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Downloading, Installing, and Running GNOME

Warning symbol Note:  This desktop version of NOAA’s oil spill trajectory model, GNOME, has been replaced by a Web-based version, WebGNOME, part of the GNOME Suite of oil spill modeling tools. Desktop GNOME has not been updated since September 2019 and will be retired in the coming months.

Follow these instructions for downloading, installing, and running Desktop GNOME, OR&R's spill trajectory software.

Downloading GNOME

The current version of Desktop GNOME is 1.3.11, and was posted to the Web on 9/12/19. Whenever you download a new version of GNOME, also be sure to download new copies of all the Location Files you are using. The Central Long Island Sound Location File comes with GNOME.

  1. Download the appropriate version of GNOME:
    • GNOME for Windows [Windows Executable, 1.6 MB]: Version 1.3.11. Compatible with Windows 10, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, and 8. [Note about Help files]
    • GNOME for Mac (Intel) [Zip, 1.6 MB]: Version 1.3.11. Requires Mac OS 10.6 or higher. The latest Mac OS (Catalina, 10.15) no longer supports 32-bit apps, so GNOME will only work on a Mac via a virtual machine. As an alternative, you may want to try WebGNOME.
  2. Download User's Manual and Location Files.

    Download the User's Manual, and then visit our Location File library where you can obtain Location Files to use in GNOME to model spill scenarios set in particular areas, such as Prince William Sound, Alaska, and Long Island Sound, New York.

  3. Consider Other Optional Files:
    • Mac users will need to install Quicktime Player from Apple Inc. on your computer in order to create and view GNOME movies.
    • Because QuickTime Player is no longer supported on Windows, Windows PC users will need to install an alternate player, such as VLC Media Player.
    • ArcView Extension File: Gnome.avx is an ArcView extension file you can use to view your GNOME trajectories in ArcView.
    • ArcMap Trajectory Import Tool: Gnome.dll is a tool you can use to import GNOME "splots" or NOAA trajectory products into ArcMap 9.x and 10.x.
Installing GNOME

On a Windows PC: Once you have downloaded the installation program, double-click the "GnomeSetup.exe" file icon, and follow the directions you'll see on your screen.

On a Mac: The GNOME Location Files have been compressed as self-extracting zip files so that they can be downloaded more easily from the Internet. [Need help with compressed files?]

Once you have unzipped GNOME, look for the GNOME program icon on your desktop.

Running GNOME

In Windows: To start GNOME, from the Start menu, under Programs, choose GNOME.

On a Mac: Double-click the GNOME program icon on your desktop to start GNOME. [Seeing an "unidentified developer" message?]  

Note about Help files for Windows Users [Back to text] To use the GNOME help topics in Windows Vista, 7, and 8, you will need to download and install the help application, WinHlp32.exe, from the Microsoft Download Center. Select the appropriate file to download and follow the on-screen instructions:

Questions: Contact us with your questions, comments, or suggestions for GNOME.

Last updated Wednesday, April 13, 2022 9:46pm PDT