OceanUCA: Enhancing Coastal Observation and Forecasting in Andalucía (Spain) through Data Visualisation and Communication

The OceanUCA project aims to develop an operational platform that enhances the existing tools created by the University of Cádiz, integrating new observational systems and high-resolution numerical models, both atmospheric and hydrodynamic, to achieve maximum resolution along the Andalusian coast (Spain). This platform utilizes open-source software and WebGIS services, enabling flexible and accessible geospatial data visualization and analysis for a wide range of stakeholders.

By enhancing computational resources with state-of-the-art open-source GIS tools, the platform provides solutions for addressing coastal environmental challenges such as oil spills, marine heatwaves, and extreme event tracking. The system integrates output from high-resolution oceanographic models, the atmospheric Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and observational data from various sources, including meteorological weather stations, surface fluxes instruments, oceanographic buoys, satellite imagery, high-frequency coastal radars, and data from oceanographic and atmospheric field campaigns. This data is presented through an interactive GIS interface, facilitating real-time model evaluation and decision-making.

The project also leverages high-performance computing and graphic processing units to enable the processing of large datasets, which improves the scalability and resolution of the forecasts. The platform aims to enhance environmental protection, support conservation efforts, and provide early-warning products that contribute to effective coastal management. Through its open-source approach, the system fosters collaboration and knowledge transfer with stakeholders at both national and international levels, enabling the wider community to access, engage with, and utilize coastal and atmospheric data for informed decision-making.