ArchiWind
User Guide
Exploring ArchiWind Results
ArchiWind Live

ArchiWind Live

ArchiWind Live is a localized wind visualization tool, offering real-time insights into wind conditions. It’s specifically tailored for industries where wind significantly impacts decisions, such as construction, aviation, and extreme weather management. It bridges the gap between site measurement and weather forecast models.

Standard Resolution for Wind Models in Weather Forecasts

The resolution of wind models in weather forecasts varies depending on the model and its purpose. Understanding these differences helps clarify the accuracy and limitations of weather data provided by various systems.

Global Models

Global weather forecast models typically operate at coarser resolutions:

  • ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts): ~9 km resolution.
  • GFS (Global Forecast System): 13 km resolution.
  • ICON (German ICON Model): 13 km resolution.

These models are excellent for large-scale weather systems but may lack detail for localized effects.

Regional and High-Resolution Models

For more localized or detailed forecasts, higher-resolution models are employed:

  • NAM (North American Mesoscale Forecast System):
    • Standard: 12 km resolution across North America.
    • High-Resolution: 3 km resolution within the United States.
  • HRRR (High-Resolution Rapid Refresh): 3 km resolution across the United States.

Such models are better suited for capturing wind behavior in regions with complex terrain, urban environments, or coastal areas.

Effective Resolution

The effective resolution of a weather model is typically coarser than its grid spacing. Research indicates:

  • Effective resolution is often 4-5 times the grid spacing, according to the Met Office.
  • Recent studies suggest it can be 6-7 times the grid length for certain models.

This means that while a model may have a nominal resolution of 3 km, it effectively resolves weather features on scales of 12-18 km or larger.

Implications for Wind Forecasts

The model resolution significantly influences the accuracy of wind predictions:

  • Higher resolution models (1-3 km) are essential for capturing localized effects, such as coastal wind patterns and terrain influences.
  • Global models (9-13 km) resolve larger weather features, typically on scales of 40-50 km or greater.

How does ArchiWind Live work?

ArchiWind Live integrates localized wind simulations with high-resolution meteorological data. Using input from the Open-Meteo API (during the trial) or premium Meteo Blue API (for subscribers), it simulates wind flow down to a 0.25m grid resolution. This ensures that localized wind effects, such as those caused by nearby buildings or terrain, are accurately captured.

The system models wind in 16 directions, combining these with your local forecast to produce highly reliable results. Real-time updates occur every 15 minutes, giving you the most up-to-date view of wind behavior at your site.

Note: Wind speed and direction are measured 10m above ground in weather forecasts, which reflect general wind behavior. ArchiWind Live accounts for site-specific effects, such as how buildings amplify or dampen wind speeds, to enhance safety and comfort.

Key Features of ArchiWind Live

  • Real-time wind updates: Hourly data on wind speed and direction.
  • 3D wind visualization: Interactive maps for precise, localized insights.
  • Advanced forecasts: High-resolution 7-day forecasts based on premium meteorological models.
  • Global coverage: Powered by robust meteorological APIs, ensuring reliable data anywhere.

How to Use ArchiWind Live

Weather Data Tab

The Weather Data Tab enables you to select the hour you wish to analyze, displaying conditions in the interactive 3D viewer. You can plan ahead with forecasts up to 7 days in advance or monitor conditions in real time.

  • “NOW” Mode: Displays live wind conditions at your site, updating automatically without user input.
  • Hourly Navigation: Select specific hours, and the 3D viewer refreshes accordingly.
Weather Data Tab

3D Viewer

The 3D viewer provides an interactive, detailed representation of wind conditions:

  • Real-time updates: Refreshes every 15 minutes for accurate results.
  • Interactive navigation: Zoom, pan, and adjust views to analyze specific areas.
  • Customization: Remove textures (terrain, surroundings, or buildings) for a clearer view of wind data relevant to your needs.
3D Viewer

Data Sources and Accuracy

  • Free Trial: Uses open-source weather data via Open-Meteo API.
  • Subscribers: Access premium data from the Meteo Blue API, known for its precision and reliability.
    Learn more about the Meteo Blue API here.
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