About REVU

This chapter describes the RAMS/HYPACT Evaluation and Visualization Utilities (REVU), which is the standard supported package for generating graphical representations and reformatting RAMS model output (VAN, the old RAMS Visualization and ANalysis Package, is no longer supported). REVU’s function is to read “analysis” files written from a RAMS or HYPACT simulation, select user-specified fields and cross sections from the file data, and plot the field cross sections, or output the selected data in one of several available formats (e.g. Vis5D, GrADS, GRIB). REVU utilizes NCAR Graphics to perform most of the plotting functions. REVU can also pluck interpolated point data from the analysis files.

Similar to RAMS, REVU is in a state of continual evolution. This document is the third edition of the REVU User’s Guide since it was redeveloped from VAN and split from the RAMS version 3b User’s Guide. It describes REVU as of August 2001. REVU version 2.3.1 is FORTRAN 90 compliant and includes several c modules, several RAMS modules and the RAMS and Utilities libraries. UNIX/Linux make commands and a system of make files and makefile includes are used for compiling the code. The make files are detailed in the section describing how to compile the REVU model.

Execution of REVU is controlled by a set of namelist variables usually contained in a file named REVU_IN. In order to operate REVU, the user should be acquainted with the two primary means of setting parameters that control its functions. These are:

1. The various configuration parameters contained in vcomm2.h, which define several array dimensions controlling the capacity of the model.

2. The variables in the REVU_IN namelist file.

The following sections of this document describes the function and use of each of the parameters and namelist variables, and how to set appropriate values for them.

New in REVU 2.3.1

New features since REVU version 2.3.0 include:

· GRIB file format output option (works the same way as Vis5D and GrADS).

· The overlay filed may now be filled. Filling does not go beyond the specified high/low range. This allows the user to see the map in the unfilled portions. Map boundaries can be placed under or on top of the color fills. There is also an option for enhanced map boundaries.

· Color options include an array of new color fill schemes for tiles and contours and line colors for contours and vectors. They also include user defined color options, control on axis and tile colors, white background and grayscale color options and control on landmark plotting.

· Panels option (draws up to 4 plots per frame).

· Accepts 1 argument, -f, for pointing to non-standard REVU_IN file names, i.e.

revu-2.3.1 -f <namelist file>

REVU User’s Guide

Contents

About REVU

New in REVU 2.3.1