SMARTide

SMARTide is a system developed by the United Kingdom's National Oceanography Centre (NOC) that provides highly accurate predictions of tidal heights and currents. It is an operational system that assimilates real-time data from various sources, including tide gauges and satellite altimetry, into sophisticated hydrodynamic models. This integration allows SMARTide to deliver tidal predictions that are more precise and responsive to current oceanic conditions than traditional, purely model-based forecasts.

The primary goal of SMARTide is to offer reliable tidal information for a range of applications. These include navigation, coastal management, offshore engineering, and scientific research. By incorporating real-time observations, SMARTide can adjust its predictions to account for factors like atmospheric pressure, wind, and riverine freshwater inflow, which can influence tidal behavior. The system typically provides predictions for sea level, tidal currents, and related parameters for specific locations or wider oceanic regions.

SMARTide's advanced capabilities stem from its use of numerical modeling techniques combined with data assimilation. Data assimilation is the process of blending observational data with model outputs to improve the accuracy of the model's state and its future predictions. This approach makes SMARTide a valuable tool for operations requiring precise knowledge of tidal conditions, contributing to improved safety and efficiency in maritime activities and coastal zone management.