Metadata for Wind Speed Distribution of Montana, 2002

- Identification Information
- Data Quality Information
- Spatial Data Organization Information
- Spatial Reference Information
- Distribution Information
- Metadata Reference Information
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Identification Information:

Citation:
  Originator: TrueWind Solutions
  Publication date: 2002
  Title: Wind Speed Distribution of Montana, 2002
  Publication place: Helena, Montana
  Publisher: Montana State Library
  Online linkage: ftp://ftp.geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Data/Spatial/NonMSDI/Raster/WindSpeed2002.zip
  Browse graphic file name: ftp://ftp.geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Documents/Maps/Thumbnails/20060826_2_thumb.jpg
  Browse graphic file description: Thumbnail image of Montana Wind Speed map
  Browse graphic file name: ftp://ftp.geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Documents/Maps/Individual/20060826_2_windspeed.gif
  Browse graphic file description: Montana Wind Speed map
Abstract:
  Estimated wind speed distribution of Montana. This is a raster data set in which each 400-meter pixel represents the average speed of the wind in meters per second at an elevation of 50 meters above the ground. These wind speed estimates were produced by TrueWind Solutions using their Mesomap system and historical weather data. This map has been validated with available suface data by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and wind energy meteorological consultants. The estimates tend to be more accurate for the plains than for mountainous areas. For more information, see http://www.windpowermaps.org and read the Use_Constraints section below.
Time period of content:
  Calendar date: 2002
  Currentness reference: publication date
Status:
  Progress: Complete
Access constraints: None
Use constraints:
  The wind resource estimates were developed using MesoMap, a wind mapping system developed by TrueWind Solutions. MesoMap combines two models, MASS, a mesoscale atmospheric simulation model similar to a weather forecasting model, and WindMap, a simpler wind flow model. The results were validated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and independent meteorologists using historical data. Wind speeds shown are estimated to be within about +/-5% accuracy, and wind power density values (which are related to the cube of the speed) are estimated to be within about +/-15% accuracy. This means that the actual wind speed should be within 5% of the predicted at two-thirds of the locations on the map, and should be within 10% of the actual at about 95% of the locations, assuming that the measurements are taken in well exposed areas, with minimal obstructions, and following wind industry measurement guidelines.
  The two models work together, but at different scales. MASS operates on a spatial grid resolution of 2.6 km (1.6 miles), whereas WindMap operates on a resolution of 400 meters (1312 ft, or one-quarter mile), which is the final scale of the maps. While WindMap can simulate the acceleration of winds over small hills and ridges, many other terrain effects require the more sophisticated MASS. Such effects include channeling through valleys or passes (such as Judith Gap or Livingston Pass) and downslope flows (e.g., Blackfeet area). To the extent these effects are at work, the accuracy of the maps is limited by the spatial grid resolution of MASS. To be resolved completely, a terrain feature must be larger than about 3-4 grid cells. Therefore, for instance, a valley that is less than about 7-10 km wide will not be fully "seen" by the MASS model, and if there is any channeling through that gap, it will be underestimated or entirely missed in the map. Likewise, detailed aspects of a downslope flow, including its intensity and full extent, will not be resolved better than the scale of the MASS simulations.
  Site feasibility studies should be conducted to confirm the map estimates, including direct measurement at turbine hub height according to wind energy industry standards. Weather deviations from long-term averages and local terrain effects may cause additional variations from the map estimates. Local site characteristics such as trees, buildings and other obstructions can significantly affect wind speed and turbine output estimates. Wind speeds can be reduced at up to four times the height of an obstruction and as far away as a mile or more. Small differences in wind speeds translate into large differences in turbine outputs.
  Neither TrueWind Solutions nor any of the project sponsors (including NREL, BPA, Northwest SEED and NWCDC) make any guarantees or accept liability for the accuracy of the estimates presented here. Use of the maps and/or data for anything other than general information is solely at the risk of the user. TrueWind and project sponsors may not be held liable for any loss, damage or other consequence resulting form the use of the maps and/or data contained on these pages. Please see Adjustments for Local Conditions and Accuracy of Wind Map Estimates for more information.
  By using this data, the user agrees that he or she has read the disclaimer statement above and agrees to assume all liability for using the data.
Point of contact:
  Montana State Library
  P.O. Box 201800
  Helena, Montana 59620-1800
  Telephone: 406-444-5354
  TDD/TTY telephone: 406-444-4799
  Fax: 406-444-0266
  E-Mail: geoinfo@mt.gov

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Data Quality Information:

Attribute accuracy report: See Use Constraints and http://www.windpowermaps.org
Lineage:
  Source information:
    Originator: WindPowerMaps.org
    Publication date: 2002
    Title: Wind Speed Distribution of Montana
    Publication place: Seattle
    Publisher: Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development
    Online linkage: http://www.windpowermaps.org
    Source scale denominator: 790000
    Source contribution: The data set is a copy of this source.
    Calendar date: 2002

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Spatial Data Organization Information:

Raster object information:
  Raster object type: Grid Cell
  Row count: 1338
  Column count: 2308

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Spatial Reference Information:

Horizontal coordinate system definition:
  Grid coordinate system name: State Plane Coordinate System 1983
  SPCS zone identifier: 2500
  Lambert conformal conic:
  Standard parallel: 45.000000
  Standard parallel: 49.000000
  Longitude of central meridian: -109.500000
  Latitude of projection origin: 44.250000
  False easting: 600000.000000
  False northing: 0.000000
  Planar distance units: meters
  Geodetic model:
    Horizontal datum name: North American Datum of 1983
    Ellipsoid name: Geodetic Reference System 80
    Semi-major axis: 6378137.000000
    Denominator of flattening ratio: 298.257222

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Distribution Information:

Distributor:
  Montana State Library
  PO Box 201800
  Helena, MT 59620-1800
  Telephone: 406-444-5354
  TDD/TTY telephone: 406-444-4799
  Fax: 406-444-0266
  E-Mail: geoinfo@mt.gov
Resource description: Downloadable Data
Distribution liability:
  The Montana State Library provides this product/service for informational purposes only. The Library did not produce it for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Consumers of this information should review or consult the primary data and information sources to ascertain the viability of the information for their purposes. The Library provides these data in good faith but does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. In no event shall the Library be liable for any incorrect results or analysis; any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages to any party; or any lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use or the inability to use the data or the services provided. The Library makes these data and services available as a convenience to the public, and for no other purpose. The Library reserves the right to change or revise published data and/or services at any time.
Standard order process:
  Digital form:
    Format name: GeoTIFF
    Online option:
    ftp://ftp.geoinfo.msl.mt.gov/Data/Spatial/NonMSDI/Raster/WindSpeed2002.zip

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Metadata Reference Information:

Metadata date: 12/19/2013
Metadata review date: 04/17/2013
Metadata review date: 09/29/2004
Metadata review date: 09/04/2002
Metadata contact:
  Montana State Library
  P.O. Box 201800
  Helena, Montana 59620-1800
  Telephone: 406-444-5354
  TDD/TTY telephone: 406-444-4799
  Fax: 406-444-0266
  E-Mail: geoinfo@mt.gov

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