This page showcases work completed in GIS 540 at NC State University, demonstrating skills in Python scripting, geoprocessing automation, NetCDF data processing, and ArcGIS Pro tool development.

GIS 540: HYCOM Data Automation Tool

Problem Statement

HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model) data is widely used in scientific research to model ocean currents, temperature, and salinity across the vertical water column. However, downloading and formatting this data is a complex, time-consuming process that creates a significant barrier for everyday researchers and analysts who want to incorporate it into their work.

Methods

Developed a Python script to automate the download, formatting, and output of HYCOM model data based on user-defined parameters. The script performs geoprocessing steps to convert NetCDF files — reading them as rasters in ArcGIS Pro, then converting them to usable point feature classes. A custom input GUI allows users to specify a bounding box using four coordinates, and an HTML summary report is generated using the ArcPy mapping module to document the downloaded dataset.

Outcomes

The resulting tool lowers the technical barrier to accessing HYCOM data significantly, enabling researchers to define an area of interest and retrieve formatted, analysis-ready data directly within ArcGIS Pro — without requiring familiarity with the underlying data structure or manual download workflows.