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Ocean Modelling for Resource Characterization Chapter | 8 217

Examples of validation metrics applied to a case study of Galway Bay are
given in Section 8.9.1.

8.6 TOOLS FOR MODEL PREPROCESSING
AND POSTPROCESSING
Preprocessing is one of the most important steps in ocean modelling. Once
sources of data have been assembled for model setup (e.g. Section 8.1.3), the
model grid and boundary conditions need to be prepared. There are a wide
variety of tools which can be used to help set up model grids and boundary
conditions, but the two that will be introduced here are Matlab and Blue Kenue.

8.6.1 Matlab

Matlab is a computing environment with a GUI and its own unique, and
relatively easy to learn, programming language. An example screenshot of
Matlab is shown in Fig. 8.14. Although commands can be entered directly
into the Command Window, Matlab is at its most powerful when a Matlab
script (i.e. a computer program) is developed and saved in the Editor Window
for subsequent execution—an example of which is shown in Fig. 8.14 (this is
actually part of the code use to create Fig. 8.7). Matlab is relatively easy to
learn, perhaps in contrast to more traditional programming languages such as
FORTRAN, as the generated variables instantly appear, and can be visualized,
in the Workspace. This aids any necessary debugging, and is particularly useful
for the novice user. Matlab also comes with excellent help features linked to
extensive documentation.

FIG. 8.14 Matlab environment.