The Vertical Profile Comparisons frame contains the buttons that configure (Define/Edit) and plot (Plot) vertical profiles of EFDC cells and measured profile data. Once configured, the linkages between the EFDC cells and the data is automatically available and the user simply needs to press the Plot button to compare model to data for each run. Figure 1 displays the form used to link cells to data and other parameters. RMC on the cells to obtain additional input options or guides.

Figure 1 Vertical profile calibration EFDC cell and data linkage definitions.

The information is very similar to the time series model-data linkage form. However, the Group column is missing as the profile plot structure is pre-defined. One other major difference is the format of the data contained in the Pathname field. Appendix B (Format B-8) provides guidance on the format. This file can contain one or more snapshots in time for the same station and parameter.

Vertical Profile Plots

The Plots function allows the user to view on screen or export the plots that are currently defined and enabled (i.e. Use flag = 1). The Plots function loads the EFDC model linkage files (e.g. EE*.out), reads the observed data files and then scans the model linkage files to build the model-data plots. The user can press ESC during the model output loading process to abort the loading and plotting. When the data has been loaded the vertical profile plotting utility is displayed. This utility displays up to 8 model-data vertical profiles per page. The following graphic shows the toolbar functions.

The first group of left and right buttons move to the previous and the next vertical profile stations, respectively. The ->1 and ->A buttons export the current or all defined dates for the current station, respectively, to a Windows EMF file. The – and + buttons move back and forward in time for the current station. The PgUp and PgDn keys have the same functionality. The remaining buttons provide formatting control over the plots.

As an example of the vertical profile plotting function, Figure 2 shows a single page containing a subset of time snapshots for salinity for a data single data station for a 5 layer model.

Figure 2  Example model-data vertical profile plot for salinity.

In order to make exporting of the Vertical Profile Plots for presentations more flexible and consistent the user can configure how many plots are displayed on each page. So instead of 8 plots (4 x 2) which is the default layout, the user may now select 4 plots (4 x 1) or 6 plots (3 x 2) etc.  This option is available by selecting the Modify Settings button in the Vertical Profile tool as shown in Figure 3. 

Figure 3  Vertical Profile plots display options.