Research Team
The project consortium includes leading scientists in all disciplines relevant to this proposal, i.e., data assimilation, geodesy, hydrodynamic modeling, physical oceanography, and sea ice. This page presents the research groups/ institutes involved in FAST4NL.
Mathematical Physics
The project members at the Mathematical Physics (MP) group of the Faculty of Electrial Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science of Delft University of Technology have a long record in applying data assimilation in various applications. For example the Kalman filter and calibration methods for the operational storm surge model in the Netherlands were developed by the MP group (funded by RWS and Deltares). The projects are often carried out in close cooperation with the institutes that create forecasts on a day to day basis, such as the air-quality forecasts by TNO and RIVM. Working in direct cooperation with the end-users makes us aware of the challenges that real-life applications face, such as the need for good computational performance, e.g., through parallel computing and the development of efficient algorithms (e.g., in the recently finished Sangoma H2020 project). The MP group is one of the co-founders of the OpenDA association and an active developer of the OpenDA open source software for data-assimilation.
Contact: Prof. dr. ir. M. (Martin) Verlaan - info@fast4nl.nl
Geoscience and Remote Sensing
The project members of the Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GRS) department of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of Delft University of Technology have a long record in realizing the height and depth vertical reference surfaces being used in the Netherlands. They (i) developed the ‘De Min Geoide’ under contract of RWS (which was the official Dutch geoid till 2004), (ii) developed methodology and software that have been used to compute the actual Dutch geoid model NLGEO2004, and (iii) researched and developed the actual Dutch marine geoid model GEONZ97 (used by the RWS and NLHS). Currently the team members are in charge to realize new quasi-geoid and LAT models for the Dutch mainland and continental shelf. The GRS department is also responsible for the vertical stability of NAP using absolute gravity measurements under contract of RWS, and for pre-processing and providing the Dutch data and meta-information needed to realize the EVRS. Starting in 2007, they built in close cooperation with Deltares extensive knowledge in realizing instantaneous water levels relative to a given quasi-geoid model using 2D hydrodynamic models. Based on this knowledge, several new applications of such models in geodesy and hydrography are under development.
Contact: Dr. ir. D.C. (Cornelis) Slobbe - info@fast4nl.nl
Deltares
Deltares is a not-for-profit organization for applied research and specialized advice. Most research is commissioned by governments in the Netherlands and abroad, and by the private sector. A large part of these are end-users. Therefore, utilization of research can be considered part of the core business of Deltares. Deltares has developed hydrodynamic models and operational forecasting systems for many parts of the world. Deltares’ FEWS software environment forms the basis of dozens of operational forecasting systems around the world. Deltares is also one of the leading developers and partners of the OpenDA open source association. Furthermore, Deltares has a long experience in providing real-time data for tidal reduction of bathymetric data. The open-source hydrodynamic modeling software of Deltares is used by thousands of end-users around the world. This project will make use of Delft3D-FM, the successor of the famous Delft3D model.
EOMAP
EOMAP is the leading global service provider of satellite-derived aquatic information in maritime and inland waters for the commercial offshore industry as well as a multitude of government agencies. Pioneering the field of satellite-derived bathymetry and high resolution water quality monitoring, EOMAP services rely on standardized physical models which are independent of scale, sensor type, and geographic location. Additional key services include seafloor, coastal environment and infrastructure mapping. EOMAP’s technology can be applied at local through to intercontinental scales, with the option of providing continuous and long term environmental information by harnessing multiple satellite resources. EOMAP was founded in 2006 as a spin-off of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is headquartered in Castle Seefeld, just outside of Munich.
In the FAST4NL project, EOMAP will contribute to the validation of the modeled water levels.
Astrodynamics and Space Missions
The section Astrodynamics and Space Missions of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering of Delft University of Technology is one of the two sections comprising the Space Engineering department. The section focuses on satellite orbits, mission analysis and applications, space propulsion, ascent and re-entry systems, and solar system exploration.
In the FAST4NL project, Astrodynamics and Space Missions will contribute to WP 2 and 3.
KNMI
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the Dutch national weather service. Primary tasks of KNMI are weather forecasting, and monitoring of weather, climate, air quality, and seismic activity. KNMI is also the national research and information centre for meteorology, climate, air quality, and seismology.
In the FAST4NL project, the team member from the KNMI will provide supervision in conducting tasks of WP 1, 2, and 4.
NIOZ
NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the national oceanographic institute and principally performs academically excellent multidisciplinary fundamental and frontier applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of oceans and seas. Second, NIOZ serves as national marine research facilitator (NMF) for The Netherlands scientific community. Third, NIOZ stimulates and supports multidisciplinary fundamental and frontier applied marine research, education and marine policy development in the national and international context.
In the FAST4NL project, NIOZ will contribute to WP 4.