access to the COASTMAP
EDS is not available as they do not provide the historical long time series data required by the stochastic model.

2.2.5 Spill Information Form: Parameters

The Parameters section is only displayed when the Advanced Options box at the lower left of the window is
checked on. The values shown on the form below are typical default values used. To save a different set of
default values, change the desired values on the form, then press the Save as Default button. The values
entered will be used to initialize all future scenarios (note: this applies to all values on all tabs of the Spill
Information form).
• Model Time Step. The model time step controls the interval at which calculations of oil transport and
weathering (evaporation, entrainment, and emulsification) are done. The minimum allowable time step is 5
minutes. Typical recommended values are 15 minutes for shorter simulations (1-7 days) and 60 minutes for
longer simulations (>7 days).
• Output Time Interval. The output interval controls the frequency with which model results are saved for later
display. The interval must be a whole number multiple of the model time step (i.e. data cannot be saved
more frequently than it is calculated) and can be greater than 60 minutes. Typically, the output interval is
the same as the model time step. However, if the model is run at a very short time step (~5 minutes), it may
not be desirable to save the output for each step since the output files could become quite large.

[Link] Page 29
• Number of Particles. This specifies the number of individual spillets that are to be used in the simulation to
represent the spilled oil. The total amount of oil spilled is uniformly distributed between the number of
spillets. A recommended method for determining the amount of spillets is: 5 spillets per time step for the
duration of oil released. If this calculation yields a number less than 1,000, use a value from ~1,000 to
~2,500. Less than 1,000 particles should not be used.
• Wind Factor. The wind factor determines the wind drift that moves surface spills and is specified as a
percentage of the wind speed. A wind factor of ~3-4% of the surface wind has been empirically determined
to be the optimal value for open seas.
• Wind Angle. The wind angle specifies the angle that oil moves relative to the wind direction. Observations
indicate this angle is less than 10o and typically less than the inaccuracies in the predicted wind direction.
Therefore, the value is usually set equal to 0. An internal model correction is applied to account for the
difference in the Coriolis Effect in the northern and southern hemispheres.
• Horizontal Dispersion. The dispersion coefficient controls the random horizontal component of the oil’s
movement (i.e., the spread between individual spillets). A user defined constant value can be specified or
the value can be chosen based on the environmental conditions. Suggested values for Horizontal
Dispersion Coefficients are shown in the table below which are designed for shallower water, i.e. less than
100 m in depth.

Environment Dispersion Coefficient

Protected Waters 0.1 m2/sec

Coastal Waters 1.0 m2/sec

Open Waters 10 m2/sec

Storm Conditions 50 m2/sec

• Vertical Dispersion. The vertical dispersion coefficient controls the random vertical component of the
subsurface oil's movement (cm²/s). A user defined constant value can be specified or values can be
selected based on the environmental conditions. Suggested values for Vertical Dispersion Coefficients are
shown in the table below.

[Link] Page 30
 Environment Dispersion Coefficient

Stable System with Strong Thermocline

0.1 cm2/sec
or Pyrocline

Average Coastal Waters 1.0 cm2/sec

Well Mixed Water Column 10 cm2/sec

• Shorelines. The land-water boundary to be used in the simulation can be selected by using the drop-down
list, to the right of Land-Water Boundary, to select an available map (BDM and SHP) and grid files. If the
land-water boundary is defined by a map (BDM or SHP) file, a default shore type to be applied to all land
boundaries should be selected from the drop-down list in the lower right corner of the window.

The shoreline type is important for determining the amount of oil that will be deposited on the shoreline.
Deposition ceases when the holding capacity for the shore surface is reached. Subsequent oil arriving at the
saturated coastal cell is not allowed to remain on the shore surface. Each shoreline has an oil holding capacity
based on shore type, beach width, and oil type (using viscosity). Below are the specifications for each shore
type. The greater the beach width and oil thickness, the greater amount of oil that can be deposited to the
shoreline.

Shore Type Beach Width (m) Light Medium Heavy

(<30cSt) (30-2000 cSt) (>2000 cSt)

Rock Cliff/Ledge 1 1 2 2

Rock (exposed) 3 1 2 2

Rock (sheltered) 3 1 5 10

Gravel /Cobble (narrow shore) 3 2 9 15

Gravel /Cobble (wide shore) 10 2 9 15

Sand (narrow shore) 5 4 17 25

Sand (wide shore) 20 4 17 25

Tidal Flat (narrow shore) 15 3 6 10

Tidal Flat (wide shore) 200 3 6 10

Marsh (narrow shore) 50 6 30 40

Marsh (wide shore) 200 6 30 40

[Link] Page 31
• Bathymetry. Any of these bathymetry options can be used with a polygon (BDM or SHP file) land boundary.
From the drop-down list for the Depth Data Source, select from:
– Current Data. If the current file being used to simulate the oil spill scenario contains depth data, this
option can be used. If you are unsure if depth data is contained in the current file you can view the
layer properties for the current file to check.
○ To do this, click on the arrow icon located to the right of the current file in map table of contents.
In the Layer Properties form look for the drop-down menu option under Display Depth Grid. If the
option to view Depths is available, then the current file contains depth data.
○ If you do not see this option and are still questioning if the current file contains depth data contact
MapSupport@[Link]. If this option is selected and the current file does not contain depth
data a default constant depth is used by the model.
– Depth Grid. Use this option to select an existing file of gridded depth data. When this option is
selected, a list of the available depth files in the current location appears below the Depth Data Source
field. Select the desired file from the list.
– Constant Depth. Use this option if no other depth data are available. A constant depth will be assumed
for all water locations. When this option is selected, a Constant Depth field appears in which to enter
the water depth to be used for the simulation. If choosing this option, a depth value >0 must be
entered.
• Salinity. Define a constant water salinity value (ppt).

2.2.6 Spill Information Form: Options

The Options section is only displayed when the Advanced Options box at the lower left of the window is
checked on. The values shown on the form below are typical default values used. To save a different set of
default values, change the desired values on the form, then press the Save as Default button. The values
entered will be used to initialize all future scenarios (note: this applies to all values on all tabs on the Spill
Information form).

[Link] Page 32
• Wet/Dry Options. These parameters are used to control wet/dry functionality. To use this option the user
must have selected an appropriate hydrodynamic file containing wet/dry information. It allows the user see
areas where objects may become stranded during a simulation due to tidal movements. If you would like
additional information on how to obtain the necessary data or how to use this functionality please contact us
at MapSupport@[Link].
– Use Wet/Dry Information: Check this on to use the wet/dry functionality
– Don’t Allow Refloating: Check this on to strand an o indefinitely. If this option is not chosen an oil
particle (spillet) will be able to refloat.
– Datum Offset (m): set the Datum offset for wet/dry particles. This Value indicates the offset from Mean
Sea Level. The corresponding fixed bathymetry file will be offset by this amount. A Value of 0 will not
provide any offset, this is the default Value.
• Other Options.
– Reeds Grid. See section 3.4 Incorporating Reed Beds in Model Predictions.
– Ice Option. Check the Use Ice if Available option ON to incorporate ice cover in the simulation. Ice
data must be entered before running the simulation (see Adding Ice Polygons).
– Slippery Shorelines. If the Slippery Shorelines option is checked ON, any oil that reaches shore is
immediately put back offshore to continue its trajectory.
• Output Display Options
– Save Model Currents. Check this option ON to create a file that includes the summed-up constituents
of a current file, synchronization for the model time, and/or the aggregation of multiple currents. What
is saved depends on the inputs used for currents. Note, if using one time-stamped current file, this
model currents output will be the same as the input file.
– Surface Oil Thickness Contours: OILMAP will automatically calculate surface oil thickness contours.
These contours may be displayed to show areas of thin, medium, and heavy oiling when viewing the
predicted oil trajectory.

[Link] Page 33
 – Click on the Concentration Grid button to set the resolution of the grid used to calculate thickness.
Using a very highly resolved grid may significantly increase the model computation time.
– Water Column Oil Concentrations. For users with a Subsurface Module license - water column
concentrations are automatically calculated in OILMAP. Click on the concentration grid to set the
resolution of the grid.

Surface area results are accessed from Model Weathering Results. Choose Mass Balance Graph and
select the Area tab for a plotted time history; choose Oil Weathering Listing for a tabular listing of area
versus time. See Weathering Results for more information.
– Perform Uncertainty Analysis. Check this box to generate an uncertainty envelope around a single
deterministic trajectory. The extent of uncertainty in the wind and current speed and direction can be
independently specified. The uncertainty envelope indicates the maximum extent of areas that might
be impacted based on uncertainties in specifying the winds and currents used in the simulation.

[Link] Differences for Backwards Model

The following options are not available for the Backwards Trajectory and Fates Model:
• Shoreline Options – Slippery Shorelines. All spillets that encounter a shoreline in their backwards trajectory
are held on the shoreline.
• Create Thickness Contours. Oil weathering is not included and so thickness contours are not calculated.
• Perform Uncertainty Analysis. This option is not applicable to a backtrack model.

[Link] Stochastic Model

1. Gaussian spreading requires a minimum of 5 vertical layers in the Probability Grid form.
2. Additional Info Buttons (Green and white) in Probability Grid Form.
3. To reach the Probability Grid Form go to the Spill Form → Options → Output Display Options.
a. Model cannot run without Probability Grid information. Enter values for the Probability Grid in the Options Tab to
continue,
b. Fixed number of cells in the vertical must be from 1-20,
c. Fixed Cell Size now has a second entry for "Vertical Cell Size (Meters)". To use fixed cell size, user must enter both
vertical and horizontal cell size, and

[Link] Page 34
 d. Depth Range with minimum and maximum (meters) must be entered to run model

2.2.7 Spill Information Form: Air

OILMAP can seamlessly connect with AIRMAP, RPS’s atmospheric dispersion model. The air model tracks all
evaporated oil from the water surface in 3 dimensions in the air. The only loss to these air particles is
degradation over time. The forces acting on the air particles are horizontal and vertical dispersion as well as
wind. The model splits the air into 5 layers. The first layer is always 2 meters above the water surface. The next
[Link] Page 35
4 layers are evenly distributed (in meters) up to the maximum tracking height, which is set by the user.
To run the Air model, click the Air tab in the Model form. Click the check box next to Run Atmospheric
Transport Model to enable the inputs. This new feature to model the resulting air concentrations from the
evaporated hydrocarbons is an additional module of OILMAP.
• The Atmospheric Model parameters are similar to the Trajectory and Fates model input parameters. The
Model Time Step and Number of Particles do not have to be the same as the water models. The
recommended Model Time Step for the air model is 1-5 minutes. The Maximum Height limits the height (in
meters) that the model will output results of the plume. A value of 100m means that when the atmospheric
plume exceeds a height of 100m the model will no longer track the particles.

[Link] Page 36
• The Output Options parameters calculate the rate of horizontal and vertical dispersion of the plume. Three
options are available for specifying the horizontal and vertical dispersion used by the model:
– Model calculates dispersion – the model selects the best stability class to use based on time of day
and wind speed. The stability class will vary over the course of the simulation. Based on the stability
class, the model determines the horizontal and vertical dispersion.
– User defined stability class – the user selects one stability class that is used for the entire simulation,
and the model determines the horizontal and vertical dispersion based on that class.
– User-specified dispersion – values for horizontal and vertical dispersion can be entered.

The following text is taken from [Link] and provides guidance for
selecting a stability class.

The atmosphere is turbulent at any given time, depending on the amount of incoming solar radiation as well as
other factors. Meteorologists have defined six atmospheric stability classes, each representing a different
degree of turbulence in the atmosphere. When moderate to strong incoming solar radiation heats air near the
ground, causing it to rise and generating large eddies, the atmosphere is considered "unstable," or relatively
turbulent.
Unstable conditions are associated with atmospheric stability classes A and B. When solar radiation is relatively
weak, air near the surface has less of a tendency to rise and less turbulence develops. In this case, the
atmosphere is considered "stable” or less turbulent, the wind is weak, and the stability class would be E or F.
Stability classes D and C represent conditions of more neutral stability, or moderate turbulence. Neutral
conditions are associated with relatively strong wind speeds and moderate solar radiation.

Use the table below to choose the stability class that best fits a given combination of wind speed and solar
radiation strength.

[Link] Page 37
• Ground Roughness gives three choices as to the type of terrain in the vicinity of the plume: Open Country,
Forest, or Urban Area. The terrain determines the ability of the air to flow evenly or interrupted across the
surface.
• Air temperature allows the user to specify a constant air temperature for the scenario.
• Concentration Grid Options is where the grid type is chosen. There are two possible grid types: Default and
fixed.
– A default grid is an expanding grid. At each time step, the grid is redrawn to fit only the spillets. It looks
for the upper left spillet and lower right spillet and draws a box around it to enclose all spillets. This
option gives the best resolution possible of the output at each time step. However, the grid cell size
changes over time which results in varied volumes of air used in the concentration calculation.
– A fixed grid allows the user to create a static grid that does not change size with time. If the fixed grid
does not cover the entire region where the output travels, no concentration output will not be
graphically displayed on the map.

2.2.8 Spill Information Form: Review

The Review section provides a summary of the environmental data that will be used in the simulation.
• At the top of the form is an overview of the simulation time period and the time covered by the selected wind
and currents data files. Use this to verify that the selected wind and current files have data covering the
simulation period. (This section will be blank for the Stochastic Model).
Moving the cursor over this window positions a vertical line through the displayed data durations. The time
associated with the position of the vertical line is given in the upper left corner of the window.
Use the + button in the upper left corner of the window to add slider bars to the display; this is useful for
very long simulations, or simulations that use multiple data files. Use the – button to return the display to an
overview of the entire simulation length.
Once all data has been satisfactorily entered as described above, use the Run … Model (Trajectory, or
Stochastic) button at the bottom of the input window to initialize the model. A progress window will show the
percent completion of the simulation while the model runs.

[Link] Page 38
2.3 Viewing Trajectory and Fates Model Results
This section describes viewing model predictions from the Trajectory and Fates Model for the Surface Module
forwards and backwards in time) Differences for viewing the Subsurface Module results are explained at the end
of the relevant sections.

Once a model a model simulation is complete, the spill trajectory can be viewed at any time as an animation
sequence. The output from a model simulation is saved as part of the scenario. The name of the active
scenario is displayed on the caption bar at the top of the screen.
The most recently viewed or run scenario will be the active scenario. To select a different scenario for display,
use Open Scenario under the File menu to open an existing scenario. Unavailable scenarios are grayed out.

[Link] Page 39
Use the tools on the time slider toolbar at the bottom of the window to view model predictions, as explained in
Features of the Time Slider Toolbar below. Various display options for trajectory animations can be
customized using the Model Information menu in the Model navigation pane (to the left of the map display) or
the Model Display Settings option in the Model menu along the top. The oil spill colors can be set in the
appropriate Key menu of the Legends navigation pane. The base map can be changed as described in
Selecting a Base Map.

2.3.1 Features of the Time Slider Toolbar

The Time Slider Toolbar is used to control the animation of model output and the corresponding environmental
data. It is organized with a timeline on the top representing the period of the simulation, and time
controls/display below. The slider on the timeline can be dragged using the mouse to any position on the
timeline to display model output at that time.

The Settings button brings up a window on which to specify characteristics of the animation and which data to
display.

• The start and/or end times displayed on the Time Slider can be changed. Click in the time field to bring up
the Calendar window on which to specify the desired time.
• The Interval field shows the time interval of the ticks on the timeline. It can be adjusted by clicking in the
field and entering the desired time interval. The default is the simulation’s output interval. Shorter time
intervals can be specified, but data will only be refreshed at its output interval.
• Check the Redraw map while dragging option ON to view the animation as you move the time slider over
the time intervals.

The time field shows the current date and time of the display. As the animation
progresses, the date and time are updated accordingly. Double clicking in this field brings up the Calendar
window. Change the date/time in this window to select a specific time to be displayed on the map window.
Buttons to the right of the time field control the animation sequence.

[Link] Page 40
 Step through the animation in reverse, one time step at a time.

Play the animation in reverse.

Stop the animation.

Play the animation.

Step through the animation, one time step at a time.

2.3.2 Adjusting the Trajectory Display

The Model navigation pane to the left of the map provides access to several display options.
The Model Information menu has options to adjust the trajectory display and set the types of information to be
shown. Options that are not available for the active scenario are grayed out. Change an item’s color by clicking
on the dropdown button.
• Surface Particles – set whether oil on the water surface is shown.
• Swept Area – sets whether the path of each spillet is displayed (every
previous position) as the trajectory is animated.
• Particle Size – Sets the display size of each particle. The default size is 6
pixels; increase the value to show large particles. Note that the size of the
particle does not represent the actual surface area covered by the
particle.
• Oil Ashore – sets whether oil spillets that have stranded on the shoreline
are displayed.
• Subsurface Particles – sets whether particles in the water column are
displayed.
• Uncertainty Particles – sets whether the “uncertainty spillets” are
displayed.
• Surface Oil Thickness Contours – sets whether oil thickness contours (gridded) are displayed. This option is
only available if Create Thickness Contours is selected on the Options tab of the Spill Information form
before the simulation is run.
• Track Line – displays a line showing the mean location of all spillets over the duration of the simulation. The
track line is labeled with the date/time at uniform intervals set by the Hours Label.
• Display Model Currents – sets whether the current field used in the simulation is displayed in sync with the
trajectory animation. This option is only available if Create Auxiliary Currents File is selected on the Options
tab of the Spill Information form before the simulation is run.
• Display Model Winds – sets whether the wind calculated at the mean spillet position is displayed. The wind
barb is shown at the spill location.
• Display EDS Downloaded Area – displays the chosen area as a transparent region
• Atmospheric Concentration
• Display Hydrocarbon Concentration – displays the concentration of hydrocarbons in the selected depth
layer.

[Link] Page 41
2.3.3 GIS Tab
The GIS Tab, in the Table of Contents (ToC) is divided into two different
sections. The Model section contains all scenario layers relating to the active
scenario. The Geography section contains all non-scenario GIS layers.

[Link] Model Section

The Model section controls the display of all model layers. The type of
information available depends on the types of data used in the simulation.
Accessing Layer Properties
Each layer in the Model section has layer properties that are accessed by
clicking the following icon to the right of the layer name. The properties are
unique to the layer type and come in 3 forms in the model layer section.
1. The model information properties allow the user to control the model display settings. These properties will
change depending on the model type. An example of the trajectory model information can be seen in the
illustration below.

2. The Environmental Data properties are displayed for the wind and current data
associated with a scenario. The properties the user can control depend on the
data type. An example of NetCDF data properties can be seen in the
illustration below.
a. Currents – use to display the currents in the currents file. This is not the
same display as the Auxiliary Currents File created when the simulation
runs. It displays the data in the currents file without reference to the
simulation. If the currents come from the COASTMAP EDS, they will be
displayed in sync with the oil trajectory.
b. Winds – use to display wind barbs representing the winds in the wind file.
If a single-station wind file located at the spill source was used in the
simulation, the display will be the same as that shown for the “Display
Model Winds” option above. If spatially varying wind data was downloaded
from the EDS, the wind field (multiple wind barbs) will be displayed in sync
with the oil trajectory.

[Link] Page 42
3. The Response Layer properties control the display characteristics of the GIS layer associated with the
response layer such as booms, dispersants or removal. An example of boom properties can be seen in the
illustration below.

[Link] Geography Section

This section controls the display of all non-model GIS layers.
Layer Order

It is accessed by clicking the following icon in the geography toolbar.

This tool allows the user to organize the layers. Select the layer name and
use the up and down arrow buttons to move the layer to the desired position.

Attach/Create New Layer

This new shortcut feature allows the user to quickly create or attach a GIS layer. This function is also available
under the GIS menu in the OILMAP toolbar but the shortcut allows for faster access from the table of contents.

[Link] Page 43
Layer Properties
All layers in the geography section share similar layer display controls. These
properties control the display characteristics of the layer such as the symbol, label
and style. An example of the GIS Layer 1 properties can be seen in the illustration
to the right.

The Model Displays Settings option repeats several of the display options
described above and offers a few additional features.

2.3.4 Legend Tab

The Legend Tab provides access to the current scale as well as descriptive
legends and color keys used in the display. The legends on this pane are
determined by the type of model output available for display.
Use the Current Scale to change the display of the current vectors.
• Click on the arrow to toggle it from solid, to shadowed, to fixed size, to line.
• Use the slide at the bottom to change the length of the vector.
• Enter a value in the number field to represent the magnitude of the displayed
arrow.
• Click on the units to the right of the number field to toggle between m/s, cm/s,
mm/s and knots.
• Click Apply to apply the settings to the currents displayed on the map.

Click on the double arrow button in the upper right corner of a key to toggle between displaying the key and
condensing it to show just the header.
Right click on a legend to access a list of options:
• Floating Legend – select this option to make a floating key that can be placed
anywhere on the map. Keys on the map can be removed by closing them,
without affecting the key on the Legends navigation pane.
• Unload Legend – select this option to remove the key from the Legends
navigation pane. To retrieve a key that has been removed, you must re-open
the scenario from the File menu or selecting Open Color Key from the Tools
menu.
• Edit Legend – select this option to change the colors, text or number of intervals
on the key. This tool allows users to change the color of individual items as well
as edit the color ramps.

[Link] Page 44
Double click inside of a legend to open the Legend Editor (displayed right).
Click the Auto Division button to display the window pictured below.

Click the New Division button to add an additional division to the list of
current divisions.
Click the Color Ramp button to edit the color ramp options (displayed bottom
right). After making changes, click Apply to have the colors updated.

2.3.5 Live Data Tab

The Live Data Tab (pictured below) allows users to toggle on/off AIS and Weather data.
The image below displays the results after enabling AIS (Automatic Identification System) data.
This data feed is available on request for client vessel feeds. Please contact MapSupport@[Link] for
more information.

[Link] Page 45
2.3.6 Weathering Results
The oil’s distribution in the environment over the period of the simulation can be displayed in different graphical
formats. Select Weathering Results from the Model Output menu to access the following options:
• Mass Balance Graph
• Mass Balance Pie Chart
• Mass Balance Listing
• Oil Weathering Listing
• Oil Weathering Information Window

[Link] Mass Balance Graph

Mass Balance Graph displays a window with multiple tabs for x-y plot graphical displays of the change in the
spill’s properties (weathering, viscosity, thickness, surface area, volume) as time progresses. Double clicking
and right-clicking on the graph bring up different customization options for the graph presentation, printing, and
data export options. For all graphs the x- (horizontal) axis of the graph is the time into the simulation; the y-
(vertical) axis is the spill property. If this window is open during the spill trajectory animation, a dashed vertical
line correlates the time displayed on the map with the time on the graph.

The Print button at the top of the window offers various options for printing the graph to the clipboard, file, or
printer. The Options button offers options to change the x-axis time display, the y-axis scale, and the units of the
graph.
• The Fates tab presents a graph showing the mass of oil on the water surface, in the atmosphere
(evaporated), in the water column (entrained through natural means, not via dispersant), and on the
shoreline. The mass of oil skimmed or removed in cleanup is also displayed, as is the amount forced into
the water column by dispersant. The y-axis is the oil mass. Use the Options button to select the units for
the y-axis display: mass, volume, or percent.
• The Viscosity tab graphs the oil viscosity averaged over all active spillets Floating oil viscosity is calculated
taking into account surface oil as well as any potential entrained water into the oil (water-in-oil emulsion).

[Link] Page 46
• The Thickness tab graphs the oil thickness on the water surface averaged over all surface spillets.
• The Area tab graphs the total water surface area covered by oil. This option is only available if the Create
Thickness Contours option under the Options tab is checked on before the simulation is run.
• The Volume tab graphs the total volume of emulsified oil (mousse) on the water surface. Use the Options
button to select the volume units for the y-axis display.

[Link] Mass Balance Pie Chart

Mass Balance Pie Chart displays a window with a pie chart of
the oil mass balance. The percentages shown in the pie chart
are based on the total amount of oil released as of each time
step. Right-clicking or double-clicking on the pie chart brings
up a customization menu.
Animate the model trajectory while the Mass Balance Pie
Chart is displayed to view the change in the oil mass balance
as the simulation progresses.

[Link] Mass Balance Listing

Mass Balance Listing displays a text file of the oil mass
balance information displayed in the Mass Balance Graph
(Fates tab) and the Mass Balance Pie Chart. The listing
presents data for the length of the simulation. The data units
are set by the units selected in the Mass Balance Graph – to
change the units in the listing, you must first change the units
displayed in the graph.

[Link] Oil Weathering Listing

Oil Weathering Listing displays a text file listing the total surface area oiled, total oil (emulsion) volume on the
surface, and average surface oil properties (viscosity, thickness) for the length of the simulation. Surface area is
determined only when the “Create Thickness Contours” option under the Options tab is selected before running
the simulation. The units of the oil/emulsion volume are set by the units selected in the Mass Balance Graph
(Volume tab) – to change the units in the listing, you must first change the units displayed in the graph. The units
of the other parameters cannot be changed.

[Link] Oil Weathering Information Window

Oil Weathering Information Window displays a form that provides the
trajectory mass balance information for the current display time. If the form is
displayed while animating the trajectory, the values in the form are
continuously updated to match the trajectory display.
Click on the dropdown menu to change Units for the mass balance display.

Click on the Add Polygon Object icon to specify a region for which to
display the amount of oil on the water surface and ashore. Use the mouse
crosshair to create a polygon (see Adding GIS Objects). The Model
Information window will display surface and shoreline oil data for the
selected region. The other mass balance categories do not contain location-
specific data, and so give values for the entire spill.

[Link] Page 47
2.3.7 Interrogating Shoreline Oil

Oil that comes onshore can be interrogated using the info button along the top of OILMAP. See section 7.3
7.3 for more information. Click on the info button and then click the center of the shoreline segment to obtain the
oiling information. The oil properties information window shows the length of the oiled shoreline (distance in
Meters) as well as the mass (in Metric Tons), as well as the start and end points of the oiled shore segment
(location as latitude/longitude).

2.3.8 Section View

The vertical distribution of oil in the water column can be displayed using this tool for surface and subsurface
releases. Select the Section View option under the Model menu.
The section view shows all oil (surface and subsurface) as equally sized particles. The displayed particle size
has no relationship to the actual amount of mass represented by the particle. Typically the mass of subsurface
oil is very small compared to the amount of oil spilled. Use the Mass Balance Graph or Mass Balance Listing to
determine the mass of subsurface oil.

[Link] Page 48
On the Section View window that appears, click the Section Line button. The cursor changes to a cross-hair.
On the map window, click the cross-hair cursor to define the position of the section line. The line may consist of
multiple line segments (polyline). Double click to end the line.
The Section View window displays all surface and subsurface particles for the time shown on the Time Slider,
and animates the display when the Play button is selected. Only particles along the section line are shown in the
section view. If bathymetry data were used for the simulation, it will be shown on the section. The Section View
window can be resized to more closely match the length of the section line.
The Options button provides options to:
• Adjust the vertical scale of the display. Select Auto Scale to have
OILMAP automatically select the limits of the vertical display, or
Manual Scale to set the vertical limits yourself. Note that the water
surface is at depth 0 m; all depths below the surface should be
entered as negative numbers. For example to view the oil particles at
depths of 5-10 m, enter -5 in the Above Surface field and -10 in the
Below Surface field.
• Display the water line.
• Set the resolution of the bathymetry display. If bathymetry data were
used for the simulation, the section view shows the bathymetry under
the section line. The bathymetry is determined by finding the depth at
discrete, equally spaced points along the section line. This option
sets the spacing of these points.
• Limit which particles are shown in the section view. This option
determines which particles are displayed based on their distance
from the section line. Enter 0 to view all particles.

[Link] Page 49
[Link] Subsurface Module
The section view can be used to display the hydrocarbon concentration for the subsurface module if the Display
Hydrocarbon Concentration box id selected in the Model Information window.

2.3.9 Times Series

[Link] Time Series for Oil Thickness
Users can view a time series of surface oil thickness at a particular location or peak values for all oil particles.
• Turn on the “Surface Oil Thickness Contours” option in the Model
Information window.
• Click on the Info button along the top of OILMAP.
• Click on the map to interrogate a particle.
• In the properties window click on Concentrations in the menu on the
left panel.
• Click to view the Thickness graph.

[Link] Page 50
• Use the dropdown menu to switch from “Concentration for selected point” to “Peak concentrations”.

[Link] Time Series for Water Column Concentrations

It is now possible to view a time series of total hydrocarbon concentrations in
the water column for the subsurface module.
• Turn “Display Hydrocarbon Concentration” on in the model information
window.
• Click on the Info button along the top of OILMAP.
• Click on the map to interrogate a particle.
• In the Properties form, click on Concentrations in the left panel.
• Click to view Hydrocarbon Concentrations graph.

[Link] Page 51
• Use the dropdown menu to switch from “Concentrations for selected point” to “Peak concentrations”

2.3.10 Resource Hits

The Resource Hits option is available for determining the surface oil’s intersection with any object in the OILMAP
GIS. This option highlights and lists the GIS objects with which the oil made contact.
To use this option:
1. Turn on the GIS layers to be checked for contact with oil. Only layers turned ON will be checked.
2. Display the spill animation up to the time of interest. Only GIS objects impacted up to this time will be
selected. If the spill scenario is rewound to the beginning, no impacts can be determined.
3. From the Model Output menu select Resource Hits.
4. A window will appear either stating no resources were hit, or listing the GIS objects impacted by oil with
their associated GIS attribute data. Impacted GIS objects are highlighted on the map display.

2.3.11 Model Display Settings

To set display options for the trajectory animations, either select the Model Display Settings option from the
Model Output menu – or – right click on the map window and select Model Display Settings.

[Link] Page 52
Some settings may not be available depending on the options selected before running the simulation. Options
which are not available for the active scenario will be “grayed” out. Use this form to customize the display by
adding labels, legends, and optional output of the trajectory model.
Oil colors are set on the Legend navigation pane.
• Display Surface Particles – sets whether oil on the water
surface is shown, and sets the display size of each surface
spillet. The default size is 6 pixels; increase the value to show
larger spillets. Note that the size of the spillet does not
represent the actual surface area covered by the spillet.
• Display Swept Area – sets whether the path of each spillet is
displayed (every previous position) as the trajectory is
animated.
• Display Track Line – displays a line showing the mean location
of all spillets over the duration of the simulation. The track line
is labeled with the date/time at uniform intervals set by the
Time Label. Click the color bar to change the color of the track
line.
• Display Oil Ashore – sets whether oil spillets that have
stranded on the shoreline are displayed.
• Display Oil Thickness Contours – sets whether oil thickness contours (gridded) are displayed. This option is
only available if Create Thickness Contours is selected on the Options tab of the Spill Information form
before the simulation is run.
• Display Uncertainty Particles – sets whether the “uncertainty spillets” are displayed.
• Display Subsurface Particles – sets whether particles in the water column are displayed. This option is only
available for the 3D Model.
• Display AOI On Map – displays the chosen area as a transparent region
• Display Oil Time Label on Map – puts a label in the upper left corner of the map that gives the scenario
name, and the current date and time of the animation.
• Display Model Currents in Sync With Oil – sets whether the current field used in the simulation is displayed
in sync with the trajectory animation. This option is only available if Create Auxiliary Currents File is
selected on the Options tab of the Spill Information form before the simulation is run.
• Display Model Currents In Sync With Oil – Displays model currents at the given timestep.
• Display Wind Vector – Displays wind vector of the wind data at the spill site (or the closest point to the spill
site).
• Run Model with Full Window – controls the display while the model simulation is in progress. The default is
to display a small form with a progress bar while the model performs its calculations. Check this option ON
to view the model calculation window while the model is running.

[Link] Page 53
• Display Total Water Depth –
• Display Hydrocarbon Concentration – Displays Hydrocarbon Concentration at each vertical layer as defined
in the Concentration Grid.

2.3.12 Determining the Oil within a Region

The OILMAP display may be used to quantify the oil’s distribution (amount of oil on the water surface and
ashore) within a sub-region of the impacted area. See Oil Weathering Information Window under the
“Weathering Results” section earlier in this chapter for details.

2.3.13 Applying “This is a Drill” Label

For emergency response planning and exercises, “This is a Drill” Label can be applied to the map on top of the
model results. Right click on the map and select Model Display Settings. Turn on the option to Display “This is a
Drill” Label. The label is automatically centered on the map when zooming in and out.

2.4 Viewing Stochastic Model Results

To view the results Stochastic Model runs:
1. Select the scenario to be displayed. The name of the active scenario is shown at the top of the window.
This will be the name of the simulation just completed. To select a different scenario for display, use Open
Scenario under the File menu to open an existing scenario.
2. Click the arrow next to the scenario to open the Model Information window, check Probabilities ON, and
select the type of stochastic output to be displayed from the option list.
a. Probability of Exceeding Threshold displays the probability of water surface, shoreline, or subsurface
areas (user choise) being oiled with oil thicker than the chosen Threshold.

[Link] Page 54
 b. Minimum Time to Exceed Threshold displays the minimum time, from the onset of the spill, that it
would take for an area (surface, shoreline, or subsurface) to be oiled with oil thicker than the chosen
Threshold.
c. Maximum Thickness/Concentration displays the maximum oil thickness or maximum oil concentration
observed within the stochastic footprint for either the surface, shoreline, or subsurface area.
d. Run Number for Maximum Thickness displays the run number in which the maximum thickness is seen
to occur.
A color key associates the colors used in the displays with different probability or time intervals. Change the
colors or the display intervals in the appropriate color key shown in the Legends tab.
3. Use the Model Display Options to adjust the display (select the Model Display Settings option from the
Model Output menu – OR – right click on the map window and select Model Display Settings).

a. Display Spill Site – sets whether the spill location is displayed on the map.
b. Display Areas By Divisions – displays the Division Areas window (shown above)
c. Smooth Contours – sets whether the displayed contours are smoothed to minimize noisy output and
anomalous behavior. The High, Medium and Low options provide control over the degree of
smoothing. Check the Smooth Contours option ON and select the desired smoothing level. The
selected smoothing level sets default values for the Number of Smoothing Cycles and the Smoothing
Alpha. Both of these parameters can be manually adjusted to change the recommended values.
The Smoothing Alpha varies from 1 for no smoothing to 0 for maximum smoothing. It controls the degree to
which an individual grid cell retains its original value when smoothed. The Number of Smoothing Cycles
sets the number of iterations used in the smoothing process. A higher number gives a smoother contour.
d. Display As Line Contours – output for water surface probability of oiling, travel time, and Maximum
Thickness/Concentration can be displayed as line contours instead of as gridded contour data. If this
option is selected, a new color key is generated on the Legends navigation pane.
The figure below shows the difference in the display of water surface probability of oiling for the various
levels of smoothing (using default values) for both gridded and line contours. Note that details are lost with
each increased level of smoothing and peak values are reduced.

[Link] Page 55
 [Link]

High smoothing Medium smoothing Low smoothing No smoothing

Gridded Contours
Line Contours
Page 51
4. The trajectories of the individual simulations can be displayed.
a. Click the arrow next to the scenario to open the Model Information
window, check Probabilities ON. Use the top dropdown menu to
select the individual run to view. Use the other available dropdown
menus to view either the maximum thickness/concentration, the
minimum time to exceed threshold, or the surface oil trajectory for that
run number.
b. To view more specific information about an individual run, go to Model
Output Stochastic Options Open Individual Run.

Select a specific run. OILMAP will now open the specified simulation as a deterministic scenario. To go
back to the Stochastic scenario, it is necessary go to File Open Scenario and select the Stochastic
case.
• The Time Slider control at the bottom of the map is not connected to Stochastic results and will not display
any times.

2.5 Changing the Spill Site

If you are setting up a new scenario and the Spill
Information Form is currently displayed, close it before
proceeding.
Several options are available for specifying the release
site. The types of release sites that are available are a
single point source, multiple single point sources, and
release within an area defined by a polygon. Any changes
made to the spill site are applied to the active scenario.

2.5.1 Move Spill Site

Choose Move Spill Site from the Model menu to use the mouse to specify a single point source spill location.
Position the mouse cursor on the map over the spill site. The latitude and longitude of the cursor are displayed
above the map window at the right side of the shortcut toolbar, and change as the cursor is moved about the
map. Click when the mouse is positioned on the site of the spill.

2.5.2 Add Spill Site

The multiple spill sites option is valid for the forward and backtrack modes of the trajectory and fates model for
a single spill simulation.

[Link] Page 52
Choose Add Spill Site from the Model menu to specify multiple spill sites. Different release characteristics can
be set for each spill site. Click the mouse in the map window to position a spill site and the Spill Site
Information form appears. Enter the characteristics of the release site on the form. Click the OK button when
done. To add another spill site, again choose Add Spill Site from the Model menu. Any number of spill sites
may be specified.

To interrogate an existing release site use the information icon (located on the toolbar) and click on the
site. This will bring up the Spill Site Information form with the information for the spill site. Any of the data on
the form can be edited.

Use the Delete Site key to delete any of the multiple spill sites. The original site cannot be deleted; however, it
can be moved, and its release characteristics can be changed.
For subsurface spills, multi-point release sites can be added at any depth below the water surface. However,
only one depth may be used for all spill sites. This information is specified in the Spill Information Form when
setting up input parameters for the Trajectory Model. Click on the Subsurface Parameters tab on the Spill
Information Form to enter a depth for the multi-point release.

2.5.3 Add Polygon Spill Site

The polygon spill site option is only valid for the
Trajectory and Fates Model in the forwards mode)
and the Stochastic Model.
Choose Add Polygon Spill Site from the Model
menu to specify a polygon area in which the oil will be
released. When this option is selected the mouse
cursor will change to a cross-hair. As the mouse
moves in the map window, its latitude and longitude
are shown above the map window at the right side of
the shortcut toolbar. Click the mouse in the map
window to set the vertices of the polygon. Double click
the last vertex to close the polygon. Only one polygon
can be specified for a spill scenario.

[Link] Page 53
To review or edit any of the vertices, use the information icon (located on the toolbar) to click inside the polygon.
This will bring up the Spill Site Information form with the information for the polygon. Any of the data on the
form can be edited. To move a vertex, double click on the vertex to get the Geo Point Editor form and enter the
desired coordinates. Coordinates will be displayed in decimal degrees, degrees and decimal minutes, or
degrees – minutes – seconds depending on the format selected previously in specifying the spill scenario or in
the map display options (see Display Settings). After a polygon spill site has been added, use the Run Model
menu to re-run the model with the polygon spill site.

A scenario cannot have both a point spill site(s) and a polygon spill site, so once a polygon spill site is used, the
user can no longer use or see point spill sites. To go back to using point spill sites, delete the polygon spill site.
To delete the polygon, interrogate the polygon and use the Delete Polygon button on the Spill Site Information
form.

2.6 Adding Distance Rings

OILMAP v7 has the ability to create user-defined Distance Rings on the map. Distance rings create a clearer
visualization of the impact envelop around a spill site and act as a scale on the map. Go to GIS Add Object
Distance Rings. The steps to creating distance rings is described as follows:

• Enter the desired Layer Name or keep the default.

[Link] Page 54
• Choose one of three ways to select a center point for the rings:
– Enter the coordinates manually. Click on [Link], DD [Link], or DD MM SS to change the units.
– Select Center On Incident Site to place distance rings around the spill site.
– Use the Click on Map to Select Location button to choose a center for the distance rings.
• Select the number of rings to draw on the map.
• Enter the distance from center in nautical miles (NM) for each ring.
• Click OK to draw distance rings on the map.
• To change the units for the radius of rings you must update the map
display settings. Right click on the map and select Map Display
Settings. Select between nautical mile (NM) or kilometer (KM).
Change the units in the Distance Units field.

2.6.1 Editing Distance Rings Layer

To edit Distance Rings, right-click on the Distance Rings Layer and
select the Edit Distance Rings option. An Edit Distance Rings Layer
window will open. Make the necessary changes and click OK to finish.

2.7 Incorporating Response Activities

in Model Predictions
Four types of pre-defined response activities can be included in the GIS database and used to alter the oil’s
movement predicted by the trajectory model. They are:
• Boom locations
• Oil observations (based on overflights, etc.)
• Dispersant application areas
• Oil removal areas
When these types of data are entered in the database and their GIS layer is turned on, the spill model’s
simulations respond accordingly. Oil is stopped by the booms. The oil’s position is adjusted to agree with the oil
sightings. Dispersed oil will be transferred from the water surface to the water column. All response activities
are valid for the forwards-in-time 2D and 3D trajectory models. Only Removal regions may be used in the
Trajectory and Fates Model in the forward mode.
Multiple boom, overflight, dispersant, and/or removal activities can be incorporated in a single scenario. After
response activities have been added, the model must be re-run to reflect these new factors on the oil spill
trajectory. Before running the trajectory simulation turn on the appropriate GIS layer(s) for the response activity
you want the model to “see”. The layers do not need to be active. In the Spill Information tab of the Trajectory
Model scenario specification form (see “Spill Information Tab” in the “Running the Model” section above) the
response activities whose layers are turned on will be shown checked on. At this point you can disable or enable
any selectable response.

[Link] Page 55
After adding or editing any response activity, a form
appears asking if you wish to re-run the model. When
‘Yes’ is selected, the model re-runs the active scenario
and includes the selected response activities.
Oil cleanup (dispersal or removal) is reflected in the
mass balance figures (see “Weathering Results” later
in this chapter). Removed oil (labeled “Skimmed” in the
weathering results) is no longer on or in the water,
while dispersed oil is still present in the water column.
The response activities created are specific to the scenario for which they are created. Use the Save Scenario
As… option in the File menu to use the same response activity specifications in more than one scenario.
Response activities are not carried over to a new scenario when it is created by changing the scenario name in
the Run Trajectory Model window.

2.7.1 Adding Overflights

The Add Overflight Polygon option in the Model menu
lets the user to specify areas in which oil has been
sighted, and use these sightings to adjust the oil’s
trajectory predicted by the model. Selecting this option
will create a Model Overflight Locations layer (if it does
not exist) and make it the active layer. With Model
Overflight Locations as the active GIS layer, add
polygons (see Adding GIS Objects in Chapter Error! R
eference source not found.) to represent the observed
oil locations.
As each oil observation polygon is created, a form will appear on which to enter a brief description, the percent
oil, and a date/time stamp. The Percent Oil field defines the percent of the total oil on the water surface at the
specified date/time that is estimated to be present in the observed oil patch. The Date Time field gives the date
and time the observation was made. Click in the Date Time field to bring up a calendar on which to specify date
and time. The current oil spill time is the default.
Multiple polygons representing sightings at the same or different times can be entered. The sum of the Percent
Oil specified for multiple sightings at the same time should not be more than 100.

2.7.2 Adding Boom

To add booms that will affect the spill trajectory, select the Add Boom Segment option from the Model menu.
This will create a Model Boom Locations layer (if it does not exist) and make it the active layer. With Model
Boom Locations as the active GIS layer, add polylines (see “Adding GIS Objects” in Chapter 5) to represent the
boom locations.
As each boom polyline is added to the Model Booms Location layer, a form appears on which to specify the
characteristics of the boom: the hours into the spill when the boom is active and the maximum currents, waves
and wind speeds which the boom will function. In the model simulation the boom fails completely at current,
waves and wind values greater than those set. Animation of the oil trajectory will reflect the deployment,
recovery, and failure of boom sections.

[Link] Page 56
2.7.3 Adding Dispersant
Areas of dispersant application may be specified as
polygons. Select Add Cleanup from the Model menu and
click on the Dispersant Regions option. This will create a
Dispersant layer (if it does not exist) and make it the active
layer. With Model Dispersant Regions as the active GIS
layer, add polygons (see Adding GIS Objects in Chapter 7)
to represent the area over which dispersant is applied.
As each dispersant polygon is added to the Dispersant
layer, a form appears on which to specify the following:
• Removal start and end time
• Amount of oil dispersed per hour (specify units)
• Minimum oil thickness for dispersal
• Minimum and maximum wind speeds for dispersal
• Minimum depth for dispersant application
• Maximum viscosity threshold
• Dispersant effectiveness (%).
When the model is run with the Dispersant layer on, oil will be removed from the surface and mixed into the
water column at the rate entered on the form. The model will not disperse more oil than is available in the
polygon area over the specified time period.

2.7.4 Adding Removal

Areas of oil removal may be specified as polygons. Select Add
Cleanup from the Model menu and click on the Removal
Regions option. This will create a Model Removal Regions layer
(if it does not exist) and make it the active layer. With Model
Removal Regions as the active GIS layer, add polygons (see
“Adding GIS Objects” in Chapter 5) to represent the area in
which oil is removed (by skimming, burning, etc.).

[Link] Page 57
As each removal polygon is added to the Model Removal Regions layer, a form appears on which to specify the
following:
• The removal method (select from the drop down list)
• The time window for removal (start and end)
• The rate at which oil is removed per hour
• Efficiency (for mechanical removal from water surface – decreasing efficiency decreases the rate of
cleanup)
• Minimum oil thickness
• Maximum wind speed
• Maximum current speed
• Maximum wave height (Mechanical removal off the water may occur if the oil thickness exceeds 0.0005
inch (13 microns) and wave height does not exceed 3.5 ft)
• Maximum water content threshold (%)
• Number of shoreline cells cleaned
These input fields become enabled or disabled based on the removal method selected.
The model will not remove more oil than is available in the polygon area over the specified time period.

2.7.5 View Response Output Information

After running a model with Dispersant or Removal activities, specific information about the response application
can be viewed in the Model Output Menu. Go to Model Output and click on Response Results and choose either
dispersant or removal results.

The results are shown in a text file which contains information by region (application polygon) and time step,
including the amount of oil, rate of removal, available oil, and unavailable oil for response (e.g. oil too viscous to
disperse).

[Link] Page 58
2.8 Managing Spill Scenarios
Spill Scenarios are the means of organizing model data and parameters into unique collections. A spill scenario
in OILMAP is a collection of information that defines a model simulation. This information includes a definition of
the spill and the environmental data files used in the simulation, saved under a unique scenario name. There are
several options available under the File menu for handling scenarios, which are discussed in the following
section.

2.8.1 The Spill Scenario

Before a model simulation is run, a scenario is only the set of input forms defining the input data. After the
execution of a model simulation, a scenario also has model output associated with it, which may be displayed.
Thus the term “scenario” is used to describe both the inputs and the outputs of a model simulation.
In OILMAP there is always one active scenario. The active scenario name is displayed at the top of the screen,
and the components of the scenario can be viewed in the map window.
• New Scenario is used to specify a new spill scenario. For this option select the type of model to be run,
specify the scenario name, and select the land-water and currents grids. The spill location can also be
entered. Spill simulation parameters will be set under the Model Run Model menu.
• Open Scenario is used to open a previously defined scenario and the results of the spill simulation. The
scenario selected becomes the active scenario. Its name is at the top of the screen and the simulation
output can be displayed in the map window.
• Save Scenario is used to save any changes made to the currents or land-water grid of the active scenario.
• Save Scenario As… is used to save the active scenario under a different name. Only the data defining the
scenario are saved. The simulation must be re-run under the new name to generate the output data.
• Edit Scenario is used to change the land-water and currents grids associated with the active scenario.
Changes made using Edit Scenario are automatically saved.
• Close Scenario is used to remove the active scenario to allow the user to begin with an empty template.
Changes made using Close Scenario are automatically saved.
Add Scenario is used to view multiple scenarios at one time. Only one scenario is active, but multiple scenarios
may be viewed simultaneously.

2.9 Exporting Model Results to Other Applications

Trajectory model results for individual spillets (location, physical properties) can be written in a standard SHP file
format for use by other applications such as ArcView, ArcInfo, or MapInfo. Stochastic and deterministic model
output (probability and time contours) can be saved in SHP or KML formats by using the Model Output Export
Results to SHP/KML File option. When exported to a KML file, the trajectory center line, time labels, spillets and
thickness contours can be displayed in Google Earth.

[Link] Page 59
OILMAP generates four SHP files:
• oil particles as a point layer ([Link])
• shoreline oil as polyline layer (ScenarioName_Shoreline.SHP)
• trackline as point layer (ScenarioName_track.SHP)
• trackline as polyline layer (ScenarioName_line.SHP)

If a trajectory simulation was run with the Surface Oil Thickness

Contours option checked ON (under the Options tab of the Trajectory
Model spill specification form), results can be exported to a SHP file.
The Export Surface Thickness Contours box must be checked on in the
Export Model Results form. The default location for the SHP file export
is the SHAPE folder in the Loc_data (ScenarioName_Thick.SHP). This
destination folder may be changed in the Export File Name field by
clicking on the Browse button.
Units in SHP file export are as follows:
• DATETIME = Date and time of particle
• HRS_IN_SPL=
• LONGITUDE= Longitude
• LATITUDE= Latitude
• MASS_MT= Mass of particle, Metric Tonnes
• THICK_MM= Thickness of particle, Millimeters
• VISC_CP= Viscosity, Centipoise
• WTRCNT_PCT= Water Content, Percent
• STATUS= Identifies particle as Surface, Subsurface, or Uncertainty. 0= Surface, 2 = Subsurface 3=
Uncertainty
• DEPTH_M= Depth of particle, Meters

To interrogate the SHP in OILMAP, attach the SHP file (see section 7.1 on how to attach GIS files) and
interrogate the layer to view the SHP file information shown above. Exported SHP files may be viewed in other
GIS tools.

[Link] Page 60
 2.9.1 Exporting Subsurface Module Results
In the subsurface module, subsurface concentrations can be exported
to a SHP file as long as the box is checked on in the Export Model
Results form (see right). The default location for the SHP file export is
the SHAPE folder in the Loc_data (ScenarioName_Subsurface.SHP).
The SHP file includes total hydrocarbon concentrations by vertical
layer and maximum value. To interrogate the SHP in OILMAP, attach
the SHP file (see section 7.1 on how to attach GIS files) and
interrogate the layer to view the SHP file information shown below.

2.9.2 NEW – 7.2 SHP File Export Updates

The OILMAP Stochastic SHP File Export has been updated. To export model results as a SHP file, go to Model Output
Export Results to SHP or KML File.
1. The new stochastic model now generates water column concentrations by depth layer. Users can now export SHP files
by specific vertical layer, a set of layers, or all.
2. A list of concentration or thickness thresholds are displayed as values – mm for surface and land, ppb for subsurface –
and thresholds can be specified to export.
3. For a stochastic case, the SHP file export now includes maximum thickness for surface, subsurface, and shoreline oil
(labeled as ‘maximum’).
4. Now able to export the new mass on shore stochastic result to a SHP.

[Link] Page 61
5. Shoreline data is now exported as a separate line segment. No longer as part of the spillet data.
6. For subsurface concentrations, the SHP file includes the total hydrocarbon concentrations by vertical layer as well as the
vertical maximum concentration.

2.10 Running Batch Simulations

Both of the models (deterministic, stochastic) have the option to run any number of pre-defined simulations in
batch mode (any number of simulations automatically executes sequentially).
To use this option the scenarios must first be defined. Fill out the spill
information form, entering all data for the scenario. Each scenario to
be run should be given a unique name. When complete, click Close
to save the scenario specification without running the model. Repeat
this process for each scenario.
Once all scenarios have been defined, select Model Run Batch
Mode from the menu. This brings up a list of all available scenarios.
Check ON the box to the left of each scenario to be run. Click Go to
run the simulations. When all simulations have been run, they can be
viewed individually as described previously.

3 DATA MENU
In this chapter the steps required to create the environmental data files used by the models in OILMAP are
described.

[Link] Page 62
1. Land-Water Boundary. The land-water boundary can be defined by either the base map or a grid. Polyline
and polygon base maps in BDM and SHP file formats are supported.
2. Wind Time Series. The wind time series provides the model with wind data measured and/or forecast in the
vicinity of the spill. The wind data consists of wind speed and direction for a period covering the spill
simulation. A model simulation may be run with single-station wind time series from more than one
sampling location, or with time-varying gridded wind data.
3. Current Field (optional). Although the spill model will run without current data, including the currents will
allow a better estimation of the oil’s movement. OILMAP includes tools to enter current data on a grid
similar to a land-water grid.
4. Oil Characteristics. OILMAP contains a library defining the characteristics of several standard oil types. If
desired, additional oils can be added to this database, or the characteristics of the existing oils can be
changed.
5. Spill Information. The spill scenario contains the data that uniquely describe the inputs to a particular
simulation to be run. It includes the spill location, spill date/time, type of oil, amount spilled and length of
release, and specifies the land-water grid, wind data, and currents used in the simulation. Spill scenarios
are saved with a user-defined name and the model results are given the same name (with a different
extension). Defining the spill scenario is described in Setting Up a New Scenario.
6. Other Environmental Data. OILMAP can include the presence of ice cover and/or reed beds in simulations
to determine their effect on the trajectory and weathering of spilled oil.

3.1 Winds
The wind data required for a model simulation consists of a series of wind speeds and directions covering the
time period being modeled. OILMAP contains a Wind Data Editor to facilitate the task of entering wind data.

3.1.1 Wind Data Editor

The Wind Data Editor contains tools to input and
display wind data. A “dart board” is used to input
wind speed and direction with a simple “point and
click” technique. Alternately speed and direction can
be manually entered. A time increment setting is
available so that wind data do not need to be input at
hourly intervals. To view the data in the wind file a
listing of each wind speed and direction entered is
provided, along with a stick plot showing.
The dart board is the quickest way to enter wind
data. The rings of the dart board correspond to
different wind speeds (in knots), increasing in speed
away from the center. The direction from which the
wind is blowing is indicated by the clockwise angle (0
to 360 degrees) around the rings of the dart board.
As you move the mouse around the dart board, the
wind speed and direction corresponding to the
mouse’s position are displayed in the text box above
the dart board. Clicking the mouse on the dart board
adds a wind record to the wind file.

[Link] Page 63
Wind data is assumed to follow the meteorological convention: the direction is the direction from which the wind
is blowing. The stick plot which displays the wind data follows the oceanographic convention: the direction is
the direction toward which the wind is blowing.

3.1.2 Entering Wind Data

The following steps describe the process of creating a new wind file.
1. Start the Wind Data Editor by selecting Enter/Edit Winds from the Data menu.
2. In the Wind Data Editor window, choose New File from the File menu.
3. Enter a name for the wind file and set the start date and time for
the new file. Clicking in the box for the date/time entry brings up a
calendar from which the date and time can be selected.
The default coordinates for the wind station will be the center of
the map. However, wind stations are represented in a GIS layer
(Wind Stations) and may be moved like any GIS object. If multiple
winds will be used, it is important to enter the correct coordinates
for each station.
4. Set the time Increment (in hours) at which data will be entered. At the lower right of the Wind Data Editor
window is the Increment box with up/down arrows to increase/decrease the increment for new wind records.
The time increment is the duration that each wind speed/direction entry will last. For example, a 6 means
that each wind observation is valid for the next six hours. At any point while entering wind data, the time
increment can be changed.
5. Enter wind speed and direction records by either clicking on the dart board, or selecting the Add Record
button. This will allow manual entry of wind values. If the Add Record button is grayed out, ensure that you
are at the end of the record if you wish to make it active.
To use the dart board, place the mouse on the dart board at the desired wind speed and direction, and
click. Each click of the mouse on the dart board generates one entry in the time series. The wind data
entry is added to the table to the left of the dart board and to the stick plot graph at the lower left of the Wind
Data Editor window. The Add Record manual entry window allows the use of alternate units of wind data
entry.
6. When all data have been entered, select Save File from the File menu to save the file. The table and the
stick plot will clear.
7. Exit the Wind Data Editor by selecting Exit from the File menu.

3.1.3 Editing Wind Data

The following steps describe the process of changing an existing wind file. Existing wind data entries in the file
can be changed and new wind records can be added to the end of the file.
1. Start the Wind Data Editor by selecting Enter/Edit Winds from the Data menu.
2. Select Open File from the Wind Data Editor’s File menu. Select the name of the wind file to be edited.
Click OK to continue.
3. To change existing wind data entries:
a. Scroll through the wind record listing to the date and time for which wind data will be changed. Click
on the data entry to be changed (it will be highlighted).

[Link] Page 64
 b. To use the dart board to change the wind speed and direction, place the mouse on the dart board at
the desired wind speed and direction, and click. The speed and direction corresponding to the
mouse’s position are shown in the text box above the dart board.
c. To change data by typing the speed and direction, double-click on the entry to be edited or highlight
the entry and select Edit Record.
4. To add more wind data to an existing wind record:
a. Scroll to the end of the wind record listing.
b. Add wind records by clicking on the dartboard or by using the Add Record button at the end of the data
file.
5. When all changes have been made, select Save File from the File menu to save the file. The table and the
stick plot will clear.
6. Exit the Wind Data Editor by selecting Close from the File menu.

3.1.4 Importing Wind Data

A wind data file can be created in the ASW format (see Appendix) using a text editor and imported into OILMAP
for use in the models.
To import an ASW wind file:
1. From the Data menu select Enter/Edit Winds.
2. Select Import External Wind File from the File menu of the Wind Data Editor.
3. Select the file to be imported.

3.1.5 Updating the Winds Layer

Each wind file created has coordinates so that it can be plotted in the GIS layer named Wind Files. If new wind
files have been created, they can be added to the Wind Files layer by selecting Update Winds Layer from the
Data menu.

3.2 Currents
Current data are not required to run a simulation; the model will run without a current field. However, using current
data will allow a more accurate representation of the object’s movement. It is particularly important to include
currents in the simulation in areas where currents are very strong or the wind is very light.
The optimal current input for a simulation is the output from a validated hydrodynamic model. Often such data
are not available. OILMAP contains a current painting capability, which enables the user to input currents
measured or estimated at discrete locations. These currents can then be spread over the area of interest to
create a rough estimate of the current field. The current painting capability is designed as a temporary measure
to pictorially represent general current features. It does not replace hydrodynamic model output, and can lead to
the description of flow patterns which are clearly not mass conserving.

3.2.1 Types of Currents

The OILMAP current painting utility allows two types of currents to be input:
• Stationary background currents
• Tidal currents

[Link] Page 65
Background currents are defined as steady currents which remain constant over time. Tidal currents are time-
varying currents caused by the ebb and flood of the tide. They are assumed to be semi-diurnal (two high tides
per day, M2) or diurnal (one high tide per day, K1). Either or both types of currents can be stored in the currents
grid. Each type of current is input and displayed separately, but their effect is cumulative in the model. Only one
tidal constituent (M2 or K1) may be sketched. Choose the dominant tidal frequency for the area and time of
interest. Input from hydrodynamic models may contain multiple tidal components.

3.2.2 Viewing Current Data

The current vectors in any currents file can be displayed by checking the box next to the name of the current file
in the Model Layers window. To display a current field, it must be specified as part of the active scenario. To
change the selected current file for the active scenario, right-click on the current file name and select Change
Current File. The Currents Scale will open in the Model Layers window.
• To specify the current component to be viewed, select from the drop-down list of current components. Use
the display buttons in the Time Toolbar to stop, step, or animate the current vectors in time. The time label
will give the time in hours into the simulation. Some current file types may not able to display tidal
components.
• To change the scale of the vectors displayed, use the scale slider at
the bottom of the Currents Scale menu box. Alternately, change the
current speed on the form. The current vector on the form shows the
size of a vector for the specified current speed. Scaling the vectors
for display does not change the actual current values.
• To change the units in which the currents are displayed, click on
the current units to cycle through the available options. The
default setting depends on the Vector Units setting under the
Display Settings option of the File menu.
• Once the representative arrow is of the desired size, click on
Apply to change the display scale of the currents on the base
map. This does not change the value of the data, only its
representation.
• In the Layer Properties, options for displaying the currents can
be set. The tidal components can be viewed, current speed can
be displayed by colored vectors or speed contours, or the
vectors can be filtered to provide a less cluttered look on the
map.

3.2.3 Creating a Currents Grid

To create a current field, a currents grid must first be created to define water cells. The grid should cover the
area of interest but does not need to be the same size or have the same resolution as the land-water grid.
Objects which move beyond the currents grid will no longer be subject to the influence of currents, although as
long as they remain within the land-water grid it will continue to be modeled.
The following sequence of steps is used to create a currents grid.
1. Select Create Hydrodynamic Grid from the Data menu.
2. While holding down the left mouse button, drag a box on the map defining the area to be covered by the
grid.

[Link] Page 66
3. Enter a name for the currents grid file and the number of grid cells in the X
(east-west) and Y (north-south) directions, A maximum of 250 cells is
allowed in each direction. A previously created grid (either land-water or
currents) may be used to specify the window and number of cells. This is
useful if you wish to make a grid that exactly matches the domain of an
existing grid. To match your new grid to an existing grid select Use
Dimensions of an Existing Grid and select from the list of available grids.
4. Select the type of currents to be created. The No Tide option is used to
enter a mean current (one that does not vary with time). To enter only a
tidal current (either M2 (semidiurnal) or K1 (diurnal)) check the Include
Background Component box off. To enter both a tidal current and a
mean background current, leave the box checked on.
5. Click OK to save the grid.

A currents grid will be created for the area selected. When the process is complete, you may automatically include
this new current grid as part of your Active Scenario.
To display the currents grid that was just created, check the currents layer ON in the Model Layers window.
Examine your newly created grid closely to be sure the delineation of water cells is appropriate for entering
currents. Note that, unlike the land-water grid, the currents grid does not contain subdivided cells along the
shorelines. Make certain the grid is able to resolve such features as river mouths and narrow inlets as water cells.
In such areas it is important that the grid contains cells which meet along at least one face (east-west or north-
south). Water cannot move between cells which meet only at one diagonal corner. If the grid is not appropriate,
remake it using a larger or smaller cell size or edit the grid to change the classification of individual cells, as
explained in the next section.
Once the grid has been satisfactorily defined, the next step is to enter any available currents into the grid to
represent the current field.

3.2.4 Editing a Current Grid

Any existing grid can be edited to change the designation of individual cells as land or water. Editing cannot be
used to increase or decrease the area covered by the grid or the number of grid cells. To change either of these
parameters requires creating a new grid.
To edit a current grid it must be specified as part of the active scenario and it must be displayed.
1. Select Edit Current Grid Cell from the Data menu or select the Grid Cell Edit Tool from the
main toolbar.
2. Click in any cell of the grid to toggle its designation from water to land or from land to water. Continue to
toggle grid cells until the grid has been adjusted to your satisfaction.
3. Once all editing is complete, select Save Scenario from the File menu. You will be prompted to save your
changes to the grid. To view the grid, check that the currents layer is checked ON in the GIS Layers
window.

3.2.5 Adding/Editing Current Vectors

Currents are entered into the current grid as vectors, which are displayed as arrows whose length represents the
speed of the current. The vectors point in the direction the current is moving.

[Link] Page 67
To add current vectors to a current grid follow the steps below:
1. Select the type of current to be added (tidal or background). Display both the current component and grid
to be turned on in the GIS layers window. The current grid itself does not have to be on, but this is often
helpful when editing vectors. See Viewing Current Data for more details on displaying current vectors and
current grids.
2. It is often helpful to zoom in on the current grid or some portion of the grid before entering current.

3. Go to Data Current Vector Add Current Vector Select Add Current Vector from
the Data menu, then select Add Current Vector; or click on the Add Current Vector icon on the toolbar.
4. Tidal currents are specified at maximum flood. The tide is assumed to be rectilinear, i.e., ebb tide is the
opposite of flood tide.
5. There are two methods of adding currents:
a. Position the cross-hair cursor in any grid cell to anchor the current vector
in that cell. Depress the mouse button and drag the cursor away from
the anchor point to draw a vector defining the current speed and
direction. The speed and direction (in degrees clockwise from North) of
the vector are displayed at the bottom left of the map window. Release
the mouse button to set the end of the vector when the desired speed
and direction are displayed.
i. Note that as you move the mouse over grid cells that contain
vectors, the exact speed and direction of each vector is displayed in
the status bar on the bottom of the screen.
b. Right-click on any current grid cell to enter the current vector values
exactly.
6. To edit an existing vector, click on the existing vector position and draw in a new vector. This will replace
the previous vector.
7. Repeat step 5 to enter as much data as you have available. Optimally the data will establish the basic flow
pattern.
When done, save your changes. Select Save Scenario from the File menu to save changes.
If the grid is only partially filled with currents and not suitable for use by the model, the final step is to fill the
empty grid cells based on the vectors just entered.

3.2.6 Filling the Current Field

Two utilities are provided to fill the current field with the user-input current vectors. Each is accessible by going to
Data Current Vector. The Spread option interpolates/extrapolates your input currents to empty cells; theSmooth
option spatially smoothes the differences between the current vectors. Additionally, the Smooth operation
constrains the flow so that no flow occurs across a closed boundary (i.e., land). Thus, after smoothing, a current
grid cell with two closed boundaries will not have any associated current.
The Spread option should always be selected to fill empty cells. It should be done first. The Smooth option is
generally done once to create a more uniform current field.
It is often helpful to display your input currents and the Spread/Smooth currents in different colors. Use Display
Options in the File menu to change the vector colors.

[Link] Page 68
To Spread current vectors over a grid:
1. Select Current Vector from the Data menu, and then select Spread Vectors.
2. The user-defined vectors will be used to interpolate/extrapolate current vectors into empty grid cells.
To Smooth current vectors in a grid:
1. Select Current Vector from the Data menu, and then select Smooth Vectors.
2. To smooth only the interpolated/extrapolated vectors and leave the user-defined vectors unchanged, select
Only Interpolated Vectors. To smooth all the current vectors in the grid, select All Vectors.
When done, select Save Scenario from the File menu. The completed grid contains background and/or tidal
currents saved in a file with a DIR extension. This file can now be used in a simulation.

3.2.7 Currents Display Options

To change the speed units, either:
• Select Display Settings from the File menu, and select the desired units from the drop-down list to the
right of Vector Units, or
• Click on the current units located on the Currents Display form.
To change the color or type of arrow used to display currents either
• Select Display Settings from the File menu, and click on the color box to the right of Current Vector Color
or User Defined Vector Color to select the desired color. Select the type of arrow used in the display from
the three options. Or
• Click on the arrow on the Current Scale form to toggle through available options for the type of arrow
displayed. The color cannot be changed using this form.

3.2.8 Scaling Current Data

Once a current field has been entered, the magnitude of all the current vectors in the field can be increased or
decreased by a constant scale factor.
To scale a current field it must be specified as part of the active scenario and the current component to be scaled
must be selected in the Model Layers window.
From the Data menu select Current Vector and then Scale Vectors. In the Vector Scaling window, enter the
scaling factor to be applied to all current vectors. For example, a factor of 1.20 will increase the magnitude of all
current vectors in the selected current component by 20%. To decrease the magnitude of the vectors, enter a
number less than 1.0.

3.2.9 Using NetCDF Currents

OILMAP Version 7 allows direct use of external NetCDF files (not created by the COASTMAP EDS) containing
currents information. The NetCDF format is widely used in the oceanographic community as self-describing and
portable (platform independent). OILMAP v7 currently supports the CF-convention. See NetCDFCurrent Data in
the Appendix for more information.

[Link] Page 69
3.3 The Oil Database
OILMAP includes the most up-to-date oil database from RPS. This Master Database includes all of the
necessary oil property information to run the new oil spill model. The parameters stored in the oil database
control oil’s the spreading, evaporation, degradation and mousse formation during spill simulations.
Any of the parameters can be changed. New oils may also be added to the database. Oil data are stored by
geographic location, so any changes made to the oil database are specific to the oil database in the geographic
location active when making the changes.

3.3.1 Master Oil Database

The Master oil database utilizes a more accurate component evaporation methodology and is based on the
RPS Database that is provided with the OILMAP delivery. The Personal Database is the database that can be
used for a library of specific oils that has been generated by the user.
• Oil Type – Assumed oil type from oil name.
• Surface Tension - The attractive force exerted upon the surface molecules of a liquid by the molecules
beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the bulk of the liquid and makes the liquid assume
the shape having the least surface area (dyne/cm). It is the work required to expand the surface of a liquid
by a unit area. The default value is unknown.
• API Gravity - The API gravity of the
whole, unweathered oil.
• Density - The mass of a unit volume
of oil at the specified temperature in
degrees Celsius (g/cm3).
• Viscosity 1 and 2 - the dynamic
viscosity of the oil at the specified
temperature in degrees Celsius (cP).
• Percent water when fully
emulsified as mousse - Maximum
water content of emulsion (%).
Default value is 0.
• Distillation Data (boiling points) -
Total fraction of hydrocarbons
(aromatics and aliphatics) with
boiling points less than 180°C and
between 180 and 265°C in the water
phase, and fraction of the water
phase that is comprised of non-
aromatic volatiles with boiling points
between 265 and 380°C.

[Link] Page 70
3.3.2 Editing an Oil
It is not possible to edit the Master Oil Database. However, it is possible to copy an oil to the Personal oil
database for editing and adjusting.
To edit an oil:
1. Select Master Database from the Data menu.
2. Click in the second field of the Oil Database window to display the list of available oils. Select the oil to be
copied. Select Copy Oil.
3. Click on Personal Oil Database in the first field of the Oil Database window and the copied oil will appear
from the drop down list. Select this oil.
4. Select the field containing the property to be changed. Any of the parameters can be changed except the
oil name. Enter the desired value. TAB or click to move to a new field.
5. To save changes and exit the Oil Database window, either click Save or OK. A window will appear to ask if
the changes to the Personal Database are to be saved. To exit without saving changes, click on Cancel or
Delete at the top of the window.

3.3.3 Adding an Oil

Users are able to create new oils in the Personal oil database through the user interface. To add a new oil to the
database you must specify the parameters defining the oil’s characteristics. Default values are provided based
on the previous oil listed.
To add a new oil:
1. Select Personal Database on the drop down menu.
2. Click on Add Oil at the top of the Oil Database window. The new oil mane can be specified on the New Oil
Options window.
3. Select either a New Oil, Duplicate an Oil or Import Oil from External Database.
a. If a New Oil was selected, then specify the new oil name. Choose this option for all fields to be set to 0
or unknown.
b. If Duplicate an Oil is selected then choose an oil most like the new oil to be created from the Master or
Personal Database and specify the new oil name,
c. To Import Oil from External Database select the file to be imported using the browse tab.
The new oil name cannot duplicate the name of an oil already in the Personal Database. Click OK and the oil will
be either created or duplicated in the Personal Database.
4. Move to each of the fields containing the values to be changed. Enter the desired value, TAB or click to
move to a new field.
5. To save changes and exit the Oil Database window, either click Save or OK at the top of the window. To
exit without saving changes, click on Delete or Cancel.

3.3.4 Adios Oil Database

The Adios database has been removed from the model input form. Oils from this database may no longer be
used in the model. Many oils in this database do not contain sufficient oil properties information to run in the
model.

[Link] Page 71
The Adios oil database is still available for viewing and reference in the Data menu. To run the model with an oil
similar to an Adios oil, copy a similar oil from the Master oil database to the Personal oil database. Adjust the oil
properties of this new oil with the available values from the Adios oil database. This new oil can now serve as a
proxy oil in the model.

3.4 Incorporating Reed Beds in Model Predictions

If a reed cover file is selected under the Options tab of the Spill Information form, the model will incorporate the
effect of reed beds on the oil movement. Circulation in reed beds is expected to be less than that in open water
due to the increased friction of reeds. OILMAP assumes a reduction of current speed in the reed beds based on
the Manning equation, as a function of reed stalk density. The model determines the mass of oil that is trapped
by the reed beds as oil is transported through the reeds and adheres to the stalks. The amount of oil trapped by
the reeds is evaluated as a function of oil viscosity, stalk diameter, and vertical extent of oil adhesion. The reed
cover file contains gridded reed cover data that describes the spatial distribution of reed beds and the stalk
density in the beds.
When a reed cover file is selected, the interface automatically adds the corresponding reed cover to the GIS
database, and the reeds GIS layer may be displayed on the map.
After a trajectory simulation has been run, the model output will display the oil trapped by the reed beds as oil
thickness (mm) in the reed grid cells that were oiled. The reed cells oiled and the thickness are cumulative over
the length of the simulation. The stochastic model uses the reed cover data to affect oil transport but does not
display any specific reed-associated output.

3.4.1 Creating a Reed Cover File

The grid of reed cover is created using ArcGIS’s Spatial Analyst. Values of stalk density are typically in the range
of 90-300 stalks/m2. After creating the grid, export it in FLT/HDR format using the ESRI export option. The reed
cover file (FLT extension) should be placed in the \GRIDS directory of the appropriate location.

[Link] Page 72
3.5 Using Ice Data in OILMAP
Polygons that represent ice cover may be entered into the OILMAP GIS and the model will incorporate oil-ice
interactions in the simulation. Ice affects the trajectory and weathering of oil based on the percent of ice cover.
The following table summarizes ice effects on advection, spreading, evaporation, and entrainment by ice cover
range.
Overview of OILMAP oil-in-ice advection and weathering routines

Ice Cover
Advection Evaporation Entrainment Spreading
(Percent)

0 – 30 No change No change No change No change

30 – 80 35o to right in Linear reduction Linear reduction Terminal

the Northern with ice cover with ice cover thickness
Hemisphere increased in
and 35o to the proportion to
left in the ice coverage
Southern
Hemisphere*

80 - 100 Oil moves with No weathering No weathering Oil thickness

pack ice computed as a
function of ice
thickness

An example simulation showing the effects of ice cover on the oil’s trajectory and weathering is presented in the
Appendix (see Using Ice Cover in Simulations). The following section gives an overview of the user input tools
for managing oil in ice modeling.

3.5.1 Adding Ice Polygons

Under the Data menu, use the Add Ice Polygon option to add polygons that represent ice cover. Ice polygons
are defined by the polygon, start and end time when ice is observed in that polygon, and an estimate of ice cover
(%). Polygons are entered as described in Adding GIS Objects. An Ice Layer will automatically be created in
OILMAP’s GIS to hold the ice polygons.

3.6 Land-Water Grid

In order to run a spill simulation, you must have a land-water grid to define the shoreline features. OILMAP v7
can use the same BDM or SHP file used as the base map to define the boundary. Older formats of land-water
grids (e.g, .GRD) are no longer supported.

[Link] Page 73
4 TOOLS MENU
4.1 Importing/Exporting GIS Files
A variety of file formats may be imported into and exported from the OILMAP GIS. These files include TIE files
(RPS ASCII format for GIS transfer), MIF/MID files (a standard ASCII format defined by MapInfo and used by
many applications), SHP files (ArcInfo/ArcView binary shape files), MOS files (an ASCII file format used by the
US Dept. of Interior’s MOSS public domain GIS) and GPX (GPS Exchange Format). All geographic coordinate
data are generally assumed to be in degrees of longitude and latitude, though OILMAP does support alternative
formats for some file types.
The format for TIE files is supplied in the appendix. The MIF/MID file format is available from MapInfo, and the
Shape file format is available from ESRI.
To perform any of these operations, select Import/Export GIS Files from the Tools menu. From the Layer
Import/Export dialog, select the operation that you wish to perform.

At the top of the Layer Import/Export dialog are four options for map units: Lat/Lon, UK Coordinates, UTM, and
Australian coordinates. All data in OILMAP GIS layers and base maps are stored in degrees latitude/longitude.
All file export functions will write files only in degrees latitude/longitude. The file import functions can read and
import files in either degrees latitude/longitude or in UTM
coordinates.
If you are importing data in UTM coordinates you must select the
UTM option and then specify the following parameters:
• The UTM Zone
• The Datum
• False Easting
• False Nothing
Once this information is supplied, click on Close and continue the
file import as described below.

[Link] Page 74
4.1.1 TIE Files
To export a TIE file:
1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the GIS layer to export.
3. Select the Layer to TIE Export option.
4. In the text field (lower right) specify a name for the TIE file (or leave the default name).
5. Select the directory where this file will be placed.
6. Click on the Export button to export the layer to the TIE file.

To import a TIE file:

1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the TIE to Layer Import option.
3. Select a TIE file to import.
4. Select the layer that you wish to import to.
5. Click the Import button to import the TIE file to the selected layer.

For TIE file import, the TIE file data is appended to the selected layer. To put the data on a new layer, click on
the Add New Layer button and a new layer will be created. Then import the TIE file to this layer.

4.1.2 MIF/MID Files

To export to MIF/MID files:
1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the Layer to MIF/MID Export to export a GIS layer, or BDM to MIF/MID to export a base map.
3. Select the layer or base map to export.
4. In the text field (lower right) specify a name for the MIF file (or leave the default name).
5. Select the directory where this file will be placed.
6. Click on the Export button to export the layer to the MIF file. The geographic portion of the data will be
exported to the MIF file; the attributes associated with each object will be exported to the companion MID
file.

To import MIF/MID files:

1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the MIF/MID to Layer Import to import a MIF/MID to a new GIS layer, or MIF/MID to BDM Import to
import a MIF/MID to a base map (BDM file) for this geographic location.
3. Select a MIF file to import.

[Link] Page 75
4. If importing to a layer, a layer does not need to be selected as the MIF/MID import will automatically create
a new layer. This new layer will be created with a Microsoft Access database structure as defined in the MIF
file. The attribute data for each geographic object will be imported from the MID file to the Access database.
Drawing attributes such as color, symbol, and pen width are not imported; default values are used.

4.1.3 ESRI ArcView/ArcInfo Shape Files

To import SHP files:
1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the SHP to Layer Import option.
3. Select a SHP file to import.
4. You do not need to select a layer to import to. The SHP file import will automatically create a new layer.
This new layer will be created with a Microsoft Access database structure identical to that in the associated
DBF file (each SHP file should have an associated DBF file which contains the object attribute data). The
attribute data for each geographic object will be imported from the DBF file to the Access database.

To export to SHP files:

1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the Layer to SHP Export option.
3. Select the layer to export.
4. Select the object type (points, lines, or polygons) to export.
5. In the text field (lower right) specify a name for the SHP file (or leave the default name).
6. Select the directory where this file will be placed.

It is also possible to attach SHP files as a layer instead of importing them to OILMAP's layer format. When a
SHP file is attached, OILMAP will draw the SHP file in its native format. See Attaching External Files to GIS
Layers for more information.

4.1.4 MOS Files

The MOS file import reads an ASCII format file into an OILMAP GIS layer.
1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the MOS to Layer Import option.
3. Select a MOS file to import.

4.1.5 GPX Files

The GPX file import reads a GPS Export Format file into an OILMAP GIS layer.
1. Select Import/Export Files from the Tools menu.
2. Select the GPX to Layer option.
3. Select a GPX file to import.

[Link] Page 76
4.2 Import ALOHA File
ALOHA (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) plume files (.PAS) can be imported into the OILMAP
interface. ALOHA was developed jointly by NOAA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is
available for download at NOAA’s Response and Restoration website.

4.3 Import Winds and Current Data

Wind and Current Scripps data can be brought into OILMAP for use in model simulations. Select Import Winds
and Currents Files from the Tools menu. Proceed through the dialog to select and convert data for use.

4.4 Import LLU Files

Current data can be brought into OILMAP for use in model simulations through an ASCII file with an LLU
extension. Select Import LLU Files from the Tools menu.
The LLU file (the format is contained in the appendix) is
a set of time series current files from irregular (non-
gridded) locations. This format may be used to import
current data from Sea Surface Radar
(Seasonde/OSCR), current meter observations, or
irregularly gridded model output.
Before importing current data via LLU file there must be
an existing current grid covering the area to be modeled.
In the import dialog, select the LLU files to import, an
existing current grid to interpolate into, and a name for
the output file. The Interpolation observations represent
how many current points that the scheme will use when
interpolating onto the rectangular grid.
The OK button will initiate the process which may take
some time and is dependent on the size and number of
LLU files selected.

[Link] Page 77
4.5 Import Depth Data
Depth data can be imported into OILMAP DEEP/3D for use in model
simulations by selecting Import Depth Data from the Tools menu.
The file formats that OILMAP will read are ASCII files, Arcview FLT
files, GEBCO Atlas files, and CMAP depth files. Note: although land-
water grids (.GRD) may no longer be used as a land-water definition
file, it is necessary to create a land-water grid to import depth into it.
Before Importing Depth Data, go to Data Create Land-Water grid.
When this grid is created, a matching depth file (.DEP) is also created.
Select the .DEP file from the “Grid File” dropdown menu in the Grid
Depth Import form.
GEBCO Atlas files – OILMAP DEEP/3D supports the one
minute grid. GEBCO bathymetry files are publically available
for download ([Link]
Select the file type and file you wish to import and click Browse to select the particular file. Once you have
selected the file, a sample will appear in the box on the bottom left of the dialog box. You must then select the
depth units, values, and coordinate order from the options on the bottom right of the dialog box.

4.6 Deleting Scenario Files

To delete unwanted files created by OILMAP, select Delete Scenario Files from the Tools menu to access the
File Maintenance window. Select the type of file(s) to be deleted (scenario, wind, grid, or current) and all existing
files of that type will be listed for the active geographic location. From the list of files, select those to be deleted.
For scenarios being deleted, the associated wind file can be automatically deleted with the scenario by checking
the Delete Associated Wind File(s) option. Note that multiple scenarios can use the same wind file, so exercise
caution when using this option to avoid deleting wind files inadvertently.
Click the Delete button after selecting the desired files. Files that have been deleted cannot be recovered.

[Link] Page 78
4.7 Scenario Compression and Extraction Tools
4.7.1 Compression
To save a scenario in a ZIP file, select Scenario
Compression/Zip Tool from the Tools menu to access the
Scenario Compression form. This tool allows any scenario to
be compressed into a single ZIP file. It is useful for archiving
scenarios and for transferring scenarios to other OILMAP
users. The ZIP file includes all files required to recreate the
scenario as well as model output if the simulation has been
run.
Compress: At the bottom of the form, specify the location and
name of the ZIP file to be created. The default location is the
ZIP folder in the active location and the default name is the
scenario name.

4.7.2 Extraction
To extract a scenario from a previously created ZIP file, select Scenario Uncompression/Extract Tool from the
Tools menu. On the Scenario Extraction form, navigate to the location of the ZIP file (typically the ZIP folder in
the active location). A list of available files is displayed in the window on the right. Select the desired file and click
the Extract button.
If grid or current files were saved with the scenario, they will be available for selection in the Options box. Check
them on to extract them with the rest of the scenario data.

[Link] Page 79
5 MANAGING GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS AND
BASEMAPS
Each OILMAP application is specific to a particular geographic location. All data, scenarios, and model output
are stored within this location. The location consists of an area defined by its outermost longitude/latitude
coordinates. The location is given a name and contains a base map depicting land and water. The name of the
active location is displayed at the top of the map screen.
OILMAP can have any number of locations. To move
between locations, select Geographic Location from the
File menu. The available locations in the current
directory are displayed. To select a location from a
different directory, use the fields on the right side of the
form to navigate to the LOC_DATA folder in the desired
directory. Click on the desired location on the left side of
the form to make it active, and then click on OK.
A geographic location can have multiple base maps. The
base map displayed for the active geographic location
can be changed by selecting Base Map from the File
menu, then selecting the desired file for the new base map. Base maps can be either a vector map drawn from a
set of longitude, latitude coordinates, or a raster image which has been registered to longitude, latitude
coordinates.

5.1 Creating New Base Maps

The base map in OILMAP displays the land and water features for the active geographic location. Base maps
can be created from MapInfo (mif/mid) files or ESRI ArcView (.shp) files. Additionally, a number of Web Mapping
Services (WMS) and ArcIMS Services can be used to render a base map.
*Note: Using a WMS or ArcIMS base map to initialize a scenario or build a land-water grid is not recommended
due to required shoreline definition.
Each geographic location can have multiple base maps, but only one base map is displayed at any time. The
base map files can be stored on a local hard disk or network disk drive, or on CD-ROM.
Vector base maps consist of polygons depicting the land features within an area. When drawn in the map
window, the land polygons are drawn in one color (e.g., green) on a background of a different color (e.g., blue).
To create a new vector base map file, generate land polylines or polygons using geographic coordinates in one
of the base map formats.
Raster base maps are bitmaps created by scanning a paper map into digital form. A raster base map captures
all the features on the paper map and creates a fixed image of the map. Two raster base map formats (BSB
Electronic Charts, and Resolution Mapping/Maptech) are commercially available on diskette for single charts or
on CD-ROM for all charts within an entire region. These charts are available at most nautical supply stores.

[Link] Page 80
5.2 Selecting a Base Map
The base map displayed in the current geographic location can be changed by choosing Base Map from the
File menu. In the Map Files dialog, select a file type by clicking the button next to one of the available types.
Next, select the disk drive and directory where the file exists, and then highlight the file to be used. Click OK.
The selected base map will be active in the current geographic location until a different file is selected.

In OILMAP v7 It is now possible to select the basemap by clicking the map icon in the top right hand corner of
the map. This gives you access to a shortlist of available basemaps (pictured right) including WMS (web
mapping services) map layers and tiled map services (TMS). If the desired basemap is not listed it is possible to
view other available basemaps by clicking More Basemaps. This will open the classic Map files window
(Pictured above). A number of new basemaps have been added to give the user a broader choice of basemap
visualization.

5.2.1 Selecting ENC (S57) as a Base Map

1. Right-click on the map, and select the Base Map menu option.
2. Select the “S57 Map Files” option.
3. Select the S57 file(s) you want to display.
4. The ECDIS kernel will convert the S57 chart (*.000) to an ECDIS chart (*.7CB) and display it on the map.

[Link] Page 81
5.2.2 Displaying a Land-Water Grid ECDIS Chart Update Instructions
1. Load an ECDIS (*.7CB) chart.
2. Place any update files (*.001, *.002, etc.) in your …\usr\local\updates directory.
3. Right-click on the map, and choose the Base Map menu option.
4. The following dialogue will appear:

5. Click on the “S57 Updates” button to apply the updates.

6. A message box will appear, telling you how many updates were available, and how many were successful.
7. A file called [Link] will appear in the ….\loc_data\LOCATION\Coast folder. This file contains the history
of any updates you have made.
Keep in mind the following rules:
• The file set you are trying to update must have the *.7CB file already created. (For example, if your update
file is called SG5SSNSA.001, then the SG5SSNSA.7CB file must exist in your Coast directory. See the
above directions to create this file.)
• Updates must be made consecutively or concurrently. You must apply updates from the *.001 file before
you apply the updates from the *.002 file. You can also put both files in your ….\usr\local\updates directory
and update the chart at one time.

5.2.3 Selecting C-Map Charts as a Base Map

C-Map is an add-on software that displays high-detail nautical charts. If you have purchased C-Map, you will be
provided with an installation disk, a database DVD, a license file and a USB key. Once you have installed C-
Map, you can activate the software from within OILMAP.
COPYING THE DATABASE
1. Right-click on the map, and select the Base Map menu option.
2. Select the “C-Map Charts” option.
3. Click DB Admin.
4. Insert the CM-93/3 professional+ Global Chart Database DVD.
5. Click “Copy Database to HD”.

[Link] Page 82
6. Browse to C:\Program Files\c-map\databases.
7. Click Yes when asked to create folder. Copying the database map files may take several minutes.
ACTIVATING C-MAP
Once the database is copied, you need the license file provided with your C-Map install.
1. Click License Admin.
2. Click “Add Licenses from File”.
3. Browse to the license file.
4. Click OK.
C-MAP CHART UPDATES
1. Right-click on the map, and select the Base Map menu option.
2. Select the “C-Map Charts” option.
3. Click the Chart Updates button.
4. Click the Get Updates button and the utility will download and register the latest chart updates over the
internet from C-Map.

5.2.4 Selecting a WMS Service as a Base Map

A WMS (Web Map Service) map is a map created on a map server and accessed via the internet. There are a
variety of freely available map servers that provide these maps that can be used in OILMAP. In general, these
maps do not use a Mercator projection commonly used in marine applications so the maps may appear
stretched at northern and southern latitudes.
A list of map servers is provided with the OILMAP installation.
1. Right-click on the map, and select the Base Map menu option.
2. Select the “WMS Service” option.
3. Select the WMS service you would like to use and click Get Layers.
4. Check the desired layers and click OK.

Example using the DEMIS Map Server

[Link] Page 83
5.2.5 Selecting an ArcIMA Service as a Base Map
ESRI also provide a map service which is similar to a WMS map; a map created on a map server and accessed
via the internet. There are a variety of ESRI map servers that are freely available and these maps that can be
used in OILMAP. A list of ESRI map servers is provided with the OILMAP installation.
1. Right-click on the map, and select the Base Map menu option.
2. Select the “ArcIMS Service” option.
3. Select an ArcIMS service and click Get Layers.
4. Check the desired layers and click OK.

5.3 New Location

To create a new geographic location in OILMAP you must first create a new base map. There are two options
for creating a new geographic location:
• Import data from an OILMAP CD-ROM containing digital coastline data.
• Import a new vector or raster base map.
Both of these options are available under the File > New Location menu.

5.3.1 Creating a New Location from the OILMAP CD-ROM

OILMAP may be supplied with CD-ROM databases. These databases generally contain vector-based coastline
data from a variety of sources (i.e., Digital Chart of the World, World Vector Shoreline, Digital NOS charts). They
may contain additional data such as place names, wind stations, depth data, and/or other environmental or
geographic information.
The CD-ROM may be used to make a new location for OILMAP. To do so,
place the CD in the CD-ROM drive. From the File menu, select New
Location and then select World Database. A form will appear on which to
specify the name for the new location, the geographic extent of the new
location, and the type of data to be used to create the new shoreline.
Enter a name for the new location, and select the source data type. Zoom in
or pan to the desired region on the world map in the World Database
window, then click on Create Location. A new location will be created from
the database. The new location will automatically create a large grid for the
region.

[Link] Page 84
5.3.2 Creating a New Location from an External File
Creating a new location from an external file involves selecting a base map file of one of the available base map
file types. (See the discussion under Base Maps in this chapter).

In the Location Import window, enter a name for the new location and then click on Browse to select the base
map file to import. In the Map Files dialog, select a file type and select the disk drive and directory where the file
exists, and then highlight the file to be used. Click OK. You will be returned to the Location Import dialog where
you click Create Location. The selected base map will be used in the new geographic location.

5.4 Display Settings

Several options are available to adjust the OILMAP map display. These
options include the colors and measurement units used, and the map
projection.
Many of the settings that affect the map display can be changed. Use the
Display Settings option of the File menu, or right-click on the map
window and select Map Display Settings.

5.4.1 Viewing Options

• Select the colors used for land, water, land outline, and the longitude/latitude grid. To change colors, click
on the color box to bring up a color selection window.
• Specify whether the Land Outline Color and the Longitude/Latitude Grid Color are shown on the map.
Check the box to the right of these fields to display them.

[Link] Page 85
• Check Display Distance Scale Window to show the distance scale on the map. Use the Distance Units
option in the Units box to choose between kilometers (KM) and nautical miles (NM) for distance displays.

•
• The distance scale can be adjusted by clicking on it and using the handles to stretch or shrink the box. The
scale will change according to the size of the box. To move the distance scale box to a different spot on the
map, place the cursor over an edge of the box to get a “direction” cursor and drag the box to its new
position.
• Use the Save Zoom Windows to Disk option to be able to cycle through previous zoom windows using the
Zoom In Previous and Zoom Out Previous options of the Zoom menu (see Chapter 4).
• Choose Mercator or Geographic as a Projection type from the dropdown menu.

5.4.2 Units
• Specify the units used for longitude and latitude. Select the desired representation from a drop-down list.
Available options are decimal degrees ([Link]), degrees and decimal minutes (DD [Link]), and degrees-
minutes-seconds (DD MM SS).
• Specify the units used for current vectors. Use the dropdown list to select from mm/s, cm/s, m/s, and knots.
• Specify the units for Distance on the map. Use the dropdown list to select KM for kilometers or NM for
nautical miles.

5.4.3 Vectors
• Click on the color box next to the Current Vector Color to choose a color from the color selection window.
• The User Defined Vector Color is used for current vectors entered by the user using the Data menu
Current Vector Add Current Vector option. To change colors, click on the color box to bring up a color
menu.
• Select the style of the current vectors by selecting Line Arrow, Thick Arrow (shadow), Thick Arrow (no
shadow), Fixed Size Arrow, or Fixed Head.

5.5 Measuring Distances

To get the distance between two points, select the Distance Measure icon on the toolbar. Click on the
point from which to measure distance. This sets one end of the measurement line. As the cursor moves on the
map, the distance between the set point and the cursor’s position is given along the top tool bar. Click the
mouse again to start another line segment. The total cumulative distance of all the line segments, as well as the
distance of the current line segment is displayed on the top tool bar. Double-click to terminate the distance line.

[Link] Page 86
The distance tool can also be used to determine the travel time to cover the length of distance by entering the
speed.

5.6 Printing
A printing utility is available to print the map display to the active Windows printer or save it to a file. Select File
Print to access this option.

Select the capture option:

• Whole screen to print the entire OILMAP window including toolbars.
• Map Window to print only the map display. Prints any floating keys positioned over map.
Select the output option:
• To print to the printer, the Print to File option should not be checked ON.
• To print to a file, the Print to File option should be checked ON. Specify a location and name for the file,
using the Browse button. Select the format in which to save the data (Bitmap (*.bmp), JPEG (*.jpg),
Windows Metafile (*.wmf), GIF (*.gif), PNG (*.png) or TIFF (*tif)). Printing to a file allows a map to be
brought into other applications for annotation and for inclusion in reports.
Click the Setup button to set the printer to use and the number of copies. The form to enter this data is also
available through File Print Setup. Click the Print button to send the map to the printer or file.

[Link] Page 87
5.7 Create AVI File
OILMAP can be used to create AVI files of trajectory simulations. AVI files are videos that show the trajectory of
the object in the water.
To create one, select Create AVI File from the File menu once the simulation has finished running. The AVI
Generation form displays the entire list of time steps for the model output. Check off those time steps to be
included in the animation. The buttons on the right can be used to select the interval of steps to include in the
AVI. Enter a file name for the AVI file. Press Browse to create a new path for this file.
AVI files can be viewed using media viewing tools such as Windows Media Player.

6 ZOOM MENU
There are several options available under the Zoom menu for changing the map view.
These options are used to change the scale of the map display (increase or
decrease), and to shift the center of the map display. You can also use the mouse
wheel to zoom in and out on the map.

6.1 Create Zoom Window

To zoom in on an area of the map display:
1. Select Create Zoom Window from the Zoom menu - OR - click on the Zoom In icon on the OILMAP
toolbar.
2. Move the zoom pointer to one corner of the area to zoom into.
3. Hold down the mouse button and drag a box around the area to zoom into.
4. Release the mouse button, and the new zoom window will be created.

Optionally, when the mouse cursor changes to the zoom icon, click the mouse in the center of the area to be
enlarged. The display will zoom in a pre-set amount with each click.

[Link] Page 88
To zoom out around an area of the map display:
1. Click on the Zoom Out icon on the OILMAP toolbar.
2. Position the zoom pointer over the area to zoom out, and click. A larger view of the map will be displayed;
the location where the mouse was clicked will be in the center of the map window.

6.2 Zoom In Previous

To return to a previous zoom window at a larger scale:
1. Select Zoom In Previous from the Zoom menu.
2. Each time you select Zoom In Previous, the zoom window previously created at a larger scale (smaller
area covered) than the current window will be displayed.

6.3 Zoom Out Previous

To return to a previous zoom window at a smaller scale:
1. Select Zoom Out Previous from the Zoom menu.
2. Each time you select Zoom Out Previous, the zoom window created at a smaller scale (larger area
covered) than the current window will be displayed.

6.4 Unzoom All

To return to the original map scale, select Unzoom All from the Zoom menu.

6.5 Pan Map

To re-orient the zoom window:
1. Select Pan Map from the Zoom menu or click on the Pan Map icon on the OILMAP toolbar.
2. Position the mouse pointer on the map and drag the hand-shaped cursor to move the map display on the
screen. For example, if an island appears at the lower left of the map display and you want to re-orient the
display so the island is in the center, position the cursor on the island, drag it to the center of the display,
and then release. The window will be redrawn at the same scale with the island in the center.

6.6 Saving Zoom Windows

It is possible to save the current set of zoom window views. This might be useful, for example, when you wish to
print standard views of a location while still being able to zoom in and out of other parts of that location. This utility
saves both the zoom views and the current map window size and shape.
To save a set of views:
1. Select Save Current Zoom Windows from the Zoom menu
2. Give the file an appropriate name (it will be given a ZSV extension), and click on Save.
To recover a set of views
1. Select Open Previous Zoom Windows from the Zoom menu
2. Select the desired file (ZSV extension) and click on Open.

[Link] Page 89
6.7 Zoom to Layer
Right-click on a layer in the GIS Layers Window and select Zoom to Layer to zoom to the location of that
particular layer.

7 GIS SYSTEM
7.1 Understanding GIS Objects and Layers
OILMAP contains an embedded Geographic Information System (GIS). The GIS is a system for storing,
retrieving, and displaying geographically referenced data. The primary use of the GIS is to complement the
display of model predictions by showing the position of the object in the water in relation to sites and items of
interest. With a few exceptions, GIS data have no influence on the simulation.
Any type of data with a specific geographic location can be stored as a GIS object. A GIS object can be one of
four distinct types:
• A point is an object with a single location.
• A line is an object stored with two locations defining its end points.
• A polyline is a line with more than two points.
• A polygon is a closed polyline. It may be filled with different color/pattern combinations and is used to
represent map features having area.
Each object in the GIS database, as well as having a geographic position, may also have text, number, and/or
picture information attached to it. This is called attribute data and is stored in Microsoft Access database tables.
GIS objects are grouped in layers, and layers are then grouped into a GIS
database. The layers available for the current GIS database are listed in the
Geography section of the TOC. Layers typically contain objects with similar
characteristics, such as a layer of place names, or a layer of shellfish beds.
A layer can contain all four types of objects. Any number of layers can be
contained in a single GIS database. Additional GIS databases may be
created to organize data, but only layers from a single geographic database
may be displayed on the map at one time.
This section control’s the display of all non-model GIS layers. The illustration below shows the control’s available
in the geography section.

It is accessed by clicking the following icon in the geography toolbar. This tool
allows the user to organize the layers. Select the layer name and use the up and
down arrow buttons to move the layer to the desired position.

[Link] Page 90
7.1.1 Deleting Layers
You can delete a layer by right clicking and choosing delete from the
dropdown menu.

7.1.2 Attach/Create New Layer

This new shortcut feature allows the user to quickly create or attach a GIS
layer. This function is also available under the GIS menu in the OILMAP
toolbar but the shortcut allows for faster access from the table of contents.
It is accessed by clicking the following icon in the geography toolbar.

7.1.3 Layer Properties

All layers in the geography section share similar layer display controls. It is
accessed by clicking the following icon located next to the layer name.
These properties control the display characteristics of the layer such as the
symbol, label and style. An example of the GIS Layer 1 properties can be seen
in the illustration to the right.
In the layer properties you can:
• Rename the layer
• Choose the line color, style and width used to represent line and polyline
objects. Click on the line box to bring up the color menu.
• Select the icon style and size used to represent point objects. Click on the
icon box to bring up the font/size menu.
• Specify the color, pattern and style used to represent polygon objects.
Click on the polygon box to bring up the color/pattern menu.
• Choose whether or not labels are to be displayed with point objects, the
layer attribute to use as a label, and the font characteristics of the labels.

7.2 Adding GIS Objects

Objects are added to Geography section using the mouse to set the position of the objects. All objects are
added to the active layer.
In OILMAP7, a new shortcut feature allows the user to quickly create or attach
a GIS layer. This function is also available under the GIS menu in the OILMAP
toolbar but the shortcut allows for faster access from the table of contents. It is
accessed by clicking the following icon in the geography toolbar.
To add objects to the GIS:
1. In the Geography section highlight the layer you would like to add an object to.
2. Select Add Object from the GIS menu, then select the object type from the Add Object drop-down menu,
or click on the appropriate icon on the toolbar.
3. To add:
a. Points - Click the mouse cross-hair at the location for the point. The longitude/latitude position of the
cross-hair is displayed at the bottom right of the screen.

[Link] Page 91
 b. Lines - Click the mouse cross-hair at the location for the first point in the line, then move the cross-hair
to position the end point of the line and click to place the end point. The longitude/latitude position of
the cross-hair is displayed at the bottom right of the screen.
c. Polylines - Click the mouse cross-hair at the location for the first point. The longitude/latitude position
of the cross-hair is displayed at the bottom right of the screen. Then move the cross-hair to position the
next point in the polyline and click. Repeat this for all vertices in the polyline. Double-click the left
mouse button to end the polyline. The point set by this final click is not part of the polyline.
d. Polygons - Click the mouse cross-hair at the location for the first point. The longitude/latitude position
of the cross-hair is displayed at the bottom right of the screen. Then move the cross-hair to position the
next point in the polygon and click the mouse button. Repeat this for all vertices in the polygon.
Double-click the left mouse button to close the polygon. The point set by this final click is not part of the
polygon.
e. Circles – Circles are special cases of polygons. Click the mouse crosshair at the center of the circle
and while holding down the mouse button, drag the circle to the size desired.
f. Rectangles – Rectangles are special cases of polygons. Click the mouse crosshair on the corner of
the rectangle and while holding down the mouse button, drag the rectangle to the desired size.
4. An attribute form will appear with the layer name in the header.
a. Enter any desired information on the attribute form.
b. If a link file field (discussed below) is available, attach text or graphic files to the object by clicking on
the Link button at the bottom of the attribute form.
Click OK to add the object to the GIS database active layer.

7.3 Interrogating GIS Objects

Any object shown on the map can be interrogated to display its attributes. In the GIS Layers window,
verify that the layer containing the objects to be interrogated is visible. Objects do not need to be in the
active layer in order to be interrogated. If the mouse cursor is not an arrow (indicating interrogate mode),
select the interrogate mode by clicking on the Info icon on the main toolbar. Click on the object to be
interrogated. The Object Properties window will appear, containing an Attributes tab, a Geo(graphical) Data
tab, and a Drawing tab.
• The Attributes tab lists the attribute data associated with the
object and any link files. To list the attribute data in Notepad
format, click on the List button at the top of the window. To
view any link files associated with the interrogated object,
double-click on the field labeled Link File. This will display
the link file.
• The Geo tab provides the longitude and latitude position of
point objects or the length or area of line or polygon objects.
• The Drawing tab allows the object’s appearance on the
screen to be edited.
• If interrogating multiple objects that occupy the same geographic location, the Next and Prev buttons of the
Object Attributes window are used to move between them.

[Link] Page 92
In addition to the existing option to query any GIS
object and layer, two new types of queries can be
performed. By using the Info icon on the top
shortcuts bar, user can request the following info:
• Wind and Current value, of any NetCDF file,
at any particular grid point. Latitude,
longitude, U (x) and V (y) components are
listed in the Layer Properties form.
• C-MAP digital charts: all information
available at the query point is presented as
a tree.

7.4 Link Files

Link Files are external files such as text files or picture files that are attached to a map object. Multiple link files
may be attached to each map object. When the map object is interrogated, the Link File(s) attached to the
object may also be viewed.

[Link] Page 93
Microsoft Access tables attached to GIS layers are used to store the names of the link files. The names of link files
are stored in a standard text field in the Access table. The OILMAP GIS recognizes the first four letters of the text
field (e.g., LinkFile) and classifies the field as a Link File field. Any text field whose name begins with the letters
LINK (e.g., “LinkFile”, “Link field”, “Linked Object”, “Linked Response Plan”) will be classified as a Link File field.
If multiple link files are attached to one field, all of the names of these link files are stored in the text field. The
length of this text field is set to the maximum (255 characters) so that as many link files as possible may be
attached. If you add Link File fields to the Access table, you should ensure that these text fields are also set to
255 characters.
To attach a link file to a map object, see Editing the Attribute Data of GIS Objects later in this chapter.
To view attached link files, double-click on the object in the map window or on the link file field with the camera
icon in the Object Attributes window. If there is more than one link file attached, select which link file to view.
OILMAP recognizes TXT, BMP, PCX, and AVI files automatically. Other file extensions will be viewed based on
how they are associated in File Manager. You may associate file extensions with applications in File Manager or
Windows Explorer, and OILMAP will use these relationships to view link files (i.e., if DOC files are associated
with Microsoft Word, then OILMAP will open Microsoft Word to view a DOC link file).

7.5 Editing the Attribute Data of GIS Objects

The attributes of any object shown on the map can be edited. In the GIS Layers Window, check that the layer
containing the objects to be edited is checked on. The objects do not need to be in the active layer. If the
mouse cursor is not an arrow (indicating interrogate mode), select the interrogate mode by clicking on the

interrogate icon on the OILMAP toolbar.

Click on the object to be edited. To edit any of the attribute data, click on an attribute. This will bring up the
editing window containing all the attribute data. New data can be entered in any of the fields.
If link file fields are available, link files can be added or deleted. Click on the Link button to the right of the Link
File field in the editing window. Alternately, double-click on the Link File field in the Object Attributes window
where the Open File icon appears. This will bring up a window showing the files currently linked with the object
and allowing two options: Add Link File and Remove Link File. To remove a link file, first highlight the file to be
removed and then click the Remove Link File button.
To set a point object’s position to a specific longitude and latitude, open the Geo tab and enter the desired
longitude and latitude coordinates for the point. Click on the Apply button to save the object at the new position.
Alternatively, select Move by Mouse, and move the mouse cursor/box that appears to the new location and
click. The object will appear at the new location when the screen is redrawn.
Objects (points, lines, polygons) are all drawn by default with the drawing attributes of their layer. However,
objects may also be interrogated individually and the drawing attributes changed individually.
Click on the object that you wish to edit. When the Attributes window appears, select the Drawing tab to change
the drawing settings.

The button Apply to All Objects of this Type will change any object of the same drawing definition on this layer
to a new definition. E.g. if you select an object with the boat icon on layer 1, you may change all objects that are
the boat icon on layer 1 to a new object definition.

[Link] Page 94
Having set the drawing characteristics of individual objects, you may reset them to the layer drawing
characteristics by using the Layer Tools option in the GIS menu section. Click the Reset All Objects to Layer
Properties button to reset any individually changed objects on this layer back to the Layer Settings.

7.6 Moving and Copying GIS Objects

Any type of GIS object can be moved from one location to another. Lines, polylines, and polygons are moved with
all their vertices stationary (i.e., their shape and orientation is unchanged).
To move an object:
1. Use the GIS Layers Window to make the layer in which the object is stored the active layer.
2. Select Move Object from the GIS menu, or click on the
Move Object icon on the toolbar.
3. Position the mouse cross-hair over the object and drag the object to its new location while holding down the
left mouse button. Release the mouse button to leave the object in the new location.
4. To Copy an object, hold down the SHIFT key while moving the object with the mouse.
You may also move point objects by interrogating them and selecting the Geo tab in the Object Attributes window.
The Geo tab provides the longitude and latitude position of point objects and provides a Move by Mouse option
for all object types.
To set a point object’s position to a specific longitude and latitude, open the Geo tab and enter the desired
longitude and latitude coordinates for the point. Click on the Apply button to save the object at the new position.
For any object type, select Move by Mouse and the object will automatically be selected on the map and the
cursor may be used to move the object to a new location.

7.6.1 Moving Polyline and Polygon Vertices

The vertices of polyline and polygon objects can be moved individually to reshape an object.
To move the vertices of a polyline or polygon:
1. Use the GIS Layers Window to make the layer in which
the object is stored the active layer.
2. Select Edit Vertices from the GIS menu, or click on the Edit Poly Vertices icon on the toolbar.
3. Position the mouse cross-hair over the polyline or polygon object. Click to select the object. The vertices will
be highlighted.
4. Position the mouse cross-hair over the vertex to be moved and drag the vertex to its new location while
holding down the mouse button. Release the mouse button to leave the vertex in the new location.
5. Repeat step 4 to move all desired vertices on the object.
6. Double-click the left mouse button to stop moving vertices. You will be asked whether you want to save
your changes.

7.7 Deleting GIS Objects

To delete an object from the GIS database:
1. Use the GIS Layers Window to turn on the display of the layer the object is in. The layer does not have to
be the active layer.

[Link] Page 95
2. In Interrogate mode, click on the object to be deleted. This brings up the Object Attributes window.
3. Click on the Delete Object button at the bottom of the Attributes window to delete the object. You will be
asked to verify that you want to delete the object.

7.8 Select Sets

Select sets are groups of map objects you create so that certain operations can be performed on the entire
group. Objects in a select set may be from different layers. Not all select set functions will work on objects in
attached shape files. To interrogate several objects without selecting them individually, use the Select Set
option of the GIS menu.
You may create a select set in a number of ways:
• Individually - You may select objects individually by simply clicking on them while holding down the CTRL
key.
• By Rectangle - You may select objects by drawing a rectangle on the screen and any objects inside that
rectangle will be put into a select set.
• By Region - You may select objects by drawing a polygon on the screen and any objects inside that
polygon will be put into a select set.
• By Ellipse - You may select objects by drawing a
circle of particular radius on the screen and any
objects inside that circle will be put into a select set.
• By Query - You may create a Select Set by
performing a database query on the underlying
Access table for each layer. Any objects shown on
the screen that satisfy the query will be put into the
select set.
The example to the right will select any objects in the Place Names layer with the word ‘bay’ (not case sensitive)
anywhere in the Name field. You may perform queries that check for numeric values or string values.
Click on List Possible Values to see a list of unique values in the selected field. This will give a list of all the
possible values in that field for the whole layer. The actual select set will include only those objects visible on
the screen.
If you use the Like operator for strings, you should note the following:
Like *bay will find any strings that end in ‘bay’. Like
bay* will find any strings that begin in ’bay’. Like
*bay* will find any strings that contain ‘bay’.

A Select Set Listing table is displayed. Each layer represented in the select set is displayed in a separate table,
selected from the drop-down menu. Clicking on Settings in this window will bring up the Select Set Drawing
Features window in which the drawing features of all the objects included in the select set may be modified.
Clicking on Apply in this drawing features window will then apply the selected drawing features to all of the
objects in the current select set.

[Link] Page 96
7.8.1 Color Coding GIS Objects in a Layer
The Select Set by Query function may be used to color code layer objects according to numeric or text values in
any field. This works for polyline or polygon objects, and, as for other queries, only works for those objects
within the present zoom view on the screen. To apply this function, open the layer query window, select the
layer and field name to be encoded, and click on List Possible Values. Then click on Color Code by Unique
Value. After a brief interval, each polyline or polygon object in the layer with a unique value in the selected field
will be given a different color.

7.9 GIS Databases

Each geographic location in OILMAP can have multiple GIS databases to assist in organizing map data. Only one
database can be active and displayed at any one time.

7.9.1 Adding Databases

To create a new GIS database, select New GIS Database from the GIS menu. In the GIS Database Name window,
enter a name to identify the new database or use the default name. Click on OK to complete the creation of a new
database.
The new database initially has only one layer, labeled “Untitled,” which contains no data (objects). Data can be
added to this layer and new layers can be added (see Displaying GIS Data and Adding and Deleting GIS Layers
earlier in this chapter).

7.9.2 Changing Databases

To switch to another database, select GIS Database from the GIS menu. From the list of available GIS
databases select a new active GIS database.

[Link] Page 97
7.10 Attaching External Files to GIS Layers

The OILMAP GIS system can use certain external files as GIS layers. Attaching a file as a layer involves selecting
the file and adding it to the layer list. RPS GIS Layers, ArcView Shape files, Microsoft Access / dBase Database
Tables that have Longitude/Latitude information, and ArcView FLT Grid files, ASC ArcView Grid files, NetCDF
files, Map Service and Geo Tiff files may be attached.
To attach a file, select Attach New Layer from the GIS menu. Select the file type that you wish to attach, and then
select the file that you wish to attach. You may attach files that are stored on a network drive, or on another PC's
hard disk if peer to peer networking is available, and in some instances (NetCDF files, Map Services), external files
accessed via the Internet.

7.10.1 RPS GIS Files

Attaching GDW files is most commonly used to re-attach a layer that was previously removed from the layer list.
This brings the layer back into the layer list.
You may attach files that are stored under another location so that different locations may share common layers,
or files that are on a network drive, or on another PC's hard disk if peer to peer networking is available.

7.10.2 ArcView Shape files

When Shape files are attached, no conversion or import is performed; OILMAP simply draws the shape file in its
native format. Drawing attributes such as color and icon may be specified as for any other layer.

7.10.3 Microsoft Access and dBase Tables

OILMAP provides an easy way for point data stored in Microsoft Access (Version 2.0) or dBase IV tables to be
displayed on a map. Any Access or dBase table containing numeric fields with longitude and latitude coordinates
in decimal degrees can be attached as a GIS layer. For example, a table of marine petroleum terminals can be
mapped if the table includes a longitude and latitude field.
Once the database table is attached, any edits made in the table or new records added via Access will be updated
in the OILMAP GIS each time OILMAP is started. In addition, any editing or new records added within the OILMAP
GIS will update the Access or dBase table.

[Link] Page 98
7.10.4 Attaching an Access or dBase Table
To attach a Microsoft Access or dBase table, select Attach New Layer in the GIS menu. Select Access/dBase
Database from the layer attachment options.
Select the database that holds the table you want to attach. For Access the database file extension is .mdb, for
dBase the tables are in files with a .dbf extension. In addition, you must specify the fields that store the
longitude and latitude information.
Click on the Attach button to make the attachment and create the new layer. This layer is said to be "geolinked".
Geolinked means that any changes made in this layer within OILMAP are automatically reflected in the Access
or dBase table. In addition, if GIS objects are added to this layer, records will also be added to the table that
contains the objects.

7.10.5 ArcView FLT Grid Files

Gridded data created in ArcView Spatial Analyst may be attached in order to overlay spatially interpreted data
such as habitat maps or shoreline types on the base map of the model location.

7.10.6 NetCDF Files

Gridded NetCDF data may be attached in order to overlay spatially interpreted data on the base map of the
model location. Clicking on the Attach New Layer NetCDF File option will bring up the dialog below. Locate
the NetCDF file on your local machine or enter the URL of an OPeNDAP server that will provide access to
suitable data. The application will intelligently parse the data file and attempt to load the form with as many
variables as it is able. The user can customize these choices before submission. Note: Time varying data that is
not in synchronization with the time frame of the model run will adjust the Time Slider Tool accordingly to
accommodate all sources.

[Link] Page 99
7.10.7 Map Services
Map Services that are hosted by third party providers may be accessed and loaded into the viewable window if
they meet the appropriate parameters in geographic space (and in some instances temporal space). Clicking on
the Attach New Layer Map Services option will bring up the dialog below. Identify the type of service you are
interested in by clicking the appropriate item in the Map Sources box. Then choose, from the list provided, the
service that you are interested in. Click Get Layers to query the service for available data layers. Subsequently
elect the layers that you are interested in and click OK.

7.10.8 Georeferenced Images

Georeferenced images may be accessed and loaded into the viewable window if they meet the appropriate
geographic parameters. Clicking on the Attach New Layer Georeferenced Image option will bring a browse
dialog to navigate to the desired georeferenced image.

[Link] Page
100
 1 APPENDIX A
1.1 References

French McCay, D.P, Z. Li, M. Horn, D. Crowley, M. Spaulding, D. Mendelsohn, and C. Turner, 2016. Modeling
Oil Fate and Subsurface Exposure Concentrations from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. pp. 115-150 In:
Proceedings of the 39th AMOP Technical Seminar on Environmental Contamination and Response,
Emergencies Science Division, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Spaulding, M.S., D. Mendelsohn, D. Crowley, Z. Li, and A. Bird, 2015. Draft Technical Reports for Deepwater
Horizon Water Column Injury Assessment: WC_TR.13: Application of OILMAP DEEP to the Deepwater Horizon
Blowout. DWH NRDA Water Column Technical Working Group Report. Prepared for National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration by RPS ASA, South Kingstown, RI 02879. Administrative Record no. DWH-
[Link] [[Link]

French McCay, D.P, K. Jayko, Z. Li, M. Horn, Y. Kim, T. Isaji, D. Crowley, M. Spaulding, L. Decker, C. Turner, S.
Zamorski, J. Fontenault, R. Shmookler, and J.J. Rowe, 2015. Technical Reports for Deepwater Horizon Water
Column Injury Assessment – WC_TR14: Modeling Oil Fate and Exposure Concentrations in the Deepwater
Plume and Cone of Rising Oil Resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. DWH NRDA Water Column
Technical Working Group Report. Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by RPS ASA,
South Kingstown, RI, USA. September 29, 2015. Administrative Record no. [Link]
[[Link]

1.2 ASCII Wind Import Wind File Format

Wind information corresponding to a single point data measurement (observed or predicted) can be imported
into OILMAP as a standard comma-delimited file (*.csv), or as a space-delimited *.asw file. Both types of files
can be opened and manipulated in a text editor program such as Notepad or Wordpad, or in OILMAP’s Wind
Data Editor.

CSV File Format. The first line lists the column headers. Data is entered with no spaces.

Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute, Direction, Speed (knots)

2007,8,6,11,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,12,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,13,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,14,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,15,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,16,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,17,0,202, 20

100
2007,8,6,18,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,19,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,20,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,21,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,22,0,202, 20
2007,8,6,23,0,202, 20

ASW File Format. The first eight lines list the latitude and longitude of the recording station (in decimal degrees),
the source of the data, and the dates and times of the records.

44.7611
N
63.75
W
NCEP reanalysis at 10m elevation
1997 1 1 00
2007 1 1 00
10 M/S UV

2004 1 1 00 5.00 0.00

2004 1 1 06 5.10 -1.60
2004 1 1 12 8.20 -3.60
2004 1 1 18 5.80 -5.00
2004 1 2 00 5.00 -3.70
2004 1 2 06 2.90 -3.00
2004 1 2 12 3.90 -2.60
2004 1 2 18 1.50 -2.90
2004 1 3 00 -0.30 -1.30
2004 1 3 06 -2.00 0.00
2004 1 3 12 -4.60 2.40
2004 1 3 18 -4.70 4.60

1.3 TIE Format for GIS Data Import/Export

The TIE file is an ASCII format used for exporting and importing map information contained in OILMAP GIS
layers. To import map data to a layer, assemble the data in an ASCII file using the TIE format and import using
the Tools → Import/Export GIS Files command.

101
Data definition for TIE file.

line
no. content format comments
-

1 ID number (I*2) unique identifier

2 name (c20) object name
3 description (c20) description data field
4 POINT object type
LINE "
POLYLINE "
POLYGON "
5 color width height (3i3) if point object
color width height (3i3) if line object
color width height (3i3) if polyline object

pcolor bcolor pattern (3i3) if polygon object

6 icon name (i.e. RECTANGLE)
7 layer number (i*2) values 1-50
8 attribute(1) (c40) (any text information
9 attribute(2) " attached to object)
10 attribute(3) "
11 attribute(4) "
12 attribute(5) "
13 attribute(6) "
14 link file name (c40) PCX, GRF, TXT
15 real number (real*4) (any real number associated with object)
16 number of vertices (i*2) (i.e., 1 for points 2 for lines, 1-x for
polylines/polygons)
17 x y (2f14.6) longitude, latitude
Positive East & North
Negative West & South

102
 1.4 PDW File Format for Wind Speed and Direction Probability
Purpose: Generalized wind speed/direction probability table format.

PURPOSE : Holds Speed and Direction Probabilities by month for an

entire year. Data can be used to generate wind time
series, or to run the statistical spill models
(stochastic mode).

IMPORTANT NOTE : Probability data does not have to be entered for

each month of the year, but the spill models will stop
if data are not available for the month the simulation
is running.

FILENAME : \OILMAP\LOC_DATA\{location}\WINDS\{station}.PDW, where

{station} is either the CD ROM station ID or a
user-entered station name

FILE_OPEN : open(nunit, file=probfile, status='old')

READ FORMAT:
read(probfile,'(a)') id
read(probfile,*) lonposition, latposition, sta_hgt
read(probfile,'(a)') descript
read(probfile,*) nspd, ndir, hrint
read(probfile,*) (spdmx(i),i=1,nspd)
do month = 1,12
read(probfile,*) imon
do n=1,ndir
read(probfile,*) (prob(ispd),ispd=1,nspd)
end do
end do

VARIABLE DESCRIPTION:
Line 1 : id - station identifier

103
 Line 2 : longitude, latitude of station (in decimal degrees)
(west longitude negative, south latitude negative)
sta_hgt - height of wind measurement above ground
surface (in meters)
Line 3 : descript - data file description (can be blank)
Line 4 : nspd - number of speed bins in probability matrix
(maximum 11)
ndir - number of direction bins in probability matrix
(maximum 16)
hrint - frequency of raw wind data observations used
to create probability matrix (in hours), default
to 1 hour if unknown
Line 5 : spdmx - maximum speed of each speed bin (in m/s)
Line 6 : imon - month of probability data (as a number... for
example, January = 1). Monthly data must be
entered sequentially (ie, month 1,2...12).
Lines 7->(7+ndir) : for each direction (on a separate line,
starting with the north direction bin), enter the
wind probability for nspd speed bins

VARIABLE DEFINITION:
Line 1 : id - CHARACTER*7
Line 2 : lonposition, latposition - REAL *4
sta_hgt - INTEGER*2
Line 3 : description - CHARACTER*80
Line 4 : nspd, ndir, hrint - INTEGER*2
Line 5 : spdmx - REAL*4
Line 6 : imon - INTEGER*2
Lines 7->(7+ndir) : prob - REAL*4

{A listing of an example data file as described above... Only

January and February data are shown. Probability distribution
described by 11 speed bins and 16 directions. The 'MONTH' which

104
appears after months 1 and 2 (lines 6 and 23 of the file) is
optional, and can be input to simplify reading the file.}

722221
-87.20000 30.46667 10
PENSACOLA FAA AP US FL HOURLY 1980-1989
11 16 1
1.54 3.09 5.15 8.24 10.81 13.90 16.109 20.59 24.19 28.31 31.92
1 MONTH
.40 5.50 6.80 5.20 .40 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 2.40 2.40 .50 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 2.90 2.20 .40 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 2.70 1.90 .40 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 2.20 3.20 1.80 .20 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 1.20 1.60 1.50 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 .70 1.20 .70 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 .40 1.20 .70 .20 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 .80 1.90 1.20 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 .70 .70 .40 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 .90 1.20 .30 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 1.30 1.10 .50 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 1.90 1.80 1.00 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 1.90 1.80 1.10 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 2.40 2.10 2.20 .40 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 3.30 4.00 4.80 .20 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
2 MONTH
.20 4.40 7.30 4.30 .60 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 1.80 2.50 .60 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 1.60 2.50 .90 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 1.90 2.10 .40 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 2.00 3.30 2.70 .20 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 1.10 2.90 1.80 .50 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 .60 1.50 1.10 .10 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 1.10 1.20 .70 .00 .00 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00

105
 .10 1.30 2.40 1.50 .20 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.00 .80 .70 .40 .00 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 1.10 1.70 .80 .30 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 1.70 1.70 1.20 .20 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 1.70 1.90 .80 .10 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.10 .90 .70 1.60 .30 .10 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 1.70 2.00 1.70 .40 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.20 2.80 3.60 3.50 .20 .02 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00

1.5 Using External Wind and Current NetCDF Files in OILMAP

1.5.1 Introduction: Which NetCDF files can be used?
OILMAP Version 7allows direct use of NetCDF files containing wind and current information. The NetCDF format
is widely used in the oceanographic community as self-describing and portable (platform independent). OILMAP
v7currently supports the CF-convention (Visit [Link] for a general
description). Even though this convention provides some general rules about data structure and formatting, this
does not guarantee that all NetCDF-CF files can be used by OILMAP. For questions regarding NetCDF data,
please contact RPS at MapSupport@[Link]

NetCDF files come in various forms and only met-ocean files that comply with the following general rules are
useable in the OILMAP v7:
1) Must have geographic reference and coordinate.
2) Must have time reference and coordinate.
3) Both –x and –y components must be in a single file.
(unfortunately, it is not uncommon that each component is stored in a separate single NetCDF file, e.g.
Meridional and Zonal)

Depending on the data origin (e.g., observation or model-derived), a NetCDF file is likely to be one of the
following types:

Type Description

1) Cell Scattered points/stations

2) Grid Coordinate variables “lon” and “lat” have one dimension

3) Curvilinear Geographic coordinate have two dimensions

4) FE Finite element

5) GMT Generic Mapping Tool

106
 6) FV Finite volume

Several examples of NetCDF files that OILMAP v7 can use are listed at the end of this section. The flowing lists
are (wind or current) files (as CDL format, ASCII version of NetCDF file).

1.5.2 Importing NetCDF files in the Spill Information form

NetCDF files that contain wind or current information can be used as input files for the oil spill model.
Within the Spill Information form, under the Wind/Current tabs, the user can select and display wind or current
NetCDF files (extension *.nc) that are locally stored in the active location’s \WINDS or \CURRENTS folders. NC
files can be provided directly by the user (as external files) or obtained through an on-line request to
COASTMAP\EDS.
Once an NC file is selected by means of the Select File option and properly recognized by the program, its
corresponding time range is displayed below the filename.

1.5.3 Examples of NetCDF files handled in OILMAP v7

The following text provides examples of NetCDF files that can be used in OILMAP. Only the metadata header of
the CDL file (ASCII equivalent of the NetCDF file) is described.

107
[Current Type 1: Cell]
netcdf C:\florida_sub {
dimensions:
ncells = 4141 ;
time = UNLIMITED ; // (3 currently)
variables:
int ncells(ncells) ;
int time(time) ;
time:units = "minutes since 2000-01-01 00:00" ;
time:reference = "UTC" ;
float lon(ncells) ;
lon:long_name = "Cell longitude" ;
lon:units = "degrees_east" ;
float lat(ncells) ;
lat:long_name = "Cell latitude" ;
lat:units = "degrees_north" ;
float U(time, ncells) ;
U:long_name = "eastward water velocity" ;
U:units = "meter/sec" ;
U:missing_value = "-99999.0" ;
float V(time, ncells) ;
V:long_name = "northward water velocity" ;
V:units = "meter/sec" ;
V:missing_value = "-99999.0" ;

// global attributes:
:default_view = "U,V" ;
:netcdf_class = "1" ;
:netcdf_class_description = "Multi-point, static, non-gridded" ;
:Conventions = "CF-1.0" ;
:cell_dimension = "ncells" ;
:time_var = "time" ;
:title = "Florida Straits Currents" ;
}

108
[Current Type 2: Grid]
netcdf C:\OILMAPv4\loc_data\WORLD\CURRENTS\sfc8_hind_2005100600 {
dimensions:
lat = 1349 ;
lon = 2880 ;
time = UNLIMITED ; // (5 currently)
variables:
double lat(lat) ;
lat:long_name = "Latitude" ;
lat:units = "degrees_north" ;
lat:NAVO_code = 1 ;
double lon(lon) ;
lon:long_name = "Longitude" ;
lon:units = "degrees_east" ;
lon:NAVO_code = 2 ;
double time(time) ;
time:long_name = "Valid Time" ;
time:units = "hour since 2000-01-01 [Link]" ;
time:NAVO_code = 13 ;
time:time_origin = "2000-01-01 [Link]" ;
short water_u(time, lat, lon) ;
water_u:long_name = "Eastward Water Velocity" ;
water_u:units = "m/s" ;
water_u:NAVO_code = 17 ;
water_u:_FillValue = -30000s ;
water_u:missing_value = -30000s ;
water_u:scale_factor = 0.001f ;
water_u:add_offset = 0.f ;
short water_v(time, lat, lon) ;
water_v:long_name = "Northward Water Velocity" ;
water_v:units = "m/s" ;
water_v:NAVO_code = 18 ;
water_v:_FillValue = -30000s ;

109
 water_v:missing_value = -30000s ;
water_v:scale_factor = 0.001f ;
water_v:add_offset = 0.f ;
// global attributes:
:comment = "..." ;}

110
[Current Type 3: Curvilinear]
netcdf C:\OpenDAP\LOCAL_NC\HYCOM\hycom1Step {
dimensions:
gridi = 1200 ;
gridj = 1684 ;
time = UNLIMITED ; // (1 currently)
variables:
float lat(gridj, gridi) ;
lat:long_name = "Latitude" ;
lat:units = "Degree" ;
float lon(gridj, gridi) ;
lon:long_name = "Longitude" ;
lon:units = "Degrees" ;
float time(time) ;
time:long_name = "forecast time" ;
time:units = "Days since 2006-07-22 00:00" ;
time:standard_name = "time" ;
time:missing_value = -9999 ;
short U(time, gridj, gridi) ;
U:long_name = "U Component" ;
U:units = "mm/s" ;
U:missing_value = -9999 ;
U:coordinate = "lon lat" ;
short V(time, gridj, gridi) ;
V:long_name = "V Component" ;
V:units = "mm/s" ;
V:missing_value = -9999 ;
V:coordinate = "lon lat" ;

// global attributes:
:title = "Hycom USA coast" ;
:host = "[Link]," ;
:institution = "Applied Sicnece Associates, Inc." ;
:institution_code = "ASA" ;

111
 :institution_url = "[Link]" ;
:contact = "xzhang@[Link]; ehowlet@[Link]; tatsu@[Link]" ;
:project = "HYCOM NETCDF" ;
:project_url = "---" ;
:model_name = "HYCOM from NCEP" ;
:model_version = "****" ;
:model_domain = "***" ;
:Conventions = "COARDS-CF, sort-of" ;
:format_category = "ocean_state_estimate" ;
}

112
[Current Type 4: FE]
netcdf C:\OpenDAP\LOCAL_NC\quody\200603270900_C3PO_fieldsnow {
dimensions:
node = 9700 ;
nele = 17925 ;
nbnd = 1476 ;
nface = 3 ;
nbi = 4 ;
sigma = 15 ;
time = UNLIMITED ; // (25 currently)
variables:
int ele(nele, nface) ;
ele:long_name = "Horizontal Triangular Element Incidence List" ;
ele:units = "index_start_1" ;
int bnd(nbnd, nbi) ;
bnd:long_name = "Boundary Segment Node List" ;
bnd:units = "index_start_1" ;
float time(time) ;
time:long_name = "Time" ;
time:units = "days since 2006-01-01 [Link] 00:00" ;
time:base_date = 2006, 1, 1, 0 ;
time:standard_name = "time" ;
float lon(node) ;
lon:long_name = "Longitude" ;
lon:units = "degrees_east" ;
lon:standard_name = "longitude" ;
float lat(node) ;
lat:long_name = "Latitude" ;
lat:units = "degrees_north" ;
lat:standard_name = "latitude" ;
float depth(node) ;
depth:long_name = "Bathymetry" ;
depth:units = "meters" ;
depth:positive = "down" ;

113
 depth:standard_name = "depth" ;
float sigma(sigma) ;
sigma:long_name = "Sigma Stretched Vertical Coordinate at Nodes" ;
sigma:units = "sigma_level" ;
sigma:positive = "down" ;
sigma:standard_name = "ocean_sigma_coordinate" ;
sigma:formula_terms = "sigma: sigma eta: zeta depth: depth" ;
float zeta(time, node) ;
zeta:long_name = "Water Surface Elevation" ;
zeta:units = "meters" ;
zeta:missing_value = -99999.f ;
zeta:positive = "up" ;
zeta:standard_name = "sea_surface_elevation" ;
float u(time, sigma, node) ;
u:long_name = "Eastward Water Velocity" ;
u:units = "m/s" ;
u:missing_value = -99999.f ;
u:standard_name = "eastward_sea_water_velocity" ;
float v(time, sigma, node) ;
v:long_name = "Northward Water Velocity" ;
v:units = "m/s" ;
v:missing_value = -99999.f ;
v:standard_name = "northward_sea_water_velocity" ;
float w(time, sigma, node) ;
w:long_name = "Vertical Water Velocity" ;
w:units = "m/s" ;
w:missing_value = -99999.f ;
w:standard_name = "upward_sea_water_velocity" ;
// global attributes:
:file_type = "FEM" ;
:Conventions = "COARDS" ;
:grid_type = "Triangular" ;
:z_type = "sigma" ;
:model = "quoddyv511SPONGE" ;

114
}

115
[Wind Type 5: GMT]
netcdf H:\Projects\COAMPS-fcst-wndsfc-10.000000-2006070800-000 {
dimensions:
side = 2 ;
xysize = 111186 ;
variables:
double x_range(side) ;
x_range:units = "user_x_unit" ;
double y_range(side) ;
y_range:units = "user_y_unit" ;
double z_range(side) ;
z_range:units = "user_z_unit" ;
double spacing(side) ;
int dimension(side) ;
float u(xysize) ;
z:scale_factor = 1. ;
z:add_offset = 0. ;
z:node_offset = 0 ;
float v(xysize) ;
z:scale_factor = 1. ;
z:add_offset = 0. ;
z:node_offset = 0 ;

// global attributes:
:title = "" ;
:source = "grib2grd /scr/mdds/data/transfer_romulus/[Link]" ;
}

116
[Current Type 6: FV ]
netcdf C:\OILMAPv4\loc_data\UAEDubai\CURRENTS\future-surface {
dimensions:
time = UNLIMITED ; // (8953 currently)
nodes = 7220 ;
elements = 5726 ;
nodes_per_element = 6 ;
dimensions = 3 ;
layers = 1 ;
variables:
int my_mapping ;
my_mapping:grid_mapping_name = "DLTM" ;
my_mapping:long_name = "projection" ;
int node_id(nodes) ;
node_id:long_name = "node id" ;
float x(nodes) ;
x:long_name = "longitude" ;
x:standard_name = "longitude" ;
x:units = "degrees_east" ;
float y(nodes) ;
y:long_name = "latitude" ;
y:standard_name = "latitude" ;
y:units = "degrees_north" ;
float z(nodes) ;
z:long_name = "z coordinate" ;
z:standard_name = "depth" ;
z:units = "meter" ;
z:positive = "up" ;
int code(nodes) ;
code:long_name = "code" ;
int element_id(elements) ;
element_id:long_name = "element id" ;
int element_type(elements) ;
element_type:long_name = "element type" ;

117
int nnodes(elements) ;
nnodes:long_name = "nnodes" ;
int connectivity(elements, nodes_per_element) ;
connectivity:long_name = "connectivity" ;

float lon(elements) ;

lon:long_name = "longitude" ;

lon:standard_name = "longitude" ;

lon:units = "degrees_east" ;

float lat(elements) ;

lat:long_name = "latitude" ;

lat:standard_name = "latitude" ;

lat:units = "degrees_north" ;

float time(time) ;

time:long_name = "time" ;

time:units = "second since 2003-12-25 [Link] 00:00" ;

time:calendar = "standard" ;

float Z_coordinate(time, nodes) ;

Z_coordinate:long_name = "Z coordinate" ;

Z_coordinate:units = "meter" ;

Z_coordinate:coordinates = "x y" ;

Z_coordinate:grid_mapping = "projection" ;

Z_coordinate:_FillValue = -99999.f ;

float U_velocity(time, elements) ;

U_velocity:long_name = "U velocity" ;

U_velocity:units = "m/s" ;

U_velocity:coordinates = "lat lon" ;

U_velocity:grid_mapping = "projection" ;

U_velocity:_FillValue = -99999.f ;

float V_velocity(time, elements) ;

118
 V_velocity:long_name = "V velocity" ;

V_velocity:units = "m/s" ;

V_velocity:coordinates = "lat lon" ;

V_velocity:grid_mapping = "projection" ;

V_velocity:_FillValue = -99999.f ;

// global attributes:

:title = "Output 1" ;

:institution = "DHI Water & Environment" ;

:source = "future_2004_06_3Dsurface.dfsu" ;

:history = "NetCDF generated by DfsToNetCDF" ;

:Conventions = "CF-1.0" ;

1.6 Current Latitude, Longitude, U, V, File Format (.LLU)

filename : \OILMAP\LOC_DATA\location\CURRENTS\???????.LLU

howToOpen : OPEN(,FORM='FORMATTED',ACCESS='SEQUENTIAL')

purpose : provides an intermediate ASCII based transfer file for

multiple time step hydrodynamic data produced by a
third party. Velocity locations are not organized in
gridded fashion (as ??????.TGC) so each line needs
longitude and latitude coordinate.

written by: external

general : Each file corresponds to a certain time step.

First line : unit information

xxx = conversion factor for U, V values to m/s

119
Second line: time info. yr, mo, day can be zero but must be typed
yr mo day hour ! free format read (hour can be real*4)

Third line: first of data line, longitude latitude in decimal degrees.

Longitude must be negative if in western hemisphere,
latitude negative in southern hemisphere.

longitude latitude U V

****************** sample data ******************************

1.00 = to meter/sec
0 0 0 1.00 = time
-121.680020 48.141997 0.017881 0.000226
-121.820685 48.148991 0.017881 0.000226
-121.855850 48.150389 0.094032 -0.965583
-121.891015 48.151787 0.017881 -0.185502
-121.927783 48.153190 -0.020194 0.148821
-123.040303 48.230811 0.055957 -0.111210
.
.
.

1.6.1 Importing Currents from an MDB File

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to acquaint the Crisis

Management System (CMS) user with the format that a
Microsoft Access .MDB file should take in order that
current information can be imported from the file into
CMS.
Overview
The MDB file can contain any number of tables giving
different types of current information, as well as one table
that contains the hydrodynamic grid.
The hydrodynamic grid must be contained in the table
named "GridLL," and must be in latitude-longitude format.
It has 10 columns: m, n, x1, y1, x2, y2, x3, y3, x4, and y4,
corresponding to the horizontal and vertical indices of each
cell (each of which is contained in one record, or row of the
database), and the four corners of each cell.

120
 Every table giving current information does so by referring to cells in this grid. The columns in a point constituent
table are Point, Attribute, and Mean, followed by the amplitude and phase of the constituent current information.
The Point field names the cell of the hydrodynamic grid for
which the subsequent data applies. It is represented as an
integer defined by the horizontal (m) index with no superfluous
zeroes followed by the three-digit vertical (n) cell index (with
leading zeroes if necessary), concatenated directly afterward.
For instance, to indicate cell (m,n) = (101,37), Point would
have the value 101037, while (m,n) = (45,2) would have Point
= 45002.
The Attribute field tells if the data refers to meridional flow,
indicated by N, or zonal flow, indicated by E. Most cells will be
described by two records (rows in the database), describing N-
S and E-W components of the flow.
The Mean field gives the mean (background) flow in the
direction indicated by Attribute.
The next fields give the phase and amplitude of tidal
constituent flow. They should be titled C##Amp and C##Phase.
It is also possible to include x and y fields in the database, to aid a reader in looking at the raw data and correlating
it to a map. This information is not used by CMS, however, and the location data that will be imported is contained
in the Point field and the GridLLtable.

Tip 1
In creating or importing grid data into GridLL, Microsoft Access often automatically adds a column called ID,
which contains a unique ID number for every record. This column can remain and will not present a problem
when CMS reads the grid data.

1.7 Canadian Current File Format

Canadian current files are ASCII files with the extension .dat. They specify each of eight tidal current
components, as well as background currents at each of an unlimited number of nodes, whose coordinates they
also specify. The form for a Canadian current file is the following:
first node: [node number] [longitude at this site] [latitude at this site]

mean current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

q1 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

o1 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

p1 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

k1 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

n2 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

m2 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

s2 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

k2 current: [E-W amplitude] [E-W phase lag degrees] [N-S amplitude] [N-S phase lag degrees]

next node: [node number] [longitude at this site] [latitude at this site]

121
mean current: current definitions...

Eight tidal currents and mean background currents must be specified. When there is no current due to a certain
tidal component, that line should be left zeros.
An example of a two-node Canadian current file is presented below:
1 -43.33240 47.44467
-0.00322 0.00000 0.12920 0.00000
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
0.00216 2.67000 0.00393 26.80000
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
0.00528 11.70000 0.00791 59.60000
0.00075 -31.50358 0.00278 -61.05413
0.02427 22.74642 0.00834 -174.59113
0.00583 -7.24658 0.00425 -176.19613
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
2 -43.31180 47.31782
-0.01847 0.00000 0.13299 0.00000
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
0.00859 360.00000 0.00783 37.60000
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
0.00777 355.00000 0.00822 73.40000
0.00050 -302.53694 0.00254 -70.55138
0.02401 24.32206 0.00749 -175.22138
0.00649 -2.52894 0.00388 -178.52138
0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000

1.8 Current File Format for Current Meter Data (.cmt)

1d in vertical, vertical string of current meter records, time varying (dated).

The model assumes that these currents apply to all x-y (latitude – longitude)
locations in the simulation.

The model will linearly interpolate between depths and between the deepest depth
and zero current assumed at the sediment surface (at the x-y location evaluated in
the model)

122
The shallowest current meter is extrapolated to the water’s surface. This means
the upper layer has equal velocity.

All data are read from an ASCII text file using spaces or commas as delimitators.
Therefore the spacing of the columns is not fixed.

The time interval between records may be any number of minutes, but must be of
equal intervals in the entire file. Missing data should be filled in by an
interpolation scheme. The model will not recognize missing time intervals.

Format:

Filename : \CHEMMAP\LOC_DATA\Location Name\CURRENTS\[Link]

File_open : OPEN(,FORM='FORMATTED',RECL=variable,ACCESS='DIRECT')
or OPEN(,FORM='FORMATTED',RECL=variable,ACCESS='SEQUENTIAL')

Purpose : Contains velocity field used by ASA suite (CHEMMAP/SIMAP/OILMAP)

Written by: External program, preferably FORTRAN code that allows the
file format such as FORM='FORMATTED',ACCESS='DIRECT'

General : This file is designed to adapt a set of moored

current record, single location with multiple record in
various depth and possibly fairly long time span.

Special Note: If the file is written in accordance with the specification

of ACCESS='DIRECT', application program can access record
randomly (in time). As File format is of type,
FORM='FORMATTED',
which allows to be edited in any editing program, it may be
often
remained as ACCESS='SEQUENTIAL'. In this case, the file must
be
read SEQUENTIALly, from the beginning of record to the end.

123
File format:
C header data
read(nchydr,*,rec=1) string ! file description(not used)
read(nchydr,*,rec=2) ndepth,max_rec ! number of instruments, record length
read(nchydr,*,rec=3) string ! depths(m, distance from
surface) of instrument
nrecl = 4 +12 +ndepth*2*7 ! +2 ! i4,4i3,<2>(2f7.1) with extra
read(nchydr,'(a)',rec=3,iostat=ios) string(1:nrecl-2)
read(string,*) (depths(n),n=1,ndepth) ! depth in meters

C
C Actual data (there will be (max_rec-3) lines of data)

read(nchydr,'(i4,4i3,<ndepth>(2f7.1))',rec=nrec,iostat=ios)
* IYYY,MM,nD,nh,min,(u_cmt(n),v_cmt(n),n=1,ndepth)

C File Sample
Source:LATEX Current Meters M8,M9,M10,M11,M48 <--Text describing data
3 46232 = ndepth, max_rec <--This eg. 3 meters vertically
15 100 190 = meters depths <--depths (m) of those 3 meters
1992 4 15 14 30 8.3 0.0 2.9 -5.0 0.4 1.0 <--Date, time, u,v in cm/sec
1992 4 15 15 0 7.8 -0.5 2.0 -5.0 0.0 0.0
1992 4 15 15 30 8.8 -0.5 1.0 -5.0 -0.7 2.0
1992 4 15 16 0 9.7 -1.0 0.4 -4.0 -1.1 2.0
1992 4 15 16 30 10.9 -2.5 -0.4 -3.0 -1.1 2.0
1992 4 15 17 0 10.6 -3.5 -1.7 -2.5 -0.6 1.0
1992 4 15 17 30 9.3 -3.5 -0.2 -1.0 -0.6 1.0
1992 4 15 18 0 7.0 -2.5 0.8 0.0 -0.8 1.0
1992 4 15 18 30 5.9 -0.5 1.5 0.5 -0.6 1.0
1992 4 15 19 0 6.9 -2.0 2.8 0.5 -0.6 1.0
1992 4 15 19 30 7.5 -2.5 2.8 -0.5 -0.6 1.0
1992 4 15 20 0 4.0 -0.3 -2.7 -0.3 0.0 0.5
1992 4 15 20 30 5.1 0.3 -2.9 0.3 0.0 0.5

124
1992 4 15 21 0 4.6 0.0 -2.4 1.3 0.1 0.5
1992 4 15 21 30 4.4 0.7 -1.3 2.3 -0.1 0.5
1992 4 15 22 0 4.2 0.0 -1.7 2.7 0.0 0.5
1992 4 15 22 30 4.1 0.3 -2.0 2.3 0.4 0.0
1992 4 15 23 0 4.0 -0.3 -3.1 2.3 -0.3 0.5
(etc to a total of max_rec=46232 data records)
if more
depths with meters:

year mo da hr min u(1) v(1) u(2) v(2) u(3) v(3) u(4) v(4) u(5)
v(5)......
vectors are in cm/sec, u = +east, v = +west

1.9 The CMAP Cartographic Service

The system that you are now using has the capability of using and displaying the latest CMAP CM-93/3
worldwide vector chart database. These charts are fully compliant with the latest IHO S-57 3.1 specifications
and, when using the CM-93/3 ENC database in an approved ECDIS, are considered equivalent to the
navigational charts required by the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) convention.
In order to prepare the system for use with the C-MAP CM-93/3 database, there are a number of things that will
first need to be carried out:

1.9.1 Registration of the system at CMAP Norway

When a system is installed that has the capability to use the CM-93/3 database, it is required that an Aladdin
eToken supplied by C-MAP is connected to the system (if the system has and supports USB). The eToken
provides the system with a unique System ID that enables C-MAP to issue correct licenses. The actual System
ID can be found on the eToken itself, on the back of the installation CD box or on a sticker placed on the
equipment. This ID must be quoted on all chart orders, either by email (license@[Link]) or by fax +47 51 46
47 01
When a system does not have a USB port or does not have support for the eToken, a file called [Link] will
be automatically created during initial installation (normally in the Program Files\CM93v3 SDK directory). This file
contains the Company ID and System ID assigned to the ECDIS/ECS system when it is installed. These ID’s can
be found on the back of the installation CD box or on a sticker placed on the equipment. This file must always
be sent to CMAP Norway by email (license@[Link]) when installing the software. Licenses can only be
generated once this file has been received and registered by CMAP. It is important to note that the software may
need to be reinstalled and reinitialised if the operating system or hardware is upgraded (see the troubleshooting
section).
Please note that in some cases the manufacturer of the system will have already pre-registered the system by
sending the [Link] file to CMAP.
If during installation you do not know your Company ID or System ID, please contact CMAP Norway before
continuing installation of the software.

125
 1.9.2 Ordering Charts
A chart order may be sent together with the registration of the system as described above. It is essential that the
required information be sent to CMAP when ordering charts for a system. CMAP has issued order forms
specifying the information that is required, and contains vital information that will allow us to monitor and
maintain your licenses throughout the lifetime of the system. Charts can be ordered by Zone, Area or Cell and
these can be seen on our Internet pages at [Link] or by downloading the Chart Product Catalogue also
available on the web site. Price quotations can be obtained via your chart dealer or direct from your local CMAP
office. Once the license order has been prepared it should be emailed to license@[Link] or faxed to C-MAP
Norway AS (+47 51 46 47 01).

1.9.3 Applying Licenses

Once the order has been received at CMAP, a license will be generated and transmitted back to the user. This
may be in the form of a single alphanumerical string (16 characters), or in the form of a file called
[Link]. Once this license has been received it should be input using the License Administrator
software designed and supplied by the ECDIS/ECS manufacturer. There are two types of licenses, purchase
and subscription. Purchase licenses are valid indefinitely while subscription licenses need to be renewed each
12 months from the start of the subscription. Failure to renew a subscription will result in the charts becoming
unavailable.

1.9.4 Troubleshooting
If you are having problems installing your software or charts please check the following before calling CMAP:
• You are installing on Windows 7, 8, or 10.
• That you have registered the WORLD database in the GDBADMIN application.
• That the registered WORLD database is available. If you are running the database from the CD drive, the
CD-ROM must be loaded.
• That you have correctly typed the license string.
• That you have not reinstalled Windows or any major hardware components. If you have done this you will
probably need to reinstall your software (only required for systems that are not using eToken).

1.9.5 Contact Information

Email MapSupport@[Link] for assistance.

1.10 Using Ice Cover in Simulations: An Example

This section provides an example simulation of a simple wind-forced spill simulation with differential ice
coverage. Implementation of the ice coverage through the OILMAP GIS is shown in the example. OILMAP’s
implementation has no explicit modeling of the movement of ice. OILMAP considers defined ice areas as fixed
in space. Changes in position of ice coverage with time can be approximated by defining ice coverage polygons
with a series of temporal coverages with defined start and end times.
In the figures below, water is shown in white, land areas in green. The base map shows the lower end of Cook
Inlet, Alaska. The black circle with a “+” sign is the source location for oil release. The gray polygon defines an
area of 50% ice coverage, the blue polygon is an area with 70% ice cover, and the brown polygon is an area of
80% ice cover. The 50% and 70% ice cover polygons are active from December 1, 2000 through January 1,
2001, while the 80% ice cover polygon is active from December 1-5, 2000.

126
The window labeled “Object Attributes” shows information associated with the selected ice coverage polygon
(denoted with outline and showing individual points of polygon). In Figure 1 the 50% ice cover polygon is
selected. The Object Attributes window shows the start time when the ice cover becomes active, the end time
when the ice cover polygon ceases to be active, and the ice cover entered in percent and assumed
homogeneous across the polygon.

Ice Figure 1: Scenario location and ice cover polygons, 50% ice cover polygon selected.

For this example, 100 barrels of medium crude oil are released instantaneously at midnight on December 1,
2000. There is a steady wind of 10 knots from the north throughout the simulation. No currents are used for this
scenario. Figure 2 shows the surface advection predicted by the model 9 hours into the simulation. The spillets
representing surface oil move directly south at 3.5% of the wind speed. Surface oil spillets are shown in black;
the path of the surface oil is shown in gray.

127
 Ice Figure 2: Oil spill surface advection view, 9 hours into spill.

The model predictions 18 hours into the simulation are shown in Figure 3. Initially the oil trajectory is directly
downwind. When the surface oil encounters ice at a 50% cover, the angle of movement of the oil is changed to
35 degrees to the right (northern hemisphere) due to the presence of the ice. The change in the deflection angle
of the oil in ice reflects the increased Coriolis Effect, due to broken ice cover penetrating lower into the water
column.

Ice Figure 3: Oil spill surface advection view, 18 hours into spill.

128
Figure 4 shows the predicted surface oil advection 3.5 days into the simulation. The angle of the surface
movement remains at 35 degrees to the right of the wind. As oil spillets reach the 80% ice cover polygon, they
are trapped under the ice and their forward motion is stopped.

Ice Figure 4: Oil spill surface advection view, 3.5 days into spill.

Figure 5 shows the model prediction 4 days, 20 hours into the simulation. The 80% ice cover polygon is no
longer active and the oil spillets have resumed their trajectory.

Ice Figure 5: Oil spill surface advection view, 4 days, 20 hours into spill.

The model predicted weathering for the scenario is shown in Figure 6. Surface oil is shown with square icons.
Evaporated oil fractions are shown with triangular icons. For this simulation, no oil is entrained into the water
column or comes ashore. The vertical dashed line corresponds to the time of the snapshot in Figure 4. At this
time, the surface oil advecting through the 70% ice cover reaches the 80% cover area, and is removed from the

129
sea surface mass balance partition. Roughly 12 hours later, the end time for the 80% cover polygon is reached
(December 5, 2000) and the ice-trapped oil is released to the sea surface.

Figure 6: Mass balance for the simulation. Vertical dashed line indicates 3.5 days into simulation.

This example shows the fundamental oil-in-ice advection and oil weathering features and the display of that
information. To implement a complete scenario it is necessary to input the ice cover polygons for monthly (or
more frequent) cover in the area of interest.

130