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Tidal Analysis and Prediction Software

Tidal Analysis

For tidal harmonic analysis of sea level data, there are various packages which may be available free of charge:

• The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has developed TASK (Tidal Analysis Software Kit). This is a suite of programs that includes harmonic analysis, tidal prediction, formatted tide table production, data manipulation and the calculation of daily and monthly means. Further information is available at NOC Marine Data Products Team TASK page.
• The University of Hawaii (Pat Caldwell) Package. This is one of the most popular tidal analysis packages in academic circles. The software has recently been updated to work on 64-bit operating systems. These changes, particularly the additional use of Python/Matplotlib, allow it to now be ran on both 64-bit Microsoft Windows and Linux. The older version is still available to run on 16- or 32-bit Miscrosoft Windows operating systems. Email caldwell@hawaii.edu for information.

The University of Hawaii and the NOC software packages are based on different mathematical engines. TASK is based on software developed by NOC (previously known as the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory) over many years whereas the core of the University of Hawaii software is based on the work of Michael Foreman (Institute of Ocean Sciences in Canada). There are some subtle differences in the definitions of harmonic constants, which make the two slightly incompatible. These differences are documented in the TASK User Guide. Note that the UK Hydrographic Office’s internal analysis software uses the same mathematical definitions for harmonics as the NOC software. Therefore any users that obtain harmonic constants from the UKHO should check that their choice of prediction software is compatible. Questions should be directed to the NOC Marine Data Products Team.

The Foreman tidal analysis software is available separately, while there is also a Matlab version available from Rich Pawlowicz.

Tidal Prediction

There are various software packages (and even mobile apps) available for predicting tidal levels. Many use fixed databases of tidal harmonics, although some may allow you to include your own harmonic data. Most harmonic analysis software will also include a tidal prediction module.

Use your favourite search engine and search for “tidal predictions” to find suitable sources of tide tables or tidal software.

NOTE: The PSMSL does not endorse any of the software listed on this page, and it is far from being a complete list of the products available.