WAVEMAP: A geographic information system for wave modelling in coastal areas

WAVEMAP is a software developed for personal computers which combines a state-of-the-art wave refraction-diffraction model with a Geographic Information System (GIS) through a powerful graphic user interface. The wave model is based on a hybrid finite element (FE) representation of the mild slope equation (MSE) that solves wave refraction-diffraction over gently sloping topography and in domains of arbitrary coastline geometry. Interactive functions (e.g., map zooming, distance/bearing, and geographic data visualization toots) and access of geographic databases (e.g., bathymetry, coastline, currents, tide,...) are provided by the GIS. The GIS features simplify defining geographic parameters for the wave model such as coastline, bathymetry, bottom friction, and boundary absorption. Interactive generation of the FE grid and graphic visualization of results permits efficient and optimal designs of harbors, breakwaters, and other coastal structures. Applications of WAVEMAP have accurately reproduced wave refraction-diffraction, reflection, and amplification patterns in both simple and complicated domains