What is a wind atlas?
A wind atlas is a comprehensive collection of generalized wind climates (GWCs), derived by the wind atlas methodology. A generalized wind climate and a topographical map are the two main inputs to wind resource assessment anywhere in the world.
A generalized wind climate can be observation-based, which is what is typically applied for wind farm projects. It can also be modelling-based, which is what is often applied for wind farm planning. Many wind atlas data sets are modelling-based and validated using measurements and observations. The WAsP software can employ most of these types of wind atlases. In these pages, we show examples of wind atlas data sets that can be used for wind mapping and wind farm planning and development.
The Global Wind Atlas is a free, web-based application developed to help policymakers and investors identify potential high-wind areas for wind power generation virtually anywhere in the world, and perform preliminary calculations. This tool facilitates online queries and provides freely downloadable datasets based on the latest input data and modeling methodologies. Users can additionally download high-resolution maps showing global, regional, and country wind resource potential in the Download section.
The Wind Atlas for South Africa is an example of a modern national wind atlas, a numerical wind atlas based on contemporary meso- and micro-scale models and validated by high-quality measurements.
The European Wind Atlas describes the foundation of the wind atlas methodology and the WAsP models. We also link to the data base of the atlas (even though it is a bit old now) and we will add more tools and data sets as they become available. Now, there is also a New European Wind Atlas.
If you want to know more about the wind atlases available from DTU Wind Energy – or want us to help you establish a wind atlas for any part of the world – you may contact us at wasp@dtu.dk.