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SARMAP
Version 7 Technical User’s Manual (July 2016)

rpsgroup.com
SARMAP v. 7

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. i
About SARMAP ............................................................................................................... 1
1 Computational Methods ............................................................................................ 3
2 About This Manual .................................................................................................... 4
3 Running a Search and Rescue (SAR) Scenario ....................................................... 4
3.1 Setting Up a Marine SAR Scenario .............................................................................. 4
3.1.1 Inputting Scenario Information ................................................................................ 6
3.1.2 The Scenario Tab ................................................................................................... 6
3.1.3 The Object Tab ....................................................................................................... 8
3.1.4 The Winds Tab ....................................................................................................... 9
3.1.5 The Currents Tab...................................................................................................14
3.1.6 The Parameters tab ...............................................................................................16
3.1.7 The Review tab ......................................................................................................17
3.2 Setting up an Aeronautical Scenario ...........................................................................19
3.2.1 The Scenario tab ...................................................................................................20
3.2.2 The Object tab .......................................................................................................20
3.2.3 The Winds tab .......................................................................................................22
3.2.4 The Currents tab ....................................................................................................22
3.2.5 The Parameters tab ...............................................................................................22
3.2.6 The Review tab ......................................................................................................23
3.3 Updating Last Known Position ....................................................................................24
3.3.1 Moving the Accident Site .......................................................................................24
3.3.2 Adding Accident Site ..............................................................................................24
3.3.3 Running the Model with Track Line LKP ................................................................25

4 Viewing SAR Scenario Results ............................................................................... 28

4.1 Viewing Multiple Scenarios .........................................................................................29
4.2 Model Display Settings................................................................................................30

Appendix 1
SARMAP v. 7

4.2.1 Model Display Settings Menu.................................................................................30

4.2.2 Model Display Settings Shortcut Menu ..................................................................32
4.3 Export to Shapefile/Google Earth File .........................................................................33
4.4 GPX Export .................................................................................................................33

5 Search Planning ..................................................................................................... 34

5.1 Adding Search and Rescue Units ...............................................................................35
5.2 Deploying Search and Rescue Units ...........................................................................36
5.2.1 Search Tab: ...........................................................................................................37
5.2.2 Endurance Tab: .....................................................................................................38
5.2.3 Search Pattern Tab: ...............................................................................................39
5.2.4 Search Area Tab:...................................................................................................41
5.3 Modifying Search Areas ..............................................................................................44
5.3.1 Modifying the Predicted Search Area .....................................................................44
5.3.2 Subdividing a Rectangular Search Area ................................................................45
5.3.3 Creating User Defined Search Areas .....................................................................46
5.4 Saving Search Plans...................................................................................................46
5.5 Reporting Search Plans ..............................................................................................47

6 Data Menu .............................................................................................................. 49

6.1 Winds..........................................................................................................................49
6.1.1 Entering Wind Data ................................................................................................51
6.1.2 Editing Wind Data ..................................................................................................52
6.1.3 Importing Wind Data ..............................................................................................53
6.1.4 Updating the Winds Layer ......................................................................................53
6.2 Currents ......................................................................................................................54
6.2.1 Types of Currents ..................................................................................................54
6.2.2 Viewing Current Data .............................................................................................55
6.2.3 Creating a Currents Grid ........................................................................................55
6.2.4 Editing a Current Grid ............................................................................................57

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6.2.5 Adding/Editing Current Vectors ..............................................................................58

6.2.6 Filling the Current Field ..........................................................................................59
6.2.7 Currents Display Options .......................................................................................60
6.2.8 Scaling Current Data .............................................................................................61
6.3 Land-Water Grid .........................................................................................................62
6.3.1 Displaying a Land-Water Grid ................................................................................62
6.3.2 Creating a Land-Water Grid ...................................................................................62
6.3.3 Editing a Land-Water Grid .....................................................................................63

7 Tools Menu ............................................................................................................. 64

7.1 Deleting Scenario Files ...............................................................................................64
7.2 Scenario Compression and Extraction Tools...............................................................65
7.2.1 Compression .........................................................................................................65
7.2.2 Extraction...............................................................................................................66

8 Managing geographic locations and basemaps ...................................................... 67

8.1 Creating New Base Maps ...........................................................................................67
8.2 Selecting a Base Map .................................................................................................68
8.2.1 Selecting ENC (S57) as a Base Map .....................................................................69
8.2.2 Displaying a Land-Water Grid ECDIS Chart Update Instructions ...........................69
8.2.3 Selecting C-Map Charts as a Base Map ................................................................69
8.2.4 Selecting a WMS Service as a Base Map ..............................................................70
8.2.5 Selecting an ArcIMS Service as a Base Map .........................................................70
8.3 New Location ..............................................................................................................71
8.3.1 Creating a New Location from the SARMAP CD ....................................................71
8.3.2 Creating a New Location from an External File ......................................................72
8.4 Display Settings ..........................................................................................................72
8.5 Measuring Distances ..................................................................................................74
8.6 Printing .......................................................................................................................75
8.7 Create AVI File ...........................................................................................................76

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9 Zoom Menu ............................................................................................................ 77

9.1 Create Zoom Window .................................................................................................77
9.2 Zoom In Previous ........................................................................................................77
9.3 Zoom Out Previous .....................................................................................................78
9.4 Unzoom All .................................................................................................................78
9.5 Pan Map .....................................................................................................................78
9.6 Saving Zoom Windows ...............................................................................................78
9.7 Zoom to Layer.............................................................................................................79

10 GIS ...................................................................................................................... 79
10.1 Understanding GIS Objects and Layers ......................................................................79
10.1.1 Layer Order .........................................................................................................80
10.1.2 Deleting Layers ....................................................................................................80
10.1.3 Attach/Create New Layer .....................................................................................81
10.1.4 Layer Properties ..................................................................................................81
10.2 Adding GIS Objects ....................................................................................................82
10.3 Interrogating GIS Objects............................................................................................83
10.4 Link Files ....................................................................................................................84
10.5 Editing the Attribute Data of GIS Objects ....................................................................85
10.6 Moving and Copying GIS Objects ...............................................................................86
10.6.1 To move an object: ..............................................................................................86
10.6.2 Moving Polyline and Polygon Vertices .................................................................86
10.7 Deleting GIS Objects ..................................................................................................87
10.8 Select Sets..................................................................................................................87
10.9 GIS Databases ...........................................................................................................89
10.9.1 Adding Databases ...............................................................................................89
10.9.2 Changing Databases ...........................................................................................89
10.10 Find a Location ......................................................................................................90
10.11 Attaching External Files to GIS Layers ...................................................................90

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10.11.1 ASA GIS Files ................................................................................................91

10.11.2 ArcView Shape files .......................................................................................91
10.11.3 Microsoft Access and dBase Tables ..............................................................91
10.11.4 Attaching an Access or dBase Table ..............................................................91
10.11.5 ArcView FLT Grid Files ..................................................................................92
10.11.6 NetCDF Files .................................................................................................92
10.11.7 Map Services .................................................................................................93
10.11.8 GeoTiff Files...................................................................................................94

11 Live Data Tab (Table of Contents) ...................................................................... 95

11.1 Live Data Layers .........................................................................................................95
11.2 Weather and Oceanographic Information Layers ........................................................96
11.3 SLDMB Drifter locations ..............................................................................................98
11.4 AIS vessel tracking data..............................................................................................98

12 Search and Rescue Model: Overview ................................................................. 99

12.1 Types of Solutions ......................................................................................................99
12.2 Datum Transport .......................................................................................................100
12.3 Search Area ..............................................................................................................100

13 References ........................................................................................................ 102

14 Appendix ............................................................................................................... 1
14.1 .ASW Import Wind File Format..................................................................................... 1
14.2 TIE Format for GIS Data Import/Export ........................................................................ 3
14.3 PDW File Format for Wind Speed and Direction Probability ......................................... 5
14.4 Current Latitude, Longitude, U, V, File Format (.LLU) .................................................. 8
14.5 Canadian Current File Format .....................................................................................10

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About SARMAP
SARMAP is a GIS-based search and rescue model used to predict the path of different floating
objects in marine or fresh waters. SARMAP includes the ability to deploy search and rescue
units (SRUs), set their search patterns, and calculate the probability of containment (POC),
probability of detection (POD), and probability of success (POS). The SARMAP model may
also be run in Backtrack mode to determine the potential origin of found objects.

SARMAP drift calculations are determined using either of two methods:

 IAMSAR Method, from the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search & Rescue
Manual (IAMSAR), IMO, 1999.

 Monte Carlo or Particle Method.

The IAMSAR solution allows multiple search objects in a scenario for a single Last Known
Position (LKP) but only a single object for multiple LKPs.

The Monte Carlo solution allows for more flexibility and in general is believed to provide a
smaller and more accurate search area. The Monte Carlo solution allows for:

 Multiple search objects (often referred to as targets) in a single simulation

 Initialization based on single point Last Known Position (LKP) or track line

 Probability cells

 Swept Area

 Polygon Search Area – Current time step/Swept Area

Several integrated components comprise the SARMAP model system. The model itself predicts
the movement of various floating objects (sailboat, raft, surfboard, etc.) on the water surface.
For these calculations, the model relies on environmental data such as wind and currents,
physical data such as the proximity of shorelines, and the drift characteristics of the floating
object in question. Each of these types of data can be input and edited using the appropriate
SARMAP component.

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 Boundary

Scenarios are the means of organizing model data and parameters into unique collections. A
scenario in SARMAP is a collection of information that defines a model simulation. This
information includes a definition of the search and rescue scenario (date, location, type of
missing object, etc.), the environmental data files (land-water boundary, winds and currents)
used in the simulation, and the search and rescue units deployed, all saved under a unique
scenario name. Any of the data files that comprise a scenario may belong to a single scenario
or to many scenarios.

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 (search
object’s predicted trajectory and search area) associated with it. Thus, the term scenario
describes both the inputs and the outputs of a model simulation. 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.

SARMAP also includes an embedded Geographic Information System (GIS). The 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 and navigational aids. These data are not necessarily
used by the model, but they are often helpful in analyzing and interpreting model results. SRUs
are included as a special type of GIS object which can be deployed in various search patterns
with different operating constraints to determine the probability of success of a given search.

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1 Computational Methods
Model output in SARMAP depends on the type of computational solution selected for the
simulation: the IAMSAR or Monte Carlo method. The IAMSAR solution determines the most
likely position based on the trajectory of three particles traveling left, right and straight
downwind. An error estimate, increasing with time, is computed for each particle, and a box
that circumscribes the error radius around each particle defines the most probable location of
the missing object after a given time period.

The Monte Carlo solution determines a probability grid based on the trajectory of a large
number of representative particles, each moving with some randomness. The grid divides the
area into colored sectors based on the probability of containment. A legend shows the
probabilities associated with each color. The probability values can be displayed in each sector
of the grid and the grid can be smoothed (see Model Display Settings).

IAMSAR Output Monte Carlo Output

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2 About This Manual
This manual explains the functionality of the SARMAP search and rescue modeling system and
provides a step-by-step guide to using its many features. To run a SAR simulation and view the
results, see Section 3. Section 5 describes the use of SARMAP’s search planning features.
Sections 4 and 6 describe how to create, modify and display data used in a simulation, such as
wind and current data and base maps. Section 7 discusses scenario management tools; and
Section 10 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
SARMAP.

3 Running a Search and Rescue (SAR) Scenario

This section describes how to specify and run a new SARMAP simulation, and how to view the
model predictions. Either a Forward or Backtrack scenario can be run; the setup is almost
identical. Use Backtrack mode to determine the approximate departure point of an object whose
location is known.

3.1 Setting Up a Marine SAR Scenario

First, set the appropriate geographic location for running the simulation. From the File menu,
select Geographic Location and choose the desired location. Follow the steps below to specify
the conditions of the scenario.

From the File menu, select New Scenario. There are three ways to specify the Last Known
Position (LKP) of the object in the water. Select:

 Click point Last Known Position on Map,

 Click Track Line with Start & End point on Map (see Running the Model with Track Line
LKP),

 Manually enter the latitude and longitude of the LKP.

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Once a position has been selected, a SARMAP window will open. Enter a name for this new
scenario. It is possible to manually change the LKP Coordinates on this form.

SARMAP now supports aeronautical searches, so it is necessary to specify Maritime scenario

or Aeronautical scenario in the Scenario Type dropdown. This section outlines the how to setup
a Maritime Scenario. The differences for setting up an Aeronautical model are described in the
next section: Setting up an Aeronautical Scenario.

The drop-down list in the Land Water Boundary field shows the available base maps and land-
water grids in the selected location. Select the base map (both ASA map file (BDM) and ESRI
shapefile (SHP) formats are supported) or grid file to use. To create a grid, see Creating a Land-
Water Grid for details.

After entering this information, the Search and Rescue Model form will appear on which to
specify the information needed to run a search and rescue simulation.

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3.1.1 Inputting Scenario Information
After initiating the incident with a scenario name and location, the SAR input form appears on
which to enter the remaining information about the incident. Data entry is organized into five
basic categories:

 Scenario

 Object

 Winds

 Currents

 Parameters

 Review

If the Advanced Options box (lower left corner of the form) is checked, the Parameters tab is
also available.

3.1.2 The Scenario Tab

The Scenario tab specifies general characteristics of the incident.

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  Description: Enter a description of the scenario (optional).

 Incident Start Time: Enter the date and time of the LKP. The default is the current date
and hour. Select the time zone of the incident from the drop-down list below the Release
Time field. If no time zone is selected, the time is assumed to be GMT (Greenwich Mean
Time).

 Forward SAR / Backtrack SAR: Select whether the model will be run in Forward
(default) or Backtrack mode. In Forward mode, the model predicts into the future,
starting from the release time. In Backtrack mode, the model predicts where the object
may have originated in order to arrive at the known location at the given Arrival Time. If
Backtrack mode is selected, the Release Time label is changed to Arrival Time. Enter
the time the object was found at the LKP location.

 Simulation length: Enter the length of time (in hours) for which the object’s position will
be tracked.

 Last Known Position: For a single point release, the form shows the latitude and
longitude entered previously for the LKP as well as error estimates of the position and
the navigational method used.

o Edit the latitude and longitude values, if necessary. The fields will have been
automatically set by the values chosen during scenario setup.
o From the drop-down list, select the navigational method used. This will
automatically adjust the Error field to the right. Alternately, enter an error in the
Error field manually.
o If the fix is based on dead reckoning, enter the dead reckoning distance (NM)
and error (%).

For a track line release, the endpoints and times of the line(s) are shown. To edit any of the
parameters, double click the line to access the Line Source Parameters window (see Running
the Model with Track Line LKP for additional information). The track line release option is not
available in Backtrack mode; if selected, the start point of the line is used as the LKP.

Click on Next to proceed to the next input tab.

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3.1.3 The Object Tab
The Object tab specifies the object(s) of the search and the type of computational method.

 Water Objects: At the top of the form, select the object(s) to be tracked. Categories
with a small ‘+’ to the left are defaults for that category. Click on the ‘+’ to display a list of
individual objects within the category. Multiple search objects may be selected. The
Release of SARMAP v6.10 includes and updated search objects database provided by
the US Coast Guard. It is now possible to run with a maximum of 9 objects
simultaneously.

 Computational Method: Select either the IAMSAR Method or the Monte Carlo solution
(see Computational Methods for more information).

 Wet/Dry Options: This functionality is only enabled if the user has the necessary data.
When enabled the user can select each search object and enter the associated object
draft. Please note that each object must be selected individually. If you would like
additional information on how to obtain the necessary data or how to use this
functionality please contact MapSupport@rpsgroup.com.

Click on Next to proceed to the next input tab.

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3.1.4 The Winds Tab
The Winds tab specifies the wind data used in the simulation. Four options are available for
specifying wind data:

 Manual winds

 Wind file

 Coastmap Environmental Data Server (EDS)

 No Winds

Manual Winds

Select the Manual Winds option to enter wind data at hourly intervals. You will be asked to enter
a default wind speed and direction (direction wind is coming from). Enter this data in the Default
Value window and click Update. A wind file with times spanning the time specified for the
simulation is created, using the default wind data. The wind file is given the same name as the
scenario. The wind data is displayed in the Wind Conditions window at hourly increments.

To edit the wind data, select the wind record to be edited and click Edit Cells, or double click on
the wind record. To edit a block of wind records, select the cells and click Edit Cells. Enter the

9
desired speed and direction for the selected record(s) on the wind data entry form, and the wind
data is updated.

Alternately, edit the wind data by clicking the Use Wind Tool button. See the Wind Data Editor
for details on using the wind tool.

Wind File

Data from an existing wind file may also be used. Use the Wind File option to use an existing
wind file stored in the active location. Click on the Select File button, and select the desired
wind file from the list of available files. The file listing includes the start and end times of the data
in each wind file. If you select a file that does not include data for the time of the simulation, a
warning message is displayed:

The selected wind file can be edited by double clicking on the file name to access the wind
editor (see the Wind Data Editor), and then saving the adjusted wind data. Note that the start
time of the wind data cannot be changed, although data may be appended to the wind file.

Click the New Wind button to create a new wind file using the wind data editor (see the Wind
Data Editor).

10
Coastmap Environmental Data Server (EDS)

Use the COASTMAP EDS option to download the most recent forecast data from the Coastmap
Environmental Data Server (EDS). The Coastmap EDS is a server that collects and
disseminates public and private weather, wind, and current forecasts and observation data. The
data is global and regional, and custom forecast products can be developed for specific regions.

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 two ways to defined 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 a number of 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.

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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.

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

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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 scenario_dataSource.NC. The downloaded times are listed in the File information
panel.

No Winds

Click the No Winds button to run the simulation without winds.

Once your wind type has been chosen click on Next to proceed to the next input tab.

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3.1.5 The Currents Tab
The Currents tab specifies the currents that will be used in the simulation. Three options are
available for specifying current data:

 Current file

 Coastmap Environmental Data Server (EDS)

 No Currents

Current File

Select the Current File option to select the desired currents file from the list of available files.
The file listing includes the start and end times of the currents in each file if the data are time
dependent. If the data are cyclic (e.g., tidal currents) or constant, no time is associated with the
data.

For certain .DIR files, such as user-created currents files, a High Tide Time field will appear in
the currents tab. If the High Tide Time is required, use 24-hour time (e.g., 1:15 p.m. is 13:15) to
specify the high tide on the day of the incident. Note that tidal currents entered with the current
data editor (see Creating a Currents Grid) 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

14
form allows the model to correctly phase these currents in the model. Time of high tide is the
time when the water elevation (not the currents) is the maximum. If a .DIR file is selected and
Tides & Currents (Nautical Software, Nobeltec Corporation) is installed on your PC, a Time of
High Tide button will appear to obtain high tide times from tidal stations near the incident site.

Coastmap Environmental Data Server (EDS)

Select the Coastmap option to download the most recent forecast data from the Coastmap
EDS. The data is downloaded in the same manner as the wind data. Click on the desired
currents 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 Currents folder of the active location. The file is named
scenario_dataSource.NC

No Currents

Click the No Currents button to run the simulation without winds.

Once your current type has been chosen click on Next to proceed to the next input tab. If the
Advanced Options option is selected, the next tab is the Parameters tab. If not, the Review
tab will open.

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3.1.6 The Parameters tab
The Parameters tab specifies various parameters used in the simulation. Default values (based
on your default settings) are set for these parameters, but they may be adjusted.

Model Parameters:
 Model Time Step: Enter the time step at which the model calculates the object’s
trajectory. In areas with complex currents, a smaller time step is necessary to resolve
the currents. The time step must be from 1 to 60 minutes; the default is 60 minutes.
 Output Time Interval: Enter the frequency at which simulation results are saved for
later display. The output time interval must be a whole multiple of the model time step
and cannot be less than the model time step. The default is 60 minutes.
 Number of Particles: Enter the number of particles needed for the scenario. The default
is 100.
 Slippery Shorelines: When this option is selected, objects reaching a shoreline do not
remain on the shoreline but continue to move along or off shore.

Shorelines: Select the Land-Water Boundary from the dropdown provided. The model uses this
shoreline as the model boundary.

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@rpsgroup.com.

 Use Wet/Dry Information: Check this on to use the wet/dry functionality

16
  Don’t Allow Refloating: Check this on to strand an object indefinitely. If this optiuon is not
chosen an object will be able to refloat.
 Datum Offset (m): set the Datum offset for wet/dry particles

Search Area Error Factors: These parameters are used only for the IAMSAR solution for
determining the size of the bounding box defining the search area.

 Safety Factor: The safety factor increases the size of the search area. Recommended
safety factors increase with the number of searches done, from a value of 1.1 for the first
search to a value of 2.3 for the fourth and successive searches.
 Drift Error: The drift error is a component of the total probable error (defined as the sum
of the drift error and the initial position error). The drift error is a measure of confidence
in the accuracy of the data (winds, currents) used to estimate the drift. It is calculated as
a fraction of the total drift. The fraction is typically 1/8 to 1/3 (.125 to 0.33), but need not
be restricted to this range.

Output Options:

 Create Auxiliary Currents File: Select this option to create a file of the currents used in
the simulation that can be displayed in sync with the trajectory predictions. This option is
not needed if currents from the Coastmap EDS (NC extension) are used.
 Create Model Output Shapefiles: Select this option to create shapefiles of the
simulation output.
Click on Next to proceed to the final input tab.

3.1.7 The Review tab

The Review tab provides an overview of the timing of the scenario and the selected
environmental data. From this display it can quickly be determined whether the wind and current
data spans the entire period being simulated.

The Review tab also allows you to change the Land-Water Boundary by selecting the desired
file from the drop-down list at the center of the window. The land-water boundary may be
specified by polygons or polylines (BDM or SHP file), or by gridded data. Note that the modeled
coastline may differ from the coastline displayed on the map, if the base map (see Selecting a
Base Map) is different than the land-water boundary used in the simulation.

17
If desired, click the Save As Default button in the lower left corner of the window to save the
parameters of this scenario as the default values for initializing future new scenarios.

Once all information has been entered, click Run SAR Model. See Viewing SARMAP
Simulation Results to display the predicted trajectory and Deploying SRUs to set up searches
based on the predicted search area.

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3.2 Setting up an Aeronautical Scenario
The option to conduct aerial scenarios is a valuable function of SARMAP. The aeronautical
model tracks an air-release until it hits the water’s surface or land (surface assumed to be
elevation 0). Next, a marine scenario can be run using the object’s entry point into the water as
the start point for the search or the location on land will be known.

Setting up an aeronautical model is similar to a marine one. From the File menu, select New
Scenario. Name the scenario and select Aeronautical Scenario from the Scenario Type
dropdown.

Differences with the Aeronautical model

Similar to the Marine scenario, the Aeronautical Run Model form is divided into tabs. The
Currents tab is disabled, however, because currents are not applicable to an aerial scenario.
The Scenario tab is the same for both Marine and Aeronautical models.

19
3.2.1 The Scenario tab

The scenario tab conatins the same information as the Marine Scenario. Please refer to this
section by clicking here

3.2.2 The Object tab

The Object tab specifies the object(s) of the search and the aeronautical characteristics

20
 Aeronautical Objects: select the object(s) to be tracked. Categories with a small ‘+’ to the
left are averages. Click on the ‘+’ to display a list of particular aircraft or parachutes within
the category. Any number of search objects may be selected.

Aeronautical Characteristics: depending on the plane or parachute chosen some default

values will be given. If parameters are known, the values can be overridden manually.

 Glide Ratio: For aircraft, enter the glide ratio, if known, from the aircraft’s flight manual
or manufacturer’s data. For parachutes, the value from Table N-13 of the IAMSAR
manual is the default.
 Glide True Air Speed: For aircraft, enter the actual value provided by the pilot, if
available. If not, enter the best glide true air speed from the aircraft’s flight manual or the
manufacturer’s data. There are no default values available from the SAR manual. The
user must find a Glide True Air Speed for the object that is being tracked. The model will
run only if a non-zero number is entered in this field for aircraft objects. Leave this entry
blank for parachutes.
 Descent Rate: This is the speed (ft/min) of the falling object at elevation zero (sea
level). Only used for parachutes, the value from Table N-13 of the IAMSAR manual is
the default. This option is greyed out for Aircraft.
 Descent Heading: This value is only applicable to aircraft. Enter the direction (a value
0-360) which the pilot has set for the descent of the aircraft. This value is not
necessarily the original course of the plane, but rather the direction headed on descent.

Site Details:

 Altitude: Enter the altitude of the object in feet.

 Wind Speed vs. Elevation: Click on the icon and the following window will appear:

Starting from the highest elevation (in ft), enter known wind direction and speed (kts). Wind
direction is a number 0-360. If a number greater than 360 is entered into the Wind direction
field, it will be converted to a direction within the 390 range.

If the Wind Speed vs Elevation form is completed, the model will use this data in preference to
hourly wind data from the Winds tab. The Winds tab will be disabled once this form is filled
out, as the information provided here is more detailed than the data in the Winds tab.

21
3.2.3 The Winds tab

If the Wind Speed vs Elevation window is not used, the Winds tab will provide wind data to the
air model. The Winds tab in the aeronautical scenario functions exactly as it does in a Marine
scenario.

3.2.4 The Currents tab

The Currents tab is disabled in the aeronautical model.

3.2.5 The Parameters tab

The Parameters tab shows several options, some of which are disabled for the Aeronautical
model. The Model Time Step (in the Model Parameters box) should be set to a short period (1
min) as the time it takes for an airborne object to descend is short.

22
3.2.6 The Review tab
As with the Marine Scenario, the Review tab shows an overview of the timing of the scenario
and the selected environmental data. In an aeronautical scenario, the only environmental data
visible will be Winds. The Review tab also allows you to change the Land-Water Boundary by
selecting the desired file from the drop-down list at the center of the window. The land-water
boundary may be specified by polygons or polylines (BDM or SHP file), or by gridded data. Note
that the modeled coastline may differ from the coastline displayed on the map, if the base map
(see Selecting a Base Map) is different than the land-water boundary used in the simulation.

23
3.3 Updating Last Known Position

3.3.1 Moving the Accident Site

To change the location of the accident site choose Select Accident Site from the Model menu.
Position the cursor on the map at the new accident location. Click on the map and the site icon
will appear in the new location. To proceed with running a model, go to Model Run SAR
Model.

3.3.2 Adding Accident Site

It is possible to have two accident sites in one scenario and track multiple objects at once. Go
to Model  Add Accident Site. With the accident site cursor, click the map on the location of
the second accident site. The Accident Site Information window will open. Each field in this
form is able to be edited. Use the Delete Site button to delete the new accident site. There is
currently a two accident limit per scenario. Each site can only have a single object.

To proceed with running a model go to Model  Run SARModel. Both sites will be listed in
the Site List of the Multiple Accident Sites. If editing a site is necessary, double click the
accident site to call up the Accident Site Information form.

In the Object tab, toggle between accident sites in the top dropdown menu. Select the object(s)
for each accident site. Each site may have its own object(s).

24
3.3.3 Running the Model with Track Line LKP
SARMAP scenarios can use a track line instead of a point to define the last known position of
the SAR target. To run the model using a track line, choose Add Track line from the Model
menu. Cross-hairs will appear on the map; click once to define the beginning of the track line
and once to define its end. Multiple track lines may be entered representing different legs of the
path.

25
After clicking the two points of a track line segment, the Line Source Parameters window will
appear. Use this form to set the departure time, speed of the SAR target, and the errors
associated with the estimates of the start and end line coordinates.

The coordinates of the start and end positions based on the mouse clicks are shown on this
form. Two methods are available for editing the coordinates:

1. Double click on the coordinates to access the Geo Point Editor and enter the desired
coordinates.

2. Click the button to the left of the coordinates to access the GIS Locator and set the
location relative to that of an existing GIS object. Select the GIS layer and object; the object’s
coordinates are shown in bold blue type at the bottom of the form. Enter a distance and
direction – the bold blue coordinates change to represent the relative location. On the GIS
Locator shown, the blue coordinates represent a point 5.0 nautical miles east (90o) of Daisy’s
Dive Shop. Click OK to set the track line point to these coordinates; click Cancel to leave the
coordinates unchanged.

The travel distance, bearing and arrival times are automatically calculated, and displayed at the
bottom of the form.

Continue creating track line segments until the last known position has been fully defined. The
departure time of subsequent line segments is initialized as the arrival time of the previously
entered segment, and can be edited if desired. The start position of subsequent line segments
is not automatically set to the end position of the previous segment, and must be edited if
necessary.

Once the track line(s) has been defined, the model can be run as described above (see SAR
Form). Only the Monte Carlo computation method is available. (Note: the mouse cursor remains
in “add track line” mode until you select another mode, e.g., select “Info” on the main toolbar.)

26
27
4 Viewing SAR Scenario Results

After the model is complete, use the tools on the Time Slider Toolbar at the bottom of the map
window to view the results. The Time Slider Toolbar is used to control the animation of SAR predictions
and the corresponding environmental data. It is organized with a time line on the top representing the

period of the simulation, and time controls/display below. The slider on the time line can be
dragged using the mouse to any position on the time line to display model output at that time.

The Interval field on the toolbar shows the time interval of the ticks on the time line. It can be
adjusted by double clicking in the field and entering a new time interval. The interval is initially
set to the output interval of the simulation. Other display intervals can be specified; however, the
display will only change based on the data’s output interval (i.e., data cannot be updated more
frequently than it was saved).

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.

The control buttons to the right of the time field control the animation
sequence.

Play the animation in reverse. (Note: Double click to move to start of scenario)

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

Stop the animation.

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

Play the animation. (Note: Double click to move to end of scenario)

28
4.1 Viewing Multiple Scenarios
The output of multiple Search and Rescue scenarios can be viewed simultaneously. From the
File menu, select Add Scenario. On the form, the active scenario is listed on the right. Select
the scenario to be added to the map display from the list on the left, click the Add button, and
the scenario is added to the view list on the right. (The active scenario is always included in the
view list, although it is not always listed in the view list.) After selecting the desired scenario(s)
for viewing, click OK.

When viewing the map display, all selected scenarios are animated. This feature facilitates
comparison of trajectory predictions based on different assumptions, such as different LKPs,
solution methodologies, or environmental forcing. For example, results of IAMSAR and Monte
Carlo solutions can be easily compared.

29
The active scenario is the last scenario drawn at each animation interval, so it is the scenario on
top. When comparing multiple scenarios, be aware that the output of some scenarios may be
hidden under other scenarios depending on the order in which they are drawn.

To remove a scenario from the display, select Add Scenario from the File menu. Select the
scenario to be removed from the view list on the right; the Add button changes to a Remove
button. Click the Remove button and the scenario no longer appears on the animation. Note
that the active scenario cannot be removed.

4.2 Model Display Settings

4.2.1 Model Display Settings Menu
To set the display options for SAR trajectory animations, either select the Model Display
Settings option from the Model menu or right-click on the map window and select Model
Display Settings. The SAR Display Settings window allows the user to customize the SAR
output display. Options that are not available for the active scenario will be grayed out.

 Display Model Current in sync with SAR: This option is

available only if the Create Auxiliary Currents File option
(Parameters tab of the SAR model form) was selected before
the simulation was run. If available, it will display the time-
varying current vectors used in the simulation in the vicinity of
the predicted trajectory.

 Display Incident Site: Displays the single point release site or

the track line that specifies the LKP on the map.

 Display Time Label on Map: Puts the scenario name, date

and time in the upper left corner of the map window. The date
and time are updated to agree with the time displayed on the
map.

 Display Area Status Window: Displays the search time, the

area covered, the coordinates of the search box, and the center
point of the search box. As the simulation is viewed, the values
in this form change with each time step. This window is status
report throughout the duration of the search.

 Display SRU Status Window: Displays a summary of information

about SRUs in the scenario. If there are multiple SRUs deployed,
each is listed in its own box within the SRU Status window. Use the
scroll bars or resize the status window to see all the deployed SRUs.

30
 Run Model with Full Window: Displays the model output
window while the simulation runs, instead of showing the
model progress window.

 Display Particles: Displays the location of the individual

particles used in the simulation to determine the missing
object’s trajectory. Particles representing different types of
objects are color coded differently. The colors can be edited on
the display’s Legends tab. The size of the particles shown on
the map can be changed in the Pixel Size field.

 Display Track Line: Shows the trajectory of the mean particle

location over the duration of the simulation. If this option is
active, track line can be annotated with the associated time
using Show Time Label every X hours.

 Display Output on Top: Shows the model output on top of

other layers.

 Display Area of Probability: Display a polygon area of

Probability showing the Current Time Step and Total Swept
Area. This feature is new to SARMAP.

 Display EDS Download Area on Map: Controls the display of the chosen EDS AOI.

Probability Grid:

 The dimensions of the probability grid can be set according to the degree of resolution
desired. The East-West and North-South dimensions do not need to be the same.
 Display Probability Grid: Select this option to display the grid. This option can also be
accessed from the Model Information window of the Model tab.
 Display Probability Values in Grid: This option puts a numeric probability in each sector of
the probability grid. The option can also be accessed from the Model Information window
of the Model tab.

Smooth Probabilities: Check this option ON to smooth the probability grid. Three degrees of
smoothing are available: low, medium and high.The number of smoothing cycles and the
smoothing alpha are automatically set depending on the degree of smoothing desired, but these
values can be overridden. The number of smoothing cycles is the number of times the
smoothing calculation is performed over the grid. The smoothing alpha (0-1) sets the degree of
identity maintained by each sector in the smoothing process. (For values close to 1, neighboring
sectors have very little effect; for values close to 0, a sector is overwhelmed by its neighbors.)

31
4.2.2 Model Display Settings Shortcut Menu
It is now possible to access a shortlist of the model display settings from the Table of contents.
Click on next to the scenario name to show the model information panel. Here you will find a
short list of the model display settings.

It is now possible to display an ABCD bounding box around the particles in a Monte Carlo
scenario.

Create and run a new Monte

Carlo scenario by clicking on File -
> New Scenario.

Once the model has run click on

to display the Model
Information panel.

Click on ‘Show Area Status

Bounding Box’ to display the
ABCD Bounding Box around all
particles as is shown in the figure
to the right.

32
4.3 Export to Shapefile/Google Earth File
To export the results of a SAR Model, go to Model  Export to
Shapefile/Google Earth File. An .SHP or a .KML file of the
simulation can be exported through this window. A box on the
right shows all the time steps in the scenario. Select individual
steps manually, or select from the Time Steps options box the
interval of steps to be exported. By default, the file is exported to
the Shape folder in the geographic location of the scenario.
Click Browse to change the destination of the exported file.

4.4 GPX Export

The GPX export has been updated to allow users to export tracks and
end points. It is also now possible to select which SRUs patterns to
export.

To export to GPX go to Model a Export to GPX like is shown in the

illustration to the right.The Export Search Patterns to GPX
window will appear and list all of the SRUs that are currently
deployed. Please note that you may only export the patterns
from deployed SRUs Select the SRUs to export and click Export.

The Save As window will open. The GPX file will default to
your scenario name but you can change the name by clicking
in the file name file. The file is automatically saved to the
SHAPE folder in your location. You can now import your GPX
file into your GPS display software. An example of Google
Earth is shown to the right.

Note: As a result of the version 7 enchantment SRU flanking

deployment, the GPX exporting feature has been revised. The
revisions enable the user to:
 Assign their own file name
 Flanking vessels are included, and exported as
additional GPX files, each one is appended with _1 or
_2 etc. depending on the vessel number.

33
5 Search Planning
SARMAP includes a number of sophisticated tools to plan searches and lay out search patterns.
The basic features of SARMAP’s search planning tools are:

1. Search and Rescue Unit (SRU) database

The SRU database stores the SRU home base, speed, and endurance. SARMAP makes an
estimate of the time (based on a straight line calculation) it will take the SRU to reach a search
area.

2. Search Areas

An SRU is deployed to a search area. There are 3 types of search area:

 A model-calculated search area that drifts over time. An SRU can be assigned to this
drifting area at a particular time so it is considered static, or over a sequence of times so
the overall search area covers the drifting area as it expands over time.

 A user-defined rectangular search area. The rectangle can be rotated and resized, and
subdivided into sub-areas. An SRU can be deployed to the rectangular search area or its
sub-areas.

 A user-defined polygon search area. The polygon can be created to conform to a

specific shape. This is often used near the coast to define a search area that does not
overlap land. An SRU can be deployed to the polygon search area.

User-defined search areas may be specified without running the model, so search areas can be
defined anywhere on the map, including on land.

All search areas become GIS objects once created, whether they originate as model-calculated
or user-defined. They can be resized, rotated or re-positioned using the toolbar Edit Object and
Move Object features.
SPECIFY SEARCH AREA

MODEL-CALCULATED USER-DEFINED
SEARCH AREA SEARCH AREA

DEPLOY SRU TO SEARCH

AREA

34
3. Subsequent Searches

Once an SRU is deployed, its deployment parameters can be modified, but it must be
undeployed before it can be deployed again. A planned search can be saved as a completed
search, allowing the SRU to be undeployed, and then redeployed to a new search area.

4. Reporting

Once the search plan is complete, the user can automatically generate a Word or Ascii report
that contains the search plan.

5.1 Adding Search and Rescue Units

There are three ways to add an SRU:

 open the SRUs collapsible menu box in the Model navigation pane, right-click in the
white area and select Add New Fixed SRU, or

 select Add Fixed SRU from the Model menu, or

 open the Model Layers collapsible menu box in the Model navigation pane, select
FixedSRUs as the active layer (highlighted), then select Add Object from the GIS
menu.

After the prompt to Click SRU Home Base on the Map

appears, click on a location. Enter data describing the
SRU on the FixedSRUs form that appears.

 The latitude / longitude coordinates of the

location that was just entered by mouse are
given at the top and may be edited.

 Name: the name of the SRU (for example, Helo1

or Boat1)

 Type: the type of rescue unit (helicopter, boat,

etc.)

 Speed: the speed (knots) of the SRU

 Endurance: the length of time (hours) the SRU

35
 can be active before it needs to re-fuel

 Range: the distance (nautical miles) the SRU can cover before it needs to re-fuel

 To change the icon representing the SRU, click on the icon shown in the upper right.
The Icon Selector window appears. Use it to set the size, color, and shape of the icon.

Click OK when done.

The new SRU will be displayed on the map and added to the SRUs menu in the Model
navigation pane. Next to its name in the SRUs menu is the distance or time (in parentheses)
from the SRU to the center of the search area. Right-click in the SRUs menu box and select
Sort Option to select whether to display distance or time from the home base to the search
area, and to sort the SRUs accordingly.

5.2 Deploying Search and Rescue Units

To deploy an SRU to search a model-predicted search area, animate the trajectory display until the
time the search is to begin. To deploy an SRU to a user-defined search area, first create the search
area.

To deploy an SRU and set its search pattern, either

 Right click on the SRU name or icon in the SRUs
menu in the Model navigation pane and select
Deploy SRU, or

 Double click the SRU name or icon in the SRUs

menu in the Model navigation pane.

This will access the SRU deployment form for the selected SRU. SRUs that are deployed are highlighted
in the SRUs menu in the Model navigation pane.

The deployment form contains parameters defining the SRU and the search. The title of the form is the
name of the deployed SRU. There are four tabs in this form: Search, Endurance, Search Pattern, and
Search Area.

36
5.2.1 Search Tab:
Select Marine search or Land search.

Search Unit: The type of search unit is automatically

selected based on the data entered in the SRU
properties. If needed, change the SRU type to one of
the options in the drop-down list.

Based on the type of Search Unit, select the

 Vessel Type: select the closest approximation

to the vessel size.
 Search Object: Select the closest
approximation to the missing object.
 Met. Visibility: Select the closest approximation
to the actual visibility.
 Weather: Select the appropriate wind/wave
conditions.
 Altitude: For aircraft, select the closest
approximation to the actual altitude while
searching.
 Include Fatigue Factor: Check this option if the rescue crew has an above average
fatigue level. This will reduce the corrected sweep width by an additional 10%.
 Search Speed: Enter the speed, in knots, of the search unit.
 Suggested Sweep Width: Sweep width is a measure of the ability to detect a search
object. Suggested Sweep Width adjusts to account for environmental conditions
(visibility, sea state) and operator fatigue. It is provided as a guide for setting the track
spacing.

For a Land Search, select the Search Unit, the Search

Object, Met. Visibility, and Terrain Type. If the Search
Unit is an aircraft, select an Altitude and Search Speed
as well.

37
5.2.2 Endurance Tab:
 Point of Departure/Return: Previously search
planning required the Search and Rescue Unit
(SRU) to deploy and return to the same location.
However this may not always be reflective of
reality, and there can be situations where an SRU
may need to return to a location that is not its
home base, or it may not be at its home base to
begin with and may need to deploy from another
location before returning to its home base. This
latest enhancement to SARMAP makes it possible
to deploy an SRU from one location (point of
departure) and then specify a different return
location (point of return). Both locations can differ
from the SRU home base location.

 SRU Transit Speed: This value represents the

SRU’s speed traveling to the search area. It
defaults to the speed (kts) specified in the SRU
properties, and may be changed.

 SRU Search Speed: This is the speed (kts) of the

SRU while the search is in progress. It defaults to
the transit speed, but may be changed.

 SRU Total Endurance: This value represents the length of time the SRU can be active
before it needs to re-fuel. It defaults to the SRU’s endurance time (hrs) specified in the SRU
properties, and may be changed.

 Distance to Search Area: This value is calculated as the distance (nm) from the Point of
departure to the search start point.

 Distance from Search Area: This value is the distance (nm) the SRU travels from the
search area to return to base (not necessarily the home base). This value is calculated as
the distance (nm) to the Point of return from the search end point

 Effective On-Scene Endurance (85%): This value is calculated based on the four
parameters described above and represents the time available for the SRU to search. If the
Lock option is checked, the endurance time can be set manually and is not affected by the
values above.

38
5.2.3 Search Pattern Tab:
 Track Spacing: For parallel, creeping line, and
expanding square search patterns, set the track spacing
(nm) to be used. A track spacing that is less than or equal
to one-half the Suggested Sweep Width results in a POD
of 100%.

Check the Manually Set Leg Length box to enter the Leg
Length and Angle of Leg Axis.

 Number of flanking assets: This new functionality

allows the user to automatically deploy vessels either
side of the main SRU vessel within a search area; this is
done to improve the probability of success (POS) for a
particular search by enabling tighter track spacing than
what would be possible with a single SRU asset.

 Leg Length: For Parallel, Creeping Line and Sector

searches, this specifies the length (nm) of an individual
leg within the search area.

 Angle: This is the rotation angle (degrees) of the search

pattern, and it defaults to the angle of the search area at the search start time. For a Monte
Carlo solution the angle is always 0 (360) signifying no rotation. For an IAMSAR solution the
angle of the search area can change between output time steps due to changes in winds
and currents. However the rotation angle of the search pattern remains constant at its initial
value. This value is provided for information purposes and cannot be changed here. To
change the angle, rotate the search area with the GIS tools.

Search Pattern: Select the type of search pattern to be employed.

 The Parallel Search pattern is normally used when the uncertainty in the
object's location is large, requiring a large area to be searched with a uniform
coverage. It is most effective when used over water or reasonably flat terrain.
A parallel sweep search pattern covers a rectangular area. To perform a
parallel search pattern, the search facility proceeds to the commence search
point in one corner of its assigned sub-area. The search legs are parallel to
the long sides of the rectangle. Successive legs are maintained parallel to
each other and one track spacing apart. (IAMSAR manual, Vol. 2, Section
5.5.8) The search is centered on the search area. Set the corner of the
rectangle in which the search begins.

 The Creeping Line search pattern is essentially the same as a parallel sweep
search except that the search legs are parallel to the short sides of the
rectangle instead of the long sides. Because the creeping line search pattern
requires many more turns to cover the same area, it is usually not as efficient
as the parallel line search pattern unless used by an aircraft working in co-
ordination with a vessel. (IAMSAR manual, Vol. 2, Section 5.5.11) The search

39
 is centered on the search area. Set the corner of the rectangle in which the search begins.

 The Expanding Square search pattern is effective when the location of the
search object is known within relatively close limits. The commence search
point for this pattern is always the datum position (or center of the search
area). The pattern then expands outward in concentric squares, providing
nearly uniform coverage of the area around the datum. (IAMSAR manual,
Vol. 2, Section 5.5.4)

 The Sector Search pattern is intended to search a circular area centered

on a datum. It consists of three triangular sectors, each composed of three
legs intersecting at the center. It is most effective when the datum position
is fairly well known and the search area is small. Because the track spacing
is very close near the center (datum), it ensures a high probability of
detection in the area where the target is most likely to be. (IAMSAR manual,
Vol. 2, Section 5.5.1)

Start Corner: For the Parallel and Creeping Line searches, specify the corner of the rectangular
area in which the search will begin. The starting location is designated by a small open circle.
The locations defined below are relative to a rectangle with no rotation.

 A – lower left

 B – upper left

 C – upper right

 D – lower right

40
5.2.4 Search Area Tab:

Search Area: Select the area to be searched from the

drop-down list of available areas. The list defaults to the
Current Model Search Area (i.e., the search area
defined by the active scenario), and includes any user-
defined search areas.

Several options are provided to refine the search area:

 Limit Pattern to Search Area: Check this option to

keep the search pattern within the search area
bounds, even if the SRU’s endurance would allow it
to search outside the bounds. Note that the search
pattern may not cover the entire search area if the
SRU’s endurance is not sufficient. In this case the
search pattern is centered in the search area.

 Display Turning Point Labels: Check this option to

label each vertex of the search pattern, starting with
0 at the start of the search. These labels may be
used for search coordination.

 Day Time Search Only: A common issue that

search and rescue operators face is the inability to effectively search for lost objects at night
resulting in searches only being carried out during daylight hours. The SARMAP asset
deployment has been updated to assist operators with this deployment schema by limiting
the available search period to daylight hours. This function will calculate the sunrise and/or
sunset time and limit the search time to account for a day time search. Previously there was
no automated control over whether the search occurred during daylight or at night time, and
so the user had to carefully determine the search area and times to correlate with day time
hours if this was an operational consideration.

 Estimated Search Start / End: These fields specify the timing of the search. The drop-
down list displays all the model output times saved for the active scenario. The default time
is the time of the map animation on the Time Slider Toolbar when the SRU is deployed.
Select the time the search is to begin in the Start field. For custom search areas, only a Start
field is available. For model search areas, the End time is specified as well. If the End time is
the same as the Start time, the search pattern is based on the size and location of the
search area at the Start time. If the End time is later than the Start time, the search pattern is
calculated to span the search areas determined for all times from the Start through the End
(i.e., a moving search area).

For a moving search area, a bounding box is placed

around all the individual search areas. The search
pattern is determined to cover the entire bounding box.
Therefore, the search pattern will span a larger area than

41
that covered by the cumulative individual search areas. The magnitude of the difference
depends on the change in size and orientation of the individual search areas.

 Drag SRU Area on Map: Once the search area/pattern has been defined (click Apply), click
this button to drag the search area to a new position on the map. The mouse cursor
changes to its “move object” form. Select the search area and move it to a new location.
Click Apply to recalculate the POD-POC-POS based on the new position.

o You may need to drag the deployment form to a new position in order to see the
search area/pattern you wish to move.
o The “move object” cursor can move any search area on the map. Take care to select
the correct search area.

POD-POC-POS: The goal of deploying an SRU is to maximize the Probability of Success

(POS). Achieving a maximum POS indicates that search efforts are optimally allocated. The
POS is the product of the Probability of Detection (POD) and the Probability of Containment
(POC).

 The POC is the probability that the search object is contained within the search area. It can
be maximized by adjusting the parameters (track spacing, on-scene endurance) of the
search pattern so that it fills the probable location of the search object.

 The POD measures the predicted performance of an SRU during a search. The POD is
calculated directly from the corrected sweep width and the track spacing through a
regression curve derived from the IAMSAR manual (IAMSAR manual, Volume 2, Appendix
N).

The POD, POC and POS are calculated and displayed in the POD-POC-POS frame of the SRU
deployment form. The POD (and POS) are updated in response to changes in the detection
factors described below. The POC (and POS) are updated when the Apply button is clicked
after changing search pattern parameters. These values are calculated based on the SRU
deployment and are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed search plan. Values
for POD are updated in response to values entered in the fields in this section. Values for POC
are updated in response to the selected search plan (endurance, area covered, etc.). The POS
is the product of the POD and the POC.

Click Apply to deploy the SRU, draw the search pattern on the map and update the POS
based on the specified search. If desired, change any values on the form and re-click Apply to
view the effect of the changes. Click Close to exit the deployment form without saving changes
(any changes already saved by clicking Apply must be manually undone). If the SRU is
deployed this window will show an Undeploy SRU button.

42
The Create Report button generates a report in either an ASCII file or a Word doc. See
Reporting Search Plans for details.

To view the search as it progresses over time, animate the model predictions using the Time
Slider Toolbar. The applied search pattern(s) are displayed on the map. When the animation
time reaches the time of an SRU’s deployment, a heavy red line indicates the part of the search
pattern completed by that time step.

The sequence of maps below shows the animation of the search pattern for model output at 20-
minute intervals. Note that initially (when the search begins) the search pattern and the model-
predicted search area are aligned. By the end of the search, the model-predicted search area is
noticeably different than the area covered by the search pattern.

Initially at time of 20 minutes later: 40 minutes later: 100 minutes later:

deployment: search search is underway. search is farther search is completed.
has not begun. along.

43
5.3 Modifying Search Areas
The SAR model predicts a search area that changes with time based on the type of search
object(s) and environmental conditions. This search area represents the best estimate of the
missing object’s location. However, it may be desirable to modify the predicted area, deploy
multiple SRUs to search sub-areas of the predicted area, or search additional areas. SARMAP
provides these capabilities, as described below.

5.3.1 Modifying the Predicted Search Area

The model-predicted search area may be resized, reshaped, rotated and/or moved. This allows
the search to focus on a larger or smaller area than predicted. Note that if the search area is
moved or resized outside the bounds of the model predicted search area, the POC shown on
the SRU deployment form will be 0.

To edit the search area:

1. Display the model predictions at the time of interest using the Time Slider Toolbar.

2. Deploy an SRU. On the SRU deployment form, select the Search Area to be the Current
Model Search Area. The search parameters are not important at this point. Click Apply.
(This step turns the search area into a GIS object. The GIS object’s name is the name of
the SRU and the deployment time.)

3. On the Model Layers navigation pane, make Search Areas the chosen layer

4. On the main toolbar select Edit Vertices, , then click on the search area.

The vertices are marked with squares and a rotation symbol is displayed along
one side. The mouse cursor changes to edit mode.

5. To rotate the search area, drag the rotation symbol to a new orientation. To resize the
search area, drag one of the vertices until the desired shape is achieved.

6. To save the modified search area, double click on the map, or right click the mouse. You
will be asked to verify that you want to save your changes. The search pattern from step
2 is fit to the new search area.

7. To modify the search pattern, Re-deploy the SRU and change the desired settings. On
the SRU deployment form, the Search Area field should show the modified search area
(SRU name and deployment time).

44
Once a search area has been modified, it becomes an object in the GIS layer Search Areas. It
can subsequently be further modified without repeating steps 1 and 2 above.

To move a search area to a different location, follow steps 1 and 2 above if the search area is
not already a GIS object.

1. On the Model Layers navigation pane, make Search Areas the active layer.

2. On the main toolbar select Move Object, then position the mouse over the search area
and drag it to its new location.

5.3.2 Subdividing a Rectangular Search Area

Any rectangular search area (whether model-predicted or user-defined) can be subdivided into
equally sized sub-areas. Subdividing a search area allows different SRUs to be deployed to the
different areas, thereby eliminating redundancy in the search planning.

To subdivide a rectangular search area:

1. On the Model Layers navigation pane, make Search Areas the active layer.

2. Using the Info button from the main toolbar, , Click on the rectangular search area
to be subdivided. If a model-predicted search area has not been converted to a GIS
object, follow steps 1 and 2 under Modifying the Predicted Search Area.
3. On the GIS object edit form, go to the Geo
tab. In the Sub-Divide section, select the
number of rows and columns to divide the
search area into, and click the Sub Divide
button. Note that rows and columns are
based on an area with 0 rotation. If the
search area is rotated, the rows and
columns may be swapped from what you expect. Exit the GIS object edit form.

4. A new GIS object is created for each sub-divided area created. The GIS objects are
given the name of the search area followed by a row-column designation. (Search areas
based on model predictions are given the name of the SRU that was deployed to the
area to create the GIS object.) For example a search area named Quick Search that is
divided into 2 rows and 1 column creates GIS objects named Quick Search-11 and
Quick Search-21.

5. A separate search pattern can be generated for each subdivided area. Deploy the SRU
and select the desired subdivided area from the drop-down list in the Search Area field.

45
5.3.3 Creating User Defined Search Areas
Search areas can be created that are not tied to model predictions. This allows search patterns
to be generated for other areas that may be based on different information or to generate a
custom area that closely follows a shoreline or other feature. To create a user defined search
area, select Add User Defined Search Area from the Model menu. Three options are
available:

 Add Rectangle. The cursor changes to a cross hair. Move the cross hair to one corner
of the rectangle and drag the cursor to the other corner to specify the rectangle. On the
Search Areas form that appears, enter a name for the search area. The search area can
be edited and SRUs can be deployed to it, as described above.

 Add Polygon. The cursor changes to a cross hair. Move the cross hair to a point on the
polygon and click. Continue moving the cross hair and clicking to define all the points of
the polygon. Double click to stop entering points. On the Search Areas form that
appears, enter a name for the search area. The search area can be edited and SRUs
can be deployed to it.

 Manual Entry. The Manual

SAR Area form appears for
manual data entry. Enter a
name for the search area,
and then select Add Point to
enter each point defining the
search area. Add Point
brings up the Geo Point
Editor form on which to enter
the latitude and longitude
coordinates of the points
defining the search area. As
each point is entered, it is
listed on the Manual SAR
Area form in the SAR Area
Vertices field. Click OK to
save the search area. The
area can be edited and
SRUs can be deployed to it.

5.4 Saving Search Plans

Once a search pattern has been defined, it may be saved as a GIS object for future display.
This feature allows multiple searches by the same SRU to be displayed on a common map. To
save a search pattern, right click on the name of the deployed SRU in the SRUs navigation
pane and select the option Save as Completed Search. The search pattern is saved in the
Completed Patterns layer of the Model Layers navigation pane. The name of the SRU and the

46
deployment time are saved with the search pattern. No other information, such as the POD-
POC-POS, is saved. Edit the GIS search object to enter additional text information you may
wish to save.

After a search pattern has been saved, the SRU can be redeployed for another search. It is not
necessary to undeploy the SRU first.

5.5 Reporting Search Plans

SARMAP includes the capability to automatically generate a report that summarizes the active
SAR scenario and details the search patterns of the deployed SRUs. The report does not
include completed searches that have been saved, once the SRU has been redeployed. The
report can be created as either a simple text file or as a Microsoft Word document.

A report can be created in any of the following ways:

 From the File menu, select Create Microsoft Word Report, Create Microsoft PowerPoint
Report or Create ASCII Text File Report

 On the SRUs navigation pane, right click on any SRU (it does not need to be deployed),
select SRU Report, and then select Word Report or ASCII Report

 On the SRU deployment form, click the Create Report button at the bottom left corner of
the form, then select Word Report or ASCII Report

The ASCII (text) report option creates a file named SRUreport.txt in the top-level SARMAP
folder, and opens the file in Notepad. The Word report option creates an unnamed file
(Document 1) in your My Documents folder, and opens the file in Word. To save the report with
a scenario- or search-specific name or in a different location, use the File > Save As option in
Notepad or Word.

Both types of report include:

 The scenario name, start time, and environmental data files used.

 Wind data at the center of the search area for the duration of the simulation

 The type of search object(s) and drift factors used to determine the trajectory

47
  The extent of the search area at the time the report was generated (based on the
animation time shown on the map display)

 Information on all deployed SRUs: name, deployment time, speed, endurance, POD-
POC-POS, search pattern type and vertices, etc.

The Word report offers additional features on the Export to Word Document form:

 The option to include the map display at the beginning of the report. Check the Include
Map option ON and specify a figure caption to appear below the map.

 The option to edit the contents of the report before it is created. Click the Edit Report
Content button to access the SAR Report Template.

 The first column (Source) of the template lists all the data fields available for
inclusion in the report.
 The second column (Display) lists the text that is displayed in the report to
describe the associated Source data. Click on a field and enter new text to
change the heading that will be included in the report.
 The third column (Visible) specifies whether the associated data is included in
the report. Click on Yes/No in the column to switch between Yes and No.
Click on OK at the bottom of the template to save any changes and close the form.

 The option to specify the formatting of the report. In the Word Template field, enter the
name of an existing template file (.DOT) to apply the defined format to the document.
This allows the report to be customized by using a specific template such as a Fax
template or an organization’s specific template.

 Click on OK to create the Word report.

48
6 Data Menu
In this chapter the steps required to create the environmental data files used by the models in
SARMAP are described.

The models use several types of input data for a scenario.

1. A wind time series. The wind time series provides the model with wind data measured
and/or forecast in the vicinity of the incident. The wind data consists of wind speed and
direction for a period covering the simulation.

2. A current field (optional). Although the model will run without current data, including
the currents will allow a better estimation of the object’s movement. Current data are
entered on a grid similar to the land-water grid, but typically at coarser resolution.

3. The land-water boundary. The land-water boundary can be defined by either a base
map or a grid. Polyline and polygon base maps in BDM and SHP file formats are
supported. Alternately a grid covering all or some part of the base map in the active
location may be used to specify which areas are land and which are water. The grid
should cover the LKP and the surrounding area of interest (objects that move outside the
grid are not tracked).

4. The object characteristics. SARMAP contains a library defining the characteristics of

multiple objects as they drift in water. Many types of watercraft are available, as well as
a person in the water (PIW) or medical waste.

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

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.

49
 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.

 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.

50
6.1.1 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.

51
6.1.2 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:

 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).

 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.

 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:

 Scroll to the end of the wind record listing.

 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.

52
6.1.3 Importing Wind Data
A wind data file can be created in the ASW format (see Appendix) using a text editor and
imported into SARMAP 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.

6.1.4 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.

53
6.2 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. SARMAP 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.

6.2.1 Types of Currents

The SARMAP current painting utility allows two types of currents to be input:

 stationary background currents

 tidal currents

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.

54
6.2.2 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.

6.2.3 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.

55
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.

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.

6. 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.

56
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.

6.2.4 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.

57
6.2.5 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.

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:

 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.

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.

 Right-click on any current grid cell to enter the current vector values exactly.

58
 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.

6.2.6 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; the Smooth 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.

59
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.

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.

6.2.7 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.

60
6.2.8 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.

61
6.3 Land-Water Grid
In order to run a simulation, you must have a land-water grid to define the shoreline features.
The grid is a rectangular mesh of individual cells covering the area of interest. Each cell in the
land-water grid is classified as either land or water. Along the shoreline each cell is further
subdivided for increased resolution and each subdivided cell is classified as land or water. You
specify the extent of the grid and the number/size of grid cells. The maximum grid size is 1000
by 1000 cells.

6.3.1 Displaying a Land-Water Grid

The name of the active land-water grid is displayed in the GIS Layers window. Use Edit
Scenario in the File menu to change the selected land-water grid. Use Layer Properties (right-
click on layer) to change the grid display options.

6.3.2 Creating a Land-Water Grid

The land-water grid is created by the following sequence of steps:

1. Ensure that your base map is an ASA Map File (*.bdm), an ASA GIS Layer (*.gdw), or
an ESRI shapefile (*.shp). SARMAP can distinguish between land and water using one
of these formats only.

2. Select Create Land-Water Grid from the Data menu.

3. While holding down the left mouse button, drag a box on the map defining the area to be
covered by the grid.

4. Enter a name for the grid file and the number of grid cells in the X (east-west) and Y
(north-south) directions. There can be a maximum of 1000 grid cells in each direction;
the minimum is 1 cell.

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 5. 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 precisely
matches the dimensions of an existing grid, yet increases, decreases or moves the area
of interest. To match your new grid to an existing grid select Use Dimensions of an
Existing Grid and select from the list of available grids.

6. Select the default depth for the new grid. These values may be edited later.

7. Select Fast Method or Slow Method for Grid Generation.

8. Click OK to save the grid.

A land-water grid will automatically be created for the area selected. When the process is
complete, choose whether or not to include this grid as part of the active scenario in the
confirmation window:

Examine your newly created grid closely to be sure that the delineation of land and water is
appropriate for your model simulation. The cell size should be small enough to resolve narrow
inlets as water cells and flag small islands as land, if such features are important in the area of
interest. If the grid is not appropriate, edit the grid to change the classification of individual cells,
or remake the grid using a smaller cell size or a larger number of cells.

6.3.3 Editing a Land-Water 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.

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 1. With the grid visible, select Edit Land-Water Grid Cell from the Data menu or select the
Grid Cell Edit tool on the toolbar.

2. Click on 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.
Note that along shorelines each grid cell is actually composed of 16 smaller cells to
increase resolution. Each of the smaller cells may be toggled between land and water in
the same manner as the larger cells.

3. Any full-size grid cell can be changed to a matrix of small cells if increased resolution is
required. To change a grid cell from full-size to 16 small cells, hold the SHIFT key down
while clicking on the cell to be changed. The reverse action cannot be taken, however;
a grid cell of 16 small cells cannot be changed into a single large cell. However, all 16
cells can be specified as either land or water to achieve the same effect.

4. Once all editing is complete, select Save Scenario under the File menu. The Save Grid
Changes window will open. Click Yes to save grid changes.

7 Tools Menu

7.1 Deleting Scenario Files

To delete unwanted files created by SARMAP, 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.

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7.2 Scenario Compression and Extraction Tools

7.2.1 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 SAR scenario to be
compressed into a single ZIP file. It is useful for archiving scenarios and for transferring
scenarios to other SARMAP users. The ZIP file includes all files required to recreate the
scenario as well as model output if the simulation has been run. Wind files are automatically
included in the ZIP file; grid and current files and the SRU database must be specifically
requested.

Type

 Search and Rescue Scenarios: Select this option to compress a single scenario. A list of all
existing scenarios in the active location will be displayed on the left. Select the scenario to
be compressed.
 Entire Geographic Location: Select this option to compress all SAR scenarios in the active
location.

Options (not available for Entire Geographic Location)

 Include Grid Files: Check this option if a grid file was used to represent the land-water
boundary and you wish to save it with the scenario. This option does not save a BDM or
SHP file used to specify the land-water boundary.

65
 Include Current Files: Check this option to include the currents file used in the scenario.
 Include SRU database: Check this option to include the database of SRUs used in the
scenario.
 Delete Files After Compression: Check this option to delete all input and output files
associated with the scenario.

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.

7.2.2 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.

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8 Managing geographic locations and basemaps
Each SARMAP 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.

SARMAP 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.

8.1 Creating New Base Maps

The base map in SARMAP 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.

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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.

8.2 Selecting a Base Map

As in SARMP v6.9 you can change the base map displayed in the current geographic location
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 SARMAP 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 below). A number of new
basemaps have been added to give the user a
broader choice of basemap visualization

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8.2.1 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.

8.2.2 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 updhist.txt 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.

8.2.3 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

69
 USB key. Once you have installed C-Map, you can activate the software from within
SARMAP.

8.2.4 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 SARMAP. 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 SARMAP 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

8.2.5 Selecting an ArcIMS 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

70
 available and these maps that can be used in SARMAP. A list of ESRI map servers is
provided with the SARMAP 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.

8.3 New Location

To create a new geographic location in SARMAP you must first create a new base map. There
are two options for creating a new geographic location:

 Import data from an SARMAP 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.

8.3.1 Creating a New Location from the SARMAP CD

SARMAP 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 SARMAP. 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.

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8.3.2 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.

8.4 Display Settings

Several options are available to adjust the SARMAP 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.

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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.

 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.

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Units:

 Specify the units used for longitude and latitude. Select the desired representation from a
drop-down list. Available options are decimal degrees (DD.DD), degrees and decimal
minutes (DD MM.MM), 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.

Vectors:

 Click on the color box next to 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.

8.5 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.

The distance tool can also be used to determine the travel

time to cover the length of distance by entering the speed.

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8.6 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 SARMAP 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.

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8.7 Create AVI File
SARMAP 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.

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9 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.

9.1 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 Create Zoom
Window icon on the SARMAP 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.

To zoom out around an area of the map display:

1. Click on the Zoom Out icon on the SARMAP 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.

9.2 Zoom In Previous

To return to a previous zoom window at a larger scale:

1. Select Zoom In Previous from the Zoom menu.

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 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.

9.3 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.

9.4 Unzoom All

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

9.5 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 SARMAP 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.

9.6 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.

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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.

9.7 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.

10 GIS

10.1 Understanding GIS Objects and Layers

SARMAP 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 (see Incorporating
Response Activities in Model Predictions in Chapter 7), 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.

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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.
Attach/Create New Layer

Toggle all layers On/Off Expand/collapse all layers

& Edit Layer Order
Active Layer

Toggle individual layers

Show layer properties
On/Off

10.1.1 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.

10.1.2 Deleting Layers

You can delete a layer by right clicking
and choosing delete from the dropdown
menu.

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10.1.3 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.

10.1.4 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.

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10.2 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 SARMAP a shortcut feature allows the user to quickly

create or attach a GIS layer. This function is also available
under the GIS menu in the SARMAP 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

 Enter any desired information on the attribute form.

 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.

10.3 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.

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 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.

10.4 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.

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 SARMAP 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.

SARMAP 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

84
with applications in File Manager or Windows Explorer, and SARMAP will use these
relationships to view link files (i.e., if DOC files are associated with Microsoft Word, then
SARMAP will open Microsoft Word to view a DOC link file).

10.5 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 SARMAP toolbar.

Click on the object to be edited. To edit any of

the attribute data, click on the Edit button at the
top of the window. 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, lin k 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 Data 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.

85
10.6 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).

10.6.1 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.

10.6.2 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.

86
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.

10.7 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.

2. In Interrogate mode, click on the object to be deleted. This brings up the Object
Attributes window.

3. Click on the Del button at the top of the Object Attributes window to delete the object.
You will be asked to verify that you want to delete the object.

10.8 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.

87
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 Radius

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’.

88
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.

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.

10.9 GIS Databases

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

10.9.1 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).

10.9.2 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.

89
10.10 Find a Location
The Position/GIS Locator tool is available
in the GIS menu as “Find a Location”. A
window appears, listing the existing GIS

objects for each GIS layer.

By selecting an object, its coordinates are

shown and the object is highlighted in the
map.

For polygon and other non-point objects, the center latitude/longitude location of the object is
shown.

10.11 Attaching External Files to GIS Layers

The SARMAP 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. ASA 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

90
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..

10.11.1 ASA 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.

10.11.2 ArcView Shape files

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

10.11.3 Microsoft Access and dBase Tables

SARMAP 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 SARMAP GIS each time SARMAP is started. In addition, any
editing or new records added within the SARMAP GIS will update the Access or dBase table.

10.11.4 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.

91
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 SARMAP 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.

10.11.5 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.

10.11.6 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.

92
10.11.7 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.

93
10.11.8 GeoTiff Files
GeoTIFF files may be accessed and loaded into the viewable window if they meet the
appropriate geographic parameters. Clicking on the Attach New Layer  Geo Tiff option will
bring a browse dialog to navigate to the desired Geo Tiff.

94
11 Live Data Tab (Table of Contents)
The live data tab allows users to customize SARMAP and include live data feeds. These are
add on custom layers. RPS ASA can assist with setting up live layers. For additional information
please contact MapSupport@rpsgroup.com

11.1 Live Data Layers

The Live Data feature in SARMAP has recently undergone
extensive development to include several new sources of
data, which greatly improves functionality within SARMAP
as an incident response planning tool.

Collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology

(BoM) has led to the inclusion of several useful layers being
included into the SARMAP system, which can be overlaid
on the electronic map.

 The Live Data layers can be found in the third tab

on the left of the map window (see figure to the
right).

Note: It is important to note that the data contained in the

Live Data layers is valid for the current point in time (i.e.
real time) and does NOT correlate to the timeslider or the
timing of the currently open scenario.

The Live Data layers are automatically updated based on the most up to date data that is
available on the server the data is being sourced from. No historical data is stored or available
from the Live Data servers.

The date stamp that the live data layer relates to is displayed as text in the lower left corner of
the map window. Note: this date/time stamp is in UTC.

 Additional weather and oceanographic details are now able to be displayed on the
screen under the present scenario. These layers are automatically updated through a
live web link.
 Self-locating datum marker buoy (SLDMB) drifter locations – Coming soon
 AIS vessel tracking data – Coming soon

95
11.2 Weather and Oceanographic Information Layers
The live weather and oceanographic information layers available from BoM include:

o Tropical Cyclone Tracks

o SST (Sea Surface Temperature) – Raster
o SST – Contours
o Wind Speed – Raster
o Wind Direction and Speed - Barbs
o Rainfall
o Mean Sea Level Pressure – Isobars
o Observed Visibility
o Satellite – Infra Red Greyscale
o Satellite – Infra Red False Colour
o Satellite – Visible Greyscale
o Satellite – Composite True Colour

 These layers can be accessed by selecting the appropriate

checkbox next to the layer of choice on the Live Data tab.
 The figure to the right shows the two BoM wind layers (Wind
Raster and Wind Barbs) selected.

Note: More than one layer may be selected, however as the layers will
draw on top of each other, it is recommended that only associated
layers are displayed together (i.e. wind speed raster and wind barbs, or
SST raster with SST contours).

If two raster layers are overlaid (i.e. SST raster and wind speed raster,
the resulting picture may be difficult to interpret.

 The legend for specific layers can be brought up by clicking on the arrow
symbol next to the layer of choice. This will then show a floating legend like the one
to the right.
 This can be positioned either on or off the map window, depending on requirements.
 To move the legend window, left click and hold the mouse on the window title (at the
top of the legend window) and move it to your desired location, then release the mouse.
 To close the legend window, click on the cross at the top right of the legend window.

96
Figure 1 SARMAP v7 – Sample maps showing BoM Live Data- upper figure shows Wind Raster and Wind
Barbs, lower figure shows SST Raster and SST Contours.

97
11.3 SLDMB Drifter locations
This tool is designed to show the Self Locating Datum Marker Buoy (SLDMB) drifters which are
deployed by AMSA, typically during maritime SAR or oil spill events. SLDMB drifters are used to
ground truth the ocean currents, and to determine which ocean forecast models may be
performing best at that given time and location.

 An additional inclusion is a tool called Model Skill, which is used to auto-validate the
various ocean current models via a skill score. This can be used to assist with decision
making when deciding which ocean current models to use.
 The Model Skill uses the SLDMB positions to run a 1 hour forecast every 6 hours.
 This feature is not yet fully operational - coming soon

11.4 AIS vessel tracking data

Live vessel tracking data is soon to be added to the list of Live Data layers accessible through
SARMAP. This functionality will display vessel locations for those vessels which have AIS
(Automatic Identification System) systems transmitting on board. As well as the vessel’s current
position, the system also shows direction of travel, vessel call sign and vessel state.

 This feature is not yet available - coming soon

98
12 Search and Rescue Model: Overview

The SARMAP Search and Rescue model (SARMAP) is based on the search planning
methodology set forth in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue
Manual (IAMSAR as corrected by the June 2000 errata and as supplemented by the US
national Search and Rescue Plan of May 2000). It is intended for use in marine Scenarios.

The model determines the most probable location of the search object, also known as datum,
and a search area around the datum. The position of the datum changes with time due to winds
and currents acting on the object. The search area increases with time and is related to the drift
of the datum.

12.1 Types of Solutions

In the SARMAP user interface the search object is selected from a list of 101 water objects and
24 air objects. Each search object has default values for determining the associated leeway
speed and divergence, and these values may be changed by the user. There is also an option
to input a second leeway speed factor. Depending on the values selected for the leeway speed
factor and divergence, the model will run with 1, 2, 3, or 6 datum points.

In the simplest case of one datum point, a single leeway speed factor is specified and the
divergence angle is zero. This solution will track a single datum which moves directly
downwind.

If a single leeway speed factor is specified with a non-zero divergence angle, the solution will
track three separate datums. One datum will move directly downwind while the other two
datums will move to the left and right, respectively, of downwind at the divergence angle. The
search area will then be computed to encompass all the datums.

When two separate leeway speed factors are specified, the model will compute a minimax
solution. The two leeway speed factors should be selected to encompass the range of probable
transport of the missing object. Thus one factor would represent the slowest the datum could be
expected to travel, and the other factor the fastest. If the divergence angle is zero, the solution
will track two datums moving directly downwind, one at the fast speed and one at the slow
speed. With a non-zero divergence angle the solution is based on six datums. Three move at
the fast speed, with one each to the left, right and straight downwind, while the other three move
at the slow speed, again to the left, right and straight downwind. The search area is computed to
encompass all the datums.

99
12.2 Datum Transport

Transport is the vector sum of three forces acting on the datum: sea currents, wind currents and
leeway. Each is described in more detail below.

Sea currents are due to the large-scale movement of ocean waters. The model uses spatially
and temporally varying currents stored in data files and specified by the user. These files
typically include tidal currents and/or mean background (over time scales of a season or more)
currents.

Wind currents are wind-driven currents generated by winds acting on the water surface over a
period of time. Wind currents are not important in nearshore areas, but should be calculated for
water depths greater than 30 m and distances greater than 30 km from shore. The user selects
whether or not to include wind currents as a forcing parameter. SARMAP calculates the wind
current based on the wind history for the previous 48 hours. Using the average wind speed over
6 hour blocks, the resulting wind current is computed by applying time- and latitude-dependent
speed and direction corrections to the wind speed. The contributions from each 6 hour
subperiod are added vectorially to give the local wind current. Tables of the speed and direction
corrections are given in both the IAMSAR manual and its US supplement.

Leeway is the drift resulting from winds blowing against the exposed (above water) surfaces of
the search object. The leeway is dependent on the type of search object. Objects with more
exposed area above the water line are more strongly affected by leeway, while completely
submerged objects are assumed to have no leeway. Leeway is specified as a fraction of the
wind speed. The SARMAP interface includes the standard search objects listed in the IAMSAR
manual. This list has been supplemented to include approximately fifty other search objects with
their associated leeway factors (Allen and Plourde, 1999).

In addition to traveling straight downwind, search objects may also be transported to the left or
right of downwind. This divergence angle also varies with type of object and a default value is
stored for each search object.

12.3 Search Area

The search area is calculated by first defining a search radius centered on each datum. The
search radius includes the probable errors inherent in estimating the datum’s drift and initial
position. The total probable error, E, is defined as the sum of the drift error, DE, and the initial
position error, X. The drift error is calculated as a fraction (typically 0.3) of the total drift. The

100
initial position error depends on the navigation method used by the search object. Default
values for the fix errors resulting from various means of navigation, including dead reckoning
errors.

Once a search radius has been calculated for each datum, a rectangle circumscribing all the
search radii is determined. This represents the total search area. The search area may also be
increased by a safety factor specified by the user. Recommended safety factors increase with
the number of searches done, from a value of 1.1 for the first search to a value of 2.3 for the
fourth and successive searches.

101
13 References
 The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR),
IMO, London/Montreal, Version 1.0, June 1999.

 Errata for the IAMSAR Version 1.0, IMO, London/Montreal, June 2000.

 The United States National Search and Rescue Supplement to the IAMSAR, National
Search and Rescue Committee, Washington DC, May 2000.

 Arthur A. Allen and Jeffery V. Plourde, Review of Leeway: Field Experiments and
Implementation, United States Coast Guard, April 1999

102
14 Appendix

14.1 .ASW Import Wind File Format

line 1: station latitude (decimal degrees) Real *4

line 2: N or S (is latitude North or South) Character *1

line 3: station longitude (decimal degrees) Real *4

line 4: E or W (is longitude East or West) Character *1

line 5: description of data (optional, can be blank) Character *80

line 6: year, month, day, hour (leave a space between each) Integer *2

wind record start

line 7: year, month, day, hour (leave a space between each) Integer *2

wind record ends

line 8: station height, units (height at which measurements Integer *2, character

made in meters, and units of

wind file, supports KNOTS & M/S)

line 9: year, month, day, hour, direction, speed Integer *2

• (Direction, 0o-360o,

• Speed in m/sec)

end

Appendix 1
Example

53.4144134521484

5.50178252160549E-03

DEMONST.WNE

96 3 9 7

96 3 11 15

10 KNOTS

96 3 9 7 22 15

96 3 9 8 22 15

96 3 9 9 68 15

96 3 9 10 68 15

96 3 9 11 112 15

96 3 9 12 112 15

Appendix 2
14.2 TIE Format for GIS Data Import/Export

The TIE file is an ASCII format used for exporting and importing map information contained in
SARMAP GIS layers. To import map data to a layer, assemble the data in an ASCII file using
the TIE format and import using the IMPORT/EXPORT FILES command found in the TOOLS
menu.

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)

Appendix 3
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

Appendix 4
14.3 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 models.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Probability data does not have to be entered for each month of the year,
but the models will stop if data are not available for the month the simulation is running.

FILENAME : \SARMAP\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

Appendix 5
VARIABLE DESCRIPTION:

Line 1 : id - station identifier

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 (i.e., 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, latpostion - 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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix 6
{ 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 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 16.99 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

Appendix 7
 .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

.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

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

filename : \SARMAP\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.

Appendix 8
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

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

Appendix 9
14.5 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]
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

Appendix 10
 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

Appendix 11