Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Related Model Support Programs
The programs and utilities listed here are used in support of some of the preferred/recommended, alternative, and screening models and include AERCOARE, AERMAP, AERPLOT, AERSURFACE, BPIP, BPIPPRM, BPIPPRM-Draft, CALMET2NCF, CALMPRO, CHAVG, CONCOR, EMS-HAP, MMIF, and MMIFstat.
| Related Programs Supporting Air Quality Modeling |
|---|
| AERCOARE |
| The Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) air-sea flux procedure was coded into a meteorological data preprocessor program called AERCOARE. AERCOARE can read overwater measured hourly meteorological data or predicted hourly meteorological data from the Mesoscale Model Interface (MMIF) program. The output from AERCOARE is used by the AERMOD dispersion program in a marine environment. An AERMOD-COARE approach was recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 as an alternative model to OCD for application in an Arctic ice-free environment with concurrence from the EPA Model Clearinghouse. Please reference the 2011 Model Clearinghouse formal action, record number 11-X-01. In that application, the COARE algorithm was applied to overwater measurements and the results assembled in a spreadsheet. AERCOARE replaces the need for post-processing with a spreadsheet, provides support for missing data, adds options for the treatment of overwater mixing heights, and can consider many different input data formats. |
| Model Code |
| Source Code (ZIP)(26.3 MB, 10-09-2012) |
| EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. Any proposed regulatory use of AERCOARE in providing inputs to dispersion models must be done in accordance with Appendix W and approved by the appropriate reviewing authority on a case-by-case basis. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Jay McAlpine of EPA's Region 10 Office. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to [email protected]. |
| Model Documentation |
| Users Manual (PDF)(32 pp, 633 KB, 10-09-2012, 910-R-12-008) AERCOARE Model Evaluation (PDF)(89 pp, 26 MB, 10-09-2012, 910-R-12-007) |
| AERMAP - Version 18081 |
| AERMAP is a terrain preprocessor for AERMOD. AERMAP processes commercially available Digital Elevation Data and creates a file suitable for use within an AERMOD control file. This file would contain elevation and hill-height scaling factors for each receptor in the air dispersion study. |
| Model Code |
|
Executable (ZIP)(2.1 MB, 03-22-2018) - 64-bit Operating Systems |
| Model Documentation |
|
Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 18081 (TXT)(1 KB, 03-22-2018) |
| Elevation Data Access |
|
Data Sources and Conversion of Elevation Data for AERMAP (PDF)(4 pp, 233 KB, 04-07-2020) |
| Related Procedure |
| XYZ Elevation Data Preparation and Entry Procedure (ZIP)(1.6 MB, 11-16-2000) - This file contains the user's guide, test case and a readme file. SDTS to DEM Format Conversion Program (ZIP)(209 KB, 12-22-2005) |
| AERPLOT - Versions 16216 and 13329 |
|
AERPLOT is a tool that converts the AERMOD.PLT (AERMOD plot file) output to a .KMZ (Google Earth) format for convenient receptor, contour, and gradient plotting. Receptors and contours are plotted and colored according to the respective concentrations. Source locations and source shapes can optionally be plotted. Version 16216 is the latest release version. |
| Model Code |
|
README (TXT)(6 KB, 08-03-2016) |
| Model Documentation |
|
AERPLOT Release Notes - Version 16216 (TXT)(6 KB, 08-03-2016) |
| AERSURFACE - Version 20060 |
| AERSURFACE is a tool that processes land cover data to determine the surface characteristics for use in AERMET. |
| Model Code |
|
Executable (v20060) (ZIP)(1.4 MB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE executable (64-bit for Windows) |
| Model Documentation |
|
AERSURFACE v20060 Transmittal Memo (PDF)(5 pp, 175 KB, 04-06-2020) README (TXT)(3 KB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE README File Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 20060 (PDF)(2 pp, 132 KB, 02-29-2020) User's Guide (PDF)(174 pp, 17.3 M, 02-29-2020, 454-B-20-008) - AERSURFACE User's Guide AERSURFACE Test Cases (ZIP)(91.8 MB, 03-31-2020) - AERSURFACE test case for RDU (2016 NLCD) Impervious Canopy Simulator (XLSX)(100 KB, 03-23-2020) - Simulate implementation of impervious and canopy data in assignment of surface roughness length to 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 developed categories AERSURFACE UG Appendix_G_Intercomparison 2001 NLCD (ZIP)(385 MB, 03-31-2020) - Input/output files for AERSURFACE intercomparison provided in the AERSURFACE User's Guide as "Section 11 Appendix G: Inter-comparison of AERSURFACE," including inter-comparison of AERSURFACE and AERMOD results based on 2001 NLCD (2011 edition) AERSURFACE UG Appendix_G_Intercomparison 2016 NLCD (ZIP)(1.1 GB, 04-02-2020) - Input/output files for AERSURFACE intercomparison provided in the AERSURFACE User's Guide as "Section 11 Appendix G: Inter-comparison of AERSURFACE," including inter-comparison of AERSURFACE and AERSURFACE results using 2001 NLCD (2011 edition) compared to the 2016 NLCD. |
| Land Surface Data Access |
|
NLCD Sources for AERSURFACE, Version 20060 (PDF)(9 pp, 1.6 MB, 04-23-2020) |
| BPIP |
| Building Profile Input Program (BPIP) is a PC-based program designed to incorporate the concepts and procedures expressed in the Good Engineering Practice (GEP) technical support document, Guideline for Determination of Good Engineering Practice Stack Height Revised (PDF)(101 pp, 4 MB, 06/01/1985, 450-4-80-023R), building downwash guidance, and other related references that correctly calculate building heights (bh) and projected building widths (pbw) for simple, multi-tiered, and groups of structures. This program is often used with the ISC3 model. This most recent version of BPIP, 04/21/04, has been upgraded with allocatable arrays while maintaining the basic functionality of the program. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(276 KB, 04-29-2004) |
| Model Documentation |
| README (TXT)(1 KB, 04-29-2004) User's Guide (PDF)(86 pp, 317 KB, 02-08-1995, 454-R-93-038) User's Guide Updates (PDF)(6 pp, 13 KB, 04-21-2004, 454-R-93-038) Model Change Bulletin #5 - Version Date 04112 (TXT)(57 KB, 04-29-2004) Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 95086 (TXT)(2 KB, 03-27-1995) Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 95039 (TXT)(31 KB, 02-08-1995) Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 94074 (TXT)(33 KB, 03-15-1994) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 93320 (TXT)(1 KB, 01-19-1994) |
| BPIPPRM (v04274) - Regulatory |
| Building Profile Input Program for PRIME (BPIPPRM) is the same as BPIP but includes an algorithm for calculating downwash values for input into the PRIME algorithm which is contained in such models as AERMOD. The input structure of BPIPPRM is the same as that of BPIP and is often used with the ISC3 model. For more information, see the BPIP User's Guides. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(323 KB, 12-07-2004) |
| Model Documentation |
| README (TXT)(5 KB, 12-07-2004) Addendum to the ISC3 User's Guide containing BPIPPRM documentation (PDF)(13 pp, 229 KB, 12-05-1997) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 04274 (TXT)(44 KB, 12-07-2004) |
| BPIPPRM (v19191_DRFT) - Draft |
|
We are pleased to announce that a draft version (19191_DRFT) of the BPIPPRM building preprocessor is now available for informal review, testing, and comment. This draft version of BPIPPRM is not a replacement for version 04274 and should not be used in a regulatory context. BPIPPRM version 19191_DRFT is being released simultaneously with AERMOD version 19191 to facilitate testing and evaluation of the ALPHA options associated with building downwash that were incorporated into AERMOD version 19191. In addition, the EPA is requesting feedback on the changes incorporated into this draft version of BPIPPRM for consideration in a future version of BPIPPRM that will replace version 04274. Refer to the Transmittal Memo and the Model Change Bulletin related to this draft version of BPIPPRM (19191_DRFT) for a complete description the updates and usage. Please note, that the updates to this draft version are limited in that they only apply to rectangular buildings and tiers that are oriented at an angle to the wind flow. Non-rectangular buildings and tiers are unaffected, and complex building configurations which comprised of a mixture of rectangular and non-rectangular tiers have not been tested. Again, the primary purpose of this draft version is to facilitate testing and evaluation of the ALPHA downwash options in AERMOD version 19191. The EPA would appreciate written informal comments no later than November 4, 2019. Please send questions and provide feedback to Clint Tillerson through email at [email protected] |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(1.4 MB, 08-21-2019) |
| Model Documentation |
| BPIPPRM, Version 19191 DRFT, Transmittal Letter (PDF) (7pp, 275 KB, 08-21-2019) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 19191 (PDF)(1p, 34 KB, 08-21-2019) |
| CALMET2NCF - Beta |
| The CALMET2NCF program allows users to convert multivariate gridded environmental datasets created by the CALMET meteorological model into netCDF format. This beta release of this program is written in Fortran 90 (f90) and C. These new files can then be visualized using the Visualization Environment for Rich Data Interpretation (VERDI). The CALMET2NCF users’ guide documents the program functionality, installation instructions, and shows example illustrations of CALMET output. There are currently 2 distributions of this code, one with all third party libraries (CALMET2netCDF_Libraries.tar.gz) and one with just pre-compiled executables (CALMET2netCDF.tar.gz). |
| Model Code |
| Source Code (GZ)(13 MB, 08-02-2012) Pre-compiled Executables (GZ)(9 MB, 08-06-2012) |
| EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. We will be providing an overview of these beta programs as part of the 10th Modeling Conference in mid-March 2012 and welcome comments on these tools. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to [email protected]. As necessary, we may provide updates for certain programs when necessary, but we are not currently supporting or maintaining these programs for regulatory applications. Based on input from the modeling community and our own assessment of these tools, we will determine if they should be considered for regulatory use and, if so, would need to undertake the necessary efforts to provide appropriate guidance and other supports for such use. |
| Model Documentation |
| Users Guide (PDF)(26 pp, 904 KB, 08-06-2012) |
| CALMPRO |
| Calms Processor (CALMPRO) is a meteorological processor which provides consistent application of handling calms by setting the wind direction of the calm hour to the last reported wind direction and the wind speed to 1 m/s. |
| Model Code and Documentation |
| Code/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(12 KB, 04-21-1989) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 84152 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-22-1989) |
| CHAVG |
| CHAVG is a post-processor program for computing running averages (averages that begin each hour and overlap) and end-to-end averages (averages that do not overlap) from hourly concentrations files. |
| Model Code and Documentation |
| Code/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(32 KB, 04-25-1989) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 81180 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-22-1989) |
| CONCOR |
| CONCOR is a program for converting latitude/longitude coordinates to UTM or UTM coordinates to latitude/longitude. |
| Model Code and Documentation |
| Code/Executable/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(31 KB, 08-21-1990) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 90239 (TXT)(2 KB, 08-27-1990) |
| EMS-HAP |
| The Emissions Modeling System for Hazardous Pollutants (EMS-HAP) is an emissions processor that performs the steps needed to process an emission inventory for input into the ASPEN model or the ISCST3 model. EMS-HAP is written in the SAS programming language and is designed to run on any UNIX workstation. The user will need a SAS license and some knowledge of SAS to use this program. |
| Model Code |
| EMS-HAP Modeling System (ZIP)(146 MB, 01-08-2009) |
| Model Documentation |
| Descriptive Statement (PDF)(1 p, 12 KB, 08-17-2004) Version 2: User's Guide (PDF)(452 pp, 5 MB, 08-01-2002, 454-B-02-001) - For reference only. Version 3: User's Guide (PDF)(448 pp, 3 MB, 08-30-2004, 454-B-03-006) |
| MMIF |
|
The Mesoscale Model Interface Program (MMIF) converts prognostic meteorological model output fields to the parameters and formats required for direct input into dispersion models. Supported dispersion models include AERMOD, SCICHEM, and CALPUFF. MMIF specifically processes geophysical and meteorological output fields from the Fifth Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5, version 3) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (Advanced Research WRF [ARW] core, versions 2 and later). The program diagnoses certain required parameters that are not directly available from various versions of MM5 or WRF. It also offers the option to directly pass through planetary boundary layer (PBL) heights from the meteorological models, or to independently diagnose them from other variables. The MMIF user’s guide documents MMIF v4.0 and includes descriptions of the algorithms, the program code, user input, and runtime instructions. A MMIF Change Log is provided to account for notable changes from the original MMIF release in 2009. The remainder of this section provides background information. Users should send any discovered technical bugs or issues to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to [email protected]. |
| Model Code |
|
MMIFv4.1 - Executable (ZIP) (671 KB, 10-12-2023) |
| Model Documentation |
|
User's Guide for the Mesoscale Model Interface (MMIF) Program (PDF) (70 pp, 1.4 MB, 10-12-2023) Guidance on the Use of the Mesoscale Model Interface Program (MMIF) for AERMOD Applications (PDF) (22 pp, 230 KB, 10-12-2023, 454-B-23-006) |
| MMIFstat - Beta |
| The MMIFSTAT program generates time series data and estimates model performance metrics by comparing user supplied observation data with CALMET formatted meteorological data. This beta release of MMIFSTAT was developed through funding from the National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and EPA Region 10. |
| Model Code |
| Source Code (ZIP) (296 KB, 02-26-2010) MMIF Macro Spreadsheet (XLS) (149 K, 02-26-2010) |
| EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. We will be providing an overview of these beta programs as part of the 10th Modeling Conference in mid-March 2012 and welcome comments on these tools. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to [email protected]. As necessary, we may provide updates for certain programs when necessary, but we are not currently supporting or maintaining these programs for regulatory applications. Based on input from the modeling community and our own assessment of these tools, we will determine if they should be considered for regulatory use and, if so, would need to undertake the necessary efforts to provide appropriate guidance and other supports for such use. |
| Model Documentation |
| Users Guide (PDF)(18 pp, 343 KB, 02-22-2010) |