Primary Uses
- Utility-scale prospecting
- Site assessment
- Transmission planning
With 3TIER Wind GIS Data Layers, you have access to the most advanced wind dataset ever created. Our scientifically derived data layers integrate spatial wind resource data directly into your own GIS mapping software for in-depth analysis, including site prospecting, sorting, selection, and even project planning.
By layering 3TIER Wind GIS Layers with each other you can get a complete sense of your resource potential. You can also use third-party layers, such as elevation, land use, soil type, topography, transportation, and transmission infrastructure, to factor in many of the variables that affect the viability of a site. This enables you to identify promising locations more quickly, as well as understand potentially fatal flaws at a proposed site early in the prospecting process.
3TIER's wind datasets allow you to compare multiple sites with confidence, so you have a clearer picture of the risks involved for every potential site in your portfolio. A 5 km resolution global dataset has been derived for wide-scope prospecting across states and even countries. Higher resolution GIS data, as fine as 90 meters, can be used for project-specific analysis, planning, design, and met tower siting. All datasets are derived from proven techniques, state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, and publicly available observational data.
3TIER offers GIS formatted data for key wind variables including: wind speed, wind direction, power density, and Weibull k and A. This information is available at 20, 50, and 80 m hub heights.
| GIS Data Layer | Annual Mean Values | Monthly Mean Values | Available Resolution |
| Wind Speed | X | X | 5 km |
| Wind Direction | X | 15 km | |
| Power Density | X | X | 15 km |
| Weibull k and A | X | 15 km |
Custom resolutions and hub heights are available through 3TIER's FullView Wind Spatial Mapping product, which offers annual and monthly spatial maps of your specific project location including CSV files.
3TIER produced its dataset by implementing an innovative physics-based NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) modeling approach. Unlike traditional models that merely interpolate observed wind speeds between widely dispersed points, 3TIER's system simulates the interaction between the entire atmosphere and the earth's surface, to create a more robust and accurate wind climatology. 3TIER's technique captures the myriad processes responsible for wind—from jet level dynamics to surface level processes and everything in between. Using proven, state-of-the-art methods supported and continually enhanced by the global atmospheric science and research community, 3TIER is able to create realistic wind fields throughout the world.
If you are unfamiliar with the technical terminology on this page, please visit our Glossary for more information.
