TAOS Model Output

Steps for creating TAOS MEOW maps in IDRISI or GrADS

Before an map can be created, the first step is to create the MEOW, using the MEOW utility in TAOS/L. Make sure to note the parameters used and that the parameter files indicate that IDRISI document files are to be produced. The resulting output can then be displayed in GrADS, IDRISI, as described below, or in ArcView.

Display the results in GrADS:

1. To use the GrADS menu, which is automatically produced by TAOS/L
   1. Select Results/GrADS Menu from the TAOS/L menu.
   2. Use the pan/zoom options to locate the area of interest.
2. It is also possible to create a static GrADS script for any given location. The example given below is for Antigua & Barbuda, focusing on the box bounded by latitudes 16.75 to 17.5 and longitudes -62.25 to -61.25. This example can be customized for other locations by changing the bounding coordinates and the various titles and filenames, which are specific to Antigua.
   1. Select ‘Results/GrADS Raw’ from the TAOS/L menu.
   2. At the GrADS command line type ‘Antigua’ to run the GrADS script for Antigua (see antigua.gs—this file must be in the current directory to run).

Display the results in IDRISI: (menu choices are given in italics)

1. Set the IDRISI environment to the correct working directory (Environment/ENVIRON). In the same window, ensure that the image file extension is set to ‘bin’. The files st.doc and ws.doc are required to display the st.bin (storm surge) and ws.bin (wind) maps in IDRISI.
2. Clip the TAOS storm surge output to the desired window and display the storm surge map, using the macro dispst.iml, through the ‘File/Run Macro’ menu selection. A unique code (up to 6 characters) must be given as a macro parameter to identify the output graphic file. This macro clips the output storm surge grid (st) to the specified geographic window. [The coordinates in this sample macro file are specific to Antigua & Barbuda—they must be changed when working with other countries.] The clipped output grid is multiplied by two (to allow the display of surge values to the ½ meter) and converted to an integer grid. IDRISI’s display launcher (display/DISPLAY launcher) is then used to display the results. The palette file surge.smp (not a readable text file) must be in the current directory for this macro to run. The resulting image is converted to a graphic file in the TIFF format.
3. Clip the TAOS maximum wind speed output to the desired window and display the wind speed map, using the macro dispws.iml, through the ‘File/Run Macro’ menu selection. A unique code (up to 6 characters) must be given as a macro parameter to identify the output graphic file. This macro clips the output wind speed grid (ws) to the specified geographic window. [The coordinates in this sample macro file are specific to Antigua & Barbuda—they must be changed when working with other countries.] The clipped output grid is multiplied by 1.944 to convert wind speeds from m/s to knots (a list of other useful conversion factors is available) and converted to an integer grid. IDRISI’s display launcher is then used to display the results. The palette file wind.smp (not a readable text file) must be in the current directory for this macro to run. The resulting image is converted to a graphic file in the TIFF format.