AERMOD View™
Gaussian Plume Air Dispersion Model - AERMOD
Release Notes
Versions 9.3, 9.4, and 9.5
Lakes Environmental Software
Tel: (519) 746-5995 – Fax: (519) 746-0793
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web Site: www.webLakes.com
© 1996-2017 Lakes Environmental Software
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
AERMOD View™ Version 9.5
Release Notes
September 18, 2017
New Features
Topic Feature Description
Receptor Sensitive Receptor Summary Report
Pathway
Modelers can now flag discrete receptors as Sensitive, and AERMOD
View will produce a Sensitive Receptor Summary Report which details
concentrations at the flagged receptors. This is useful when needing to
quickly find concentrations at specific receptors.
2 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Tile Maps Updates to Open Cycle Maps
The Open Cycle Maps server was updated to reflect the most up-to-
date server settings and map hosts.
3 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Plots Zoom to Plot File
The Plots Tree View now includes a Zoom to Plot File button to quickly
zoom to the extents of a selected plot file. This was done to increase
efficiency when moving around a modeling domain.
Graphical New Layouts Functionality
Options
The Layout feature has been updated to include all Contours settings
in a single Layout. Importing from or exporting to a Layout now
includes all sub-headings under the Contours folder.
All Layouts settings can be applied to multiple contour plots at one
time. To apply settings to multiple plots, use Ctrl+Click on the Plots
Tree View.
4 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Reports Expanded Decimal Values
The numeric field format was updated for Source Pathway (Source
Inputs) reports to include a minimum of two decimal places with each
parameter.
Multi- Support for Non-Consecutive Years
Chemical
Run The Multi-Chemical Run Utility now includes support for multi-year
meteorological data files which contain non-consecutive years. The
AERMOD model supports this so long as the gaps in meteorological
data only span entire years.
Project Multi-Chemical Run Utility Files Included
Backup
AERMOD View’s integrated project backup utility now includes all files
produced via the Multi-Chemical Run Utility.
Note: Because Multi-Chem relies on use of 1-hour average Post-
Processing files (POSTFILE), Backing up the Post folder will lead to
very large archive files. The POSTFILEs must be included to produce
new contour plots in the future without executing AERMOD again.
5 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Import Updates to DXF Object Import
Buildings
The Import Buildings from DXF function was updated to better identify
objects in the DXF file for better importing.
Note: Not all DXF objects are recognized as buildings. AERMOD View
imports line, polyline, and polygon objects. Line objects must have
starting and ending points within 0.1 meter for the structure to be
recognized.
Met View Expanded SFC File Header Support
Met View now supports the expanded Version information produced by
AERMET 16216 including 1-minute threshold, adjusted u-star, and
data substitution routines.
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Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Fixed Issues
Topic Issue Description
Source Hourly Emission File Source Order
Pathway
When preparing an hourly emission file via the Hourly Emission File
Maker utility, AERMOD View now orders the sources according to the
listing in Source Inputs to avoid fatal errors during the model run.
Source Input File Build with Large Ozone Concentration Arrays
Pathway
When supplying Background Ozone data, the largest tables (e.g., By
Month / Hour / Seven Days) would cause a failure when preparing the
model input file. This has been resolved.
Receptor Import Intermediate Plant Boundary Receptors with Flagpole
Pathway
When importing plant boundary receptors, flagpole heights will now be
included with intermediate receptors.
Receptor Export Nested Grid Receptors to CSV
Pathway
The Export to CSV option in the Actions menu of Nested Grid receptors
was corrected to allow export of all generated receptors.
Output Plot File Generation for Empty Percentiles
Pathway
AERMOD View produced an error message when projects contained no
concentrations at some receptors while calculating percentiles.
Base Maps DXF Offset
When a DXF file was imported as a base map, any offset values
applied were lost when the project was closed and subsequently re-
opened. This has been resolved.
Base Maps File Name Checks
The check run on map file name were updated for files containing non-
ANSI characters. These files are now converted to their standard DOS
name during the import process.
7 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Issue Description
MAKEMET Fix for Assigning New File Names
Utility
When assigning new file names to the PFL or Log files, an incorrect file
extension was applied which prevented successful utility execution.
This has been resolved.
Known Issues
Topic Issue Description
AERMOD Receptor Order Bug
16216r
There is a bug in the US EPA’s code related to receptor exclusion when
calculating PRIME downwash effects. There exists the potential for
model results to change based upon the order of receptors in the input
file.
New Project No Spaces in Project Name with ISC
Wizard
The ISCST3 and ISC-PRIME models are included in AERMOD for
backwards compatibility purposes. Due to limitations in their code,
these models will issue a fatal error if the project name contains
spaces or special characters.
8 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
AERMOD View™ Version 9.4
Release Notes
May 11, 2017
New Features
Topic Feature Description
Models Updated AERMET Model 16216
The previous AERMET executable dated 16216 contained a bug which
made it incompatible for 32-bit operating systems. The US EPA
subsequently released an updated version of the model, and that
update is now available in AERMET View.
NOTE: This change does not impact any data files produce using the
previous AERMET 16216 model. It only restores 32-bit compatibility to
the executable.
New Project New Import from AERMOD Input File Options
Wizard
Starting new AERMOD View projects from existing AERMOD input files
now allows users to include associated BPIP input files and contour
plot files. This makes it easier to open AERMOD projects that were not
originally created with AERMOD View.
NOTE: Contour plot files are imported from a folder location, so all
plot files must be included in the same folder.
9 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
New Project Default Import of OpenStreet Map Tile Maps
Wizard
The option to automatically import the OpenStreet Map tile maps data
is now selected by default when starting a new project.
NOTE: Tile Maps are only available for users with a current
maintenance agreement.
New Project New Range Checks for Starting Coordinates
Wizard
Checks were added to help avoid starting projects in an incorrect
location. Conversion between UTM and Lat/Long values are now
limited to valid UTM coordinate ranges.
Met Data Quality Added to the Surface Met Data Section
Pathway
The Surface Met Data section was expanded to include data quality
information regarding the percentage of calms and missing hours.
This information can assist users in determining if their data meets
minimum requirements.
Note: When number of missing hours exceeds 10%, the value is
displayed in marron color instead of black to warn modelers that the
data may not be acceptable for regulatory applications.
10 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
File Menu Expanded Recent Files List
The list of recent files in the File menu now displays the 6 most
recently-opened files. Previously, this list was limited to 4 files.
Receptors Uniform Cartesian Grid Default Coordinates
When adding a uniform cartesian grid to a project, the default
coordinates was changed from SW corner to center.
Export XLSX Support for Exporting Buildings
The Export | Buidlings command now defaults to XLSX format to allow
for additional vertice pairs since XLS was limited to 255 columns.
Project New Range Checks for Source Parameters
Status
Additional checks were added for Release Height and Exit Temperature
values. A warning is issued if the Release Height exceeds 600
meters. An error is issued if the Exit Temperature is less than 200 K.
Project Updated Building Downwash Checks
Status
When running AERMOD, additional checks were added to avoid
automatic processing of BPIP-PRIME when a project contains no point
or flare sources.
For BPIP-PRIME processing, the error message now provides
clarification regarding supported source types.
11 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Terrain New Receptor Warning
Processor
The Terrain Processor now issues a warning if receptors are not
present in the project and the user tries to run AERMAP as receptors
are required to run AERMAP.
Graphical Project-Specific Color Mapping Settings
Options
Color Mapping selections made by the user will now remain selected
after closing a project.
12 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
AERMET Data Quality Added to Output Files Display
View
The AERMET Output Files section was expanded to include data
quality information regarding the number (and percentage) of calm or
missing hours. This information can assist users in determining if
their data meets minimum requirements.
Note: When number of missing hours exceeds 10%, the value is
displayed in marron color instead of black to warn modelers that the
data may not be acceptable for regulatory applications.
AERMET Updated Month/Season Assignments for Southern Hemisphere
View
The Assign Month/Season option in the AERSURFACE utility was
updated so the default seasonal assignments reflect the local seasons.
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Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
AERMET & Order Met Data
AERMOD
View
The Order Met Data button was added to the Met Pathway window
in AERMOD View and to the main window in AERMET View. This takes
you to Lakes Environmental’s Met Services webpage for ordering
worldwide AERMET-Ready MM5 or WRF data or US-based AERMOD-
Ready meteorological station data.
https://www.weblakes.com/services/met_order.html
Installation Prevention of Old Version Installation
The application installation file was updated to no longer allow
installation of previous releases when a newer version is already
installed. The newer version must now be uninstalled before an earlier
version can be installed.
14 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Fixed Issues
Topic Issue Description
Control Updated NOx to NO2 Options Heading
Pathway
The group heading for the NOx to NO2 Options was updated for model
version 16216r. The previous release incorrectly labeled these as Non-
Default options when the Default options setting was used.
Output Rolling Averages
Pathway
Support was restored for creating rolling average contour plot files
without a corresponding percentile value specified. The process was
also optimized to avoid running out of memory during calculation.
Multi- Fixed Status Messages
Chemical
Run The Status column was updated to avoid false positive checks (e.g.,
“Bad Format” when not properly reading the meteorological data file
locations).
Import Restored Import of Building Descriptions
When importing buildings from a BPIP input file, the description field
was cut off if a space was present. This has been resolved.
Reports Output Type and Depletion Options Updated
The Control Pathway report was not properly printing the dispersion
and depletion options. This has been resolved.
Sources Updated Buoyant Line Source Emission Rate Unit
The emission rate unit for buoyant line sources was updated to g/s
after a clarification regarding a typo in the model documentation for
the original implementation of this source type.
15 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Issue Description
Buildings Reset Wind Flow Vector Window Location
Previously, the window position of the GEP Structure Influence Zone’s
Wind Flow Vector was stored. This now resets to the default location
so the window does not become lost off screen when using a different
screen resolution from that which previously opened the project.
Eagle Watch Range Check Error Resolution
View
The Eagle Watch View issued a “Range Check Error” when initially
switching between the Max and Min Extents. This has been corrected.
AERMET Seasonal Surface Parameters Label Updated
View
When using the Seasonal Period option for defining surface
characteristics, labels for Southern Hemisphere projects displayed
seasonal names which could be misinterpreted. These labels have
been replaced with months so users can be sure to which time period
the specified values apply.
AERMET Upper Air Pathway Not Reading FSL Files
View
AERMET View was not properly reading the longitude from FSL files
due to a lack of spacing between the coordinates when the station had
a longitude > 100°E. This has been fixed.
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Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
AERMOD View™ Version 9.3
Release Notes
February 15, 2017
New Features
Topic Feature Description
Models Latest Releases of US EPA Models Available
The following US EPA Models were released in December 2016 and
January 2017 and are incorporated into AERMOD View Version 9.3:
1. AERMOD Model 16216r (Released January 2017)
2. AERMET Model 16216 (Released December 2016)
3. MAKEMET Model 16216 (Released December 2016)
Note: AERMOD 16216r will not run using met data created using
AERMET 11059 or earlier. Old met data must be re-processed using
a more recent version of AERMET (preferably 16216) or the modeler
must use an older version of the AERMOD model.
AERMOD New Version of Lakes AERMOD MPI 16216r (Parallel Version)
MPI
A new version of the Lakes AERMOD MPI for the US EPA Model Version
16216r is now available (AERMOD_MPI_Lakes_16216r.exe). You can
specify to use this model under the Preferences dialog.
Note: AERMOD_MPI_LAKES_16216r.EXE or AERMOD_MPI_LAKES.EXE
will run the latest version of the AERMOD model (16216r) in parallel
mode using up to a maximum of 8 cores.
17 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Control Revamped Dispersion Options
Pathway
The Dispersion Options page has been reorganized to support the
US EPA 16216r changes and maintain backwards compatibility for
model versions 15181 and earlier.
The Model Options group heading now confirms which version of the
model is selected in Preferences, and options are enabled or disabled
according to the model status (Default or Non-Default Regulatory
Options).
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Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
Terrain Updated NED Download Routines
Processor
The process for downloading USGS National Elevation Dataset 1/3 arc-
second (NED 1/3) and 1 arc-second (NED 1) data formats has been
updated to reflect a name change implemented by USGS in their
storage servers. The updated download includes updated tiles in some
locations.
Plume Implementation Updates
Animation
Added options for selecting / de-selecting source groups when the
Show Plume Animation option is enabled. Also, improved handling
of source groups included adding warnings to the Details window to
ensure the correct plume animation output is displayed.
Risk Mode Supported Feature Improvements
Risk Mode was updated to integrate more fully the latest AERMOD
model features. Changes include:
• Inclusion of circular area and polygon area source types in
RiskGen
• Incorporation of required gas deposition parameters for vapor
and vapor mercury pathways
• Updated program warnings and details messages to clarify
project status.
• Bug fixes and internal efficiency improvements
Project Improved Error Handling
Status
The Details and Warnings have been updated to provide additional
information to users and prevent errors from occurring.
19 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Feature Description
AERMET New US EPA AERMET Model Version 16216
View
On December 20, 2016, the US EPA released a new version of the
AERMET model (16216). For a complete description of the changes,
please see the US EPA Model Change Bulletin #7 (MCB#7).
This new AERMET model version was incorporated into the software as
the default model version. Older model versions are also available.
AERMET Updated Group Heading
View
The adjusted u-star (ADJ_U*) group heading was adjusted based on
the US EPA 16216 model updates. When running AERMET 16216, the
heading reflects the regulatory default status of this option (assuming
no onsite turbulence data is included).
AERMET 15181 and earlier
AERMET 16216
MAKEMET New US EPA MAKEMET Model Version 16216
Utility
On December 20, 2016, the US EPA released a new version of the
MAKEMET model (16216). The MAKEMET Utility was updated to use
this version of the executable.
20 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Fixed Issues
Topic Issue Description
Source Set All Gas Deposition Parameters to Real Values
Pathway
In previous versions, input values not explicitly listed as real values
would be written as integers. This lead to an ‘illegal numerical field’
error. The application now correctly writes these values as reals in the
input file.
Source Copy / Paste Update for Gas & Particle Data
Pathway
Resolved a problem where the copy and paste buttons on the Gas &
Particle Data settings would be lost when modifying the Source ID of
the pasted parameters.
Meteorology Updated MAXDCONT # Met Years Option
Pathway
Fixed an issue where the drop-down box for the # Met Years field
would not appear even when input criteria was met.
Receptor Discrete Polar Receptor New Button
Pathway
Previously, discrete polar receptors could only be added using the Tab
or Arrow Down keys as the New button would produce an error. This
has been fixed.
Import Import Buildings from BPIP Input File
Updated the process for importing buildings from existing BPIP input
files. The update allows for expanded support for non-standard input
file conventions.
Percentiles Updated Date and Rank Columns in Contour Plot Files
When preparing percentile contour plot files, the date and rank
columns were filled in with data from a different receptor reference
than the receptor containing the reported concentration. The columns
now reflect the values associated with the reported concentration. This
update does not change calculated concentration values.
Multimedia Restored Codec Selection
When choosing Advanced Settings for recording animations, the
Select Codec button did not always work. This has been restored.
21 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
AERMOD View™ Release Notes
Topic Issue Description
MAXTABLE Table Sort Update
Viewer
When sorting the MAXTABLE Viewer data value column (e.g.,
Concentration, Dry Deposition, etc.), the value was sorted as a string
instead of number. This has been resolved.
22 of 22
Lakes Environmental Software
E-mail: support@webLakes.com
Web: www.webLakes.com
