Oceanographic Analytics tool-suite for Offshore Operations

For over 15 years, we have been dedicated to maintaining and expanding a suite of applications designed for oceanographic analytics. These tools play a critical role in predicting the impacts of extreme weather conditions such as waves, winds, and currents, providing valuable insights for maritime operations.

Our team is responsible for the continuous development and maintenance of a robust software suite available in MATLAB, ensuring reliability and efficiency for end users. Key responsibilities include:

• Ongoing maintenance and feature expansion to keep the tools up-to-date with evolving industry needs.
• Managing software releases and installations to ensure seamless updates for users.
• Providing end-user support, including answering questions and providing bug fixes.

To streamline oceanographic analysis, and enhance decision-making, the software suite offers a range of capabilities summarized in the next sections.

Intuitive Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

User Interfaces (UI) are designed with the users and aimed at reuse - to make sure the various analysis have a similar UI.

• Simplifies the modification of settings and execution of analyses.
• Allows users to save and reload analysis configurations and results.
• Ensures managed, reproducible, and auditable results by maintaining a structured storage system for input data, settings, and outputs.
• Implements change detection to preserve data integrity and track modifications.

Example of interactive map in MATLAB application

Flexible Scripting Capabilities

• MATLAB is known for its easy and extensive scripting capabilities. The tool suite embraces this and supports running analyses through tailored scripting functions, increasing efficiency for users.

Advanced Analysis Engines

The toolsuite integrates various analytical engines developed by both the client and our team, using MATLAB, FORTRAN, and Python to deliver comprehensive insights. Core functionalities include:

• Dataset selection and combination tools for preparing data to be analyzed.
• Statistical analysis over time and directional domains.
• Extreme value analysis to assess both normal and extreme weather conditions.
• Operational scheduling analysis for optimizing the planning of maritime operations.
• Vessel response simulations to extreme weather conditions.

Seamless Data Processing

• Handles input data from multiple sources, including text files, NetCDF, binary formats, and databases.
• Ensures compatibility and consistency across various data formats.

Automated Report Generation

• Generates reports in Word, Excel, and PDF, applying user-defined preferences such as font sizes, margins, and header/footer contents.
• Provides report previews with modification options before finalizing outputs.
• Ensures consistency by aligning with predefined reporting structures set by the analysis engines.

A Collaborative Development Process

The development process is a structured yet flexible approach to development, ensuring continuous improvement while adapting to evolving user needs.

Regular check-ins help keep development aligned with customer priorities and include:

• Progress discussions on agreed-upon tasks.
• Prioritization of new backlog items.
• Addressing reported issues and identifying potential enhancements.

Conclusion

Through continuous innovation, maintenance, and collaboration, we have helped enhance the capabilities of this oceanographic analytics suite for over 15 years. Our approach ensures that maritime professionals have access to reliable, cutting-edge tools so they can work as efficient as possible.