We are releasing an update to GNOME and an updated Location File for the Lower Mississippi River.

New features and corrections in GNOME 1.3.6:

• A bug was fixed so that the Windows version of GNOME will not crash on exit if a BNA map contains duplicate points.
• GNOME was extended to support new current models in GOODS.
• Users can now choose the color of velocity vectors for currents and winds by shift-clicking on the mover name. A similar choice is offered for spills.
• Users can now select the output timestep for netCDF LE output. Hindcasting support was also added, and LE status and depth variables.
• Users can now model/simulate spills on lakes, to support GOODS maps.
• Users now have the option to export topology for the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) model data.
• Some command file fixes/extensions were completed.

The updated Lower Mississippi River Location File extends the current pattern and map up to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

To learn about changes and additions made to GNOME over the years, see the GNOME Development History.

A helpful addition to the GNOME Toolbox is the GNOME Online Oceanographic Data Server, or GOODS. GOODS is an online tool that helps GNOME users access base maps and publicly available ocean currents and winds from various models and data sources. You can then download the files in a format that can be read directly into GNOME (e.g., map files in BNA format; current and wind files in netCDF).

Visit the public GOODS site: http://gnome.orr.noaa.gov/goods.

GOODS is still under active development and we’re interested in your feedback. Please contact us with your questions, comments, or suggestions for GOODS.

Currently "under construction" is a new Location File for Charleston Harbor, S.C.

ERD is now in the process of developing the next generation of GNOME. This version will provide a number of new features, as well as a library of code that can be used by researchers for batch processing, integration with other models, etc.

While development is under way, the existing version will be maintained, supported, and will continue to be used for NOAA's spill response support.

New features in GNOME are planned to include:

• Web interface for Location Files
• Better 3-D support
• New deep water blowout model
• Integration with the NOAA ADIOS oil weathering model
• Easier initialization from overflight/remote sensing data
• Enhanced output for interaction with GIS systems
• Parallel processing for larger scale problems
• A scripting interface for automation and batch processing

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