OILMAP

OILMAP is a user-friendly, PC based oil spill model system suitable for use in oil spill response and contingency planning. It requires no knowledge of oil spill modelling. OILMAP provides rapid prediction of the movement of spilled oil and uses simple graphical procedures for quickly entering wind data and specifying a spill scenario. The system incorporates an embedded Geographic Information System (GIS) for storing any type of geographically referenced data and can be used to display model predictions in relation to important or sensitive resources.

Numerous options are available within OILMAP which allow the system to be customised to meet the user's needs. All have been rigorously tested in both actual spill events and spill drills.

The OILMAP software was developed by Applied Science Associates in the USA and commissioned by a consortium of companies, including Exxon, Chevron and Mobil Oil. To setup such a system in the Australian/Asian/Pacific region, AIMS provides a complete project management function.

In the last two years we have joined forces with Dr Graeme Hubbert of Global Environmental Modelling Services (GEMS) to supply our clients with the best available capability in oil spill prediction and contingency planning. Traditionally, oil spill models have used predicted wind forecasts in conjunction with historic current data. Whilst historic data may be suitable for training and contingency planning, it has no application to real time modelling. This collaboration has involved linking the GEMS 3D ocean model "GCOM3D" (formally known as "OILTRAK") with the OILMAP system. GCOM3D is a fully three-dimensional hydrodynamic model with proven capability of predicting near surface ocean currents around the continental shelf. GCOM3D focuses on predicting the particle trajectory path produced by the surface ocean currents during an oil spill. Embedded tidal and bathymetric databases are used in conjunction with forecast wind data to then provide a rapid forecast of the surface ocean currents. This hydrodynamic data is then used directly by OILMAP to drive the oil spill models.

It is important to note that this is a fully automated system. The operator is required only to enter wind data and define the area or boundary in which the modelling is to take place. These tasks can be performed in a matter of minutes using the OILMAP user-friendly graphics interface. The OILMAP/GCOM3D system is completely relocatable within the geographic area. A typical installation includes bathymetric and tidal databases and coastal map for the entire geographic area, the extent of which is defined by the client.

The final OILMAP/GCOM3D system provides a complete and comprehensive management tool for reducing the economic and environmental damage associated with an oil-spill and enables better planning of oil industry support facilities.

The capability of the OILMAP/GCOM3D system is unmatched by any other oil spill prediction system in the world.

Existing users of OILMAP/GCOM3D include:

• APACHE Energy for Australia's Northwest Shelf
• BHP throughout Australia and South-east Asia
• West Australia Petroleum (WAPET)
• The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for the National Oil Spill Response Plan and for Search and Rescue (SAR) in the Australia region

This image shows a sample output from GCOM3D viewed in the OILMAP interface. This is a 24 hour output of currents around Barrow Island (Northwest Shelf, Australia). This current file required 10 minutes of computing time to generate using a desktop PC with a Pentium Processor.

For further information contact:

Felicity McAllister
Australian Institute of Marine Science
e-Mail: f.mcallister@aims.gov.au
Telephone: 61-7-47534381

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Last updated - 23 July 98

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