Introducing the VirtualShip tool for virtual fieldwork and e.g. observing system simulation experiments

Over the last years we have a developed an open-source python package and accompanying instructional materials that are being used in graduate education as the Virtual Ship Classroom. The python tool can be used to extract reanalysis data and thereby simulate o.a. open-ocean physical oceanograpic research missions. The tool is actively being developed and will be extended with bio-geochemical measurements and gliders in the next two years.

The Virtual Ship Classroom has been developed as an authentic learning environment and is purposely suitable for students, early-career scientist and staff who want to practice planning and conducting expeditions. Plan an expedition using the MFP Cruise Location Planner[1], and run VirtualShip to virtually measure ocean fields. The data is extracted so that the output closely resembles the datafiles that are generated by the equipment onboard research vessels.

Additionally VirtualShip can for example be used to assist in observing system simulation experiments as it easily extracts data to compare to ship based or stationary observations, from e.g. landers or moorings. The tool integrates part of the open-access Copernicus Marine Service API[2] to automate data download, saving you time.

All material is open source and available online: github.com/OceanParcels/virtualship. We welcome anyone in the world to use and contribute to the Virtual Ship Classroom.

[1] https://nioz.marinefacilitiesplanning.com/cruiselocationplanning#

[2] https://data.marine.copernicus.eu/products