What's New in SMS 9

This revision of SMS includes many exciting new features. The most notable is a significant change to the Interface Layout. Some of the key changes to the program include:  

User interface enhancements

Image pyramids

Image pyramids can be created when an image is imported into SMS. Image pyramids are multiple resolution copies of the original image that are created and saved to speed up display.  With pyramids, a lower resolution copy of the image displays quickly when drawing the entire image. As you zoom in, copies of the original image resampled at finer resolutions are then drawn. This option allows for optimal performance and clear image display.

Metadata

The user can now document where data came from, who processed it, what it is intended for, or any other useful notation. This is stored as metadata for the project, an individual data object, or an individual data set.

New model interfaces

Several new models have been added to SMS. These include:

Updated model interfaces

Several models interfaces have been significantly revised and improved. These include:

Steering

The steering module has been added to facilitate the process of launching models multiple times. For single model (spin down) simulations, the steering module has been significantly improved for both RMA2 and FESWMS. The steering module can also be used to facilitate the transfer of data from wave models to circulation models and back. Currently, STWAVE-ADCIRC and STWAVE-M2D links are supported.

Feature stamping

The tools for inserting man made structures (embankments, dunes, channels, or mounds) into scattered data sets and conceptual models have been expanded and improved. They are more versatile as well as more robust.

HDF5 project files

Project files have been revised to be more compact and more inclusive. They are now stored in HDF5 format and the scattered data and functional data sets can be stored internally to reduce the number of files.

XMDF scatter files

Support of the new XMDF file format allows scattered data points and their functional data sets to be stored as XMDF data files.

Filtering of tabular data on import

Tabular data can be filtered in any combination of the following as it is read into SMS:

Export of tabular data

SMS now includes expanded capabilities to export data of various types into a delimited tabular data file. This includes scatter sets, meshes and grids and their associated data sets.

1D element contours

Previously, contours computed in RMA2 for 1D elements, could not be displayed. Now the contours are displayed on a projection of the specified width of the 1D elements.

Expanded spectra generation capabilities

The wave spectra generator in SMS has been expanded to include JONSWAP, Ochi-Hubble, and several other types of spectra.

Transparent contours

The user may now specify a transparency factor for contours. This allows the contour to be partially transparent, and lets features previously obscured by opaque contours to be viewed through the contoured surface.

Texture maps on scatter sets and meshes

Images of topographic charts or aerial photos can be draped over scattered data sets or meshes to add a feeling of realism.

Expanded functional surface capabilities

The functional surface tool has been expanded to allow:

Observation profile offsets

Each observation profile arc is assigned an x-origin value. This allows the plots of these entities to be aligned in a user specified manner.

Enhanced mesh generation tools

Size function generation and editing tools allow for the creation of higher quality automatic meshes.