CALPUFF ViewTM 

Interface for the CALPUFF Air Dispersion Modeling System: 

CALPUFF, CALMET and CALPOST 

Release Notes 

Release Notes – Version 2.2

Release Notes – Version 2.0

Release Notes – Version 1.9

Release Notes – Version 1.7

Lakes Environmental Software 

Tel: (519) 746-5995 

Fax: (519) 746-0793 

e-mail: support@weblakes.com

web site: www.weblakes.com 

Copyright © 2003-2007 – Lakes Environmental Software
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

 Lakes Environmental Software • www.weblakes.com 2 of 37 

CALPUFF ViewTM 

Version 2.2 

Release Notes 

June 15, 2007 

Topic Feature Description 

General Visualization of MM5 and M3D Domains 

CALPUFF View can now display the domain extents of any MM5 and 

M3D data files specified for the project in the graphical area. The 

MM5/M3D Domain layer is created and is represented in the 

graphical area as a gray hatched area. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Geo 

Processor 

Support for Additional Terrain Data Formats 

CALPUFF View Geophysical Processor now supports the following 

terrain data file formats: 

• GTOPO30/SRTM30: global terrain data in 30 arc-sec, ~900m 

resolution (*.hdr) 

• SRTM3 Version 2: global terrain data in 3 arc-sec, ~90m 

resolution (*.hgt). This format is only supported by the Version 6 

and the VISTAS version of the CALPUFF model.

• SRTM1 Version 2: terrain data for the US in 1 arc-sec, ~30m 

resolution (*.hgt). This format is only supported by the Version 6 

and the VISTAS version of the CALPUFF model.

SRTM stands for Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission 

You can download the above terrain data files, free of charge, from our 

web site at: 

http://www.weblakes.com/lakesdem.html
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Geo 

Processor 

Support for GLCC LULC Global Format 

CALPUFF View now supports the Global Land Cover 

Characterization (GLCC) format version 2 (*.img) which has a 

~1km resolution, 30 arc-sec. The GLCC database was developed 

on a continent-by-continent basis: 

Download this data format from our web site at: 

http://www.weblakes.com/modeling_data.html

• Africa

• Australia Pacific

• Eurasia (optimized for Asia)

• Eurasia (optimized for Europe)

• North America

• South America
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Geo 

Processor 

Cell Face Heights 

If you initially created your project in screening mode and want to 

convert it to the refined mode, you can now easily apply the 

suggested Cell Face Heights for the Refined mode by pressing the 

Suggested Settings button. 

General Import Source Descriptions from ISC/AERMOD Input Files 

The import option was extended to also import source descriptions 

from the ISC/AERMOD input file. The import option will recognize 

** DESCRSRC as the parameter containing the source description. 

**************************************** 

** AERMOD Source Pathway 

**************************************** 

** 

** 

SO STARTING 

** Source Location ** 

** Source ID - Type - X Coord. - Y Coord. ** 

 LOCATION STCK1 POINT 439245.000 5298405.000 0.0 

** DESCRSRC This is the description for Stack 1 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Additional Features for the Backup Option 

CALPUFF View now automatically includes the geo, met and post 

folders into the backup file. The new Add Folder button allows you 

to specify additional folders, including their contents, to be 

included in the backup. 

General Interface Default Options 

Newly created projects now have the following default options in 

the interface: 

• CALPUFF Output Units for Concentration in ug/m**3 and for 

Deposition in ug/m**2 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Set to Max Option 

The Set to Max button was implemented on the Computational and 

Sampling Grid dialogs. This option allows the user to quickly set 

up these grids to the maximum size allowed. The Domain for the 

currently specified grid (computational or sampling) is 

automatically computed and displayed in km. The Met Grid 

Spacing is also displayed. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Run BPIP Option 

A shortcut to run BPIP was implemented under the Run button 

pop-up menu. Additional shortcuts for BPIP were also introduced 

under the Run menu. 

General Model Version Displayed on the Status Bar 

The currently selected CALPUFF model version is now displayed on 

the status bar in a maroon label. This way, the user is aware 

which version of the model is being currently used. The model 

version can be changed from the Preferences dialog.
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Tools New Toolbar Grouping Option 

A new option allows toolbar buttons to be grouped together based 

on common functionality. This allows for simplification of both the 

Annotation and Application Toolbars. You can identify the tools 

that are grouped together with a small arrow on one of the corners 

of the tool. 

This feature can be turned on or off from the General panel of the 

Preferences dialog. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Tools Clip Region Tools 

New rectangular, circular, and polygonal Clip Region tools allow 

you to clip/mask a section of the graphical area that you do not 

wish to show. The Clip Region tools are now available on the

Annotation toolbar. 

Tools New Option for the Select Tool Pop-Up Menu 

A new option available for objects in the drawing area allows 

you to unselect the object that is currently selected in the drawing 

area. The Unselect option is located on the floating menu 

available when you right-click an object from the drawing area. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

Tools Marker Annotation Coordinates 

You can now display the coordinates of any marker placed on the 

drawing area. The Show Location feature is located in the Marker 

Annotation dialog. 

CALPOST Detailed Description for CALPOST Contour Plot Results 

A more detailed description is now being placed in the color ramp 

for CALPOST contour results. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.2 Release Notes – June 15, 2007 

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Topic Feature Description 

CALPOST Double-Click to View Plotfiles 

The double-click functionality was implemented for the CALPOST 

Results listed under the navigation tree. Select the CALPOST 

result to view and double-click on it to display the original 

CALPOST results in a text file. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.0 Release Notes – November 14, 2006 

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CALPUFF ViewTM 

Version 2.0 

Release Notes 

November 14, 2006 

Topic Feature Description 

Models CALPUFF View Support for Version 6 Models 

CALPUFF View Version 2.0 contains the latest model enhancements 

and updates to the TRC CALPUFF modeling system (Version 6). 

The following Version 6 models are supported by CALPUFF View: 

♦ CALPUFF - Version 6.112 - April 12, 2006 

♦ CALMET - Version 6.211 - April 14, 2006 

♦ CALPOST - Version 6.131 - April 10, 2006 

General CALPUFF View - Model Preferences 

You can now switch seamlessly between the VISTAS 

Recommended, Version 6 and EPA Approved CALPUFF Models. 

Model executables are specified independently for each setting. 

This option is available by selecting File | Preferences from the 

menu and then selecting the Model Version panel. 

CALPUFF-Version 6 Models: Download the latest models from 

TRC’s web site and place the exe files under the Models_6 folder 

within the installation folder (C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView\Models_6) 

Download CALPUFF-Version 6 Models from TRC Web Site

CALPUFF-VISTAS Models: Download the latest models from 

TRC’s web site and place the exe files under the Models_V folder 

within the installation folder (C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView\Models_V) 

Download CALPUFF-VISTAS Models from TRC Web Site

CALPUFF- EPA Approved Models: Download the latest models 

from TRC’s web site and place the exe files under the Models folder 

within the installation folder (C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView\Models) 

Download CALPUFF-EPA Approved Models from TRC Web Site
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.0 Release Notes – November 14, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Checking for All Supported Model Versions 

The Models Check tool (select Tools | Models Check menu option), 

can test for the availability and correct location of all the model 

EXE files necessary to run each one of the three supported model 

versions: 

• EPA Approved (Version 5) 

• VISTAS Recommended 

• Version 6 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.0 Release Notes – November 14, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Cell Face Heights 

Cell Face Heights can now be also specified in the Create New 

CALPUFF View Project Wizard. Default values are available for 

both the Refined and the Screening modes. 
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Topic Feature Description 

General Date &Time Selector 

An improved Date & Time selector has been implemented in 

CALPUFF View and CALPUFF 3D to allow time steps less than one 

hour. 

CALPUFF 

CALMET 

CALPOST 

Options 

(Version 6) 

Version 6 and VISTAS Model Options 

Interface options implemented in CALPUFF View Version 1.9 to 

support the VISTAS Version of the models (CALMET, CALPUFF, 

CALPOST) were also implemented to support the Version 6 of the 

models. For a description of these options, please see the Release 

Notes for CALPUFF View Version 1.9. 

CALPUFF 

CALMET 

CALPOST 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Run Period Definition 

The Run Period Definition options for the Version 6 of the CALMET, 

CALPUFF and CALPOST models are now defined by a starting and 

ending time, rather than a starting time and a run length. A time 

step of less than one hour (3600 s) is now allowed. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.0 Release Notes – November 14, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Date and Time Auto-Fill – Run Period Definition 

When a date and/or time is entered into either the CALMET or 

CALPUFF - Run Information dialog, this date and/or time will be 

automatically entered into the other Run Information dialog if 

these fields were previously empty. 

 

 

CALMET 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Ocean Land Use Category 

When using the Version 6 Models, the ocean land use category 

may be specified in the CALMET – Mixing Height Parameters 

dialog. 
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Topic Feature Description 

CALMET 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Relative Humidity Parameters 

The option to either use relative humidity parameters from the 

SURF.DAT file or to use the prognostic relative humidity was 

implemented under the CALMET – Relative Humidity dialog. This 

option is compatible with Version 6 of the CALMET Model. 

CALMET 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Multiple MM5 Files 

Version 6 of the CALMET Model now accepts multiple consecutive 

or overlapping MM5/MM4 meteorological data. This option is 

available under the CALMET – Wind Field Options dialog. 
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Topic Feature Description 

CALMET 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Debug - Print Distance to Land Output Option 

Version 6 of the CALMET model includes the option to print 

distances to land to an output file. This option was implemented in 

the CALMET Output Options dialog. 

CALPUFF 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Plume Tilt – Plume Rise Option 

The Plume Tilt (gravitational settling) option was implemented in 

the CALPUFF – Plume Rise dialog. This is an option introduced in 

Version 6 of the CALPUFF model. 
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Topic Feature Description 

CALPUFF 

Option 

(Version 6) 

Building Downwash Calculated by CALPUFF 

Version 6 of the CALPUFF model has the capability of calculating 

building downwash using either the ISC (Huber-Snyder / 

Schulman-Scire) or the PRIME method directly. This eliminates 

the need to run the BPIP program separately. 

CALPUFF 

Option 

(Version 6) 

QA Plot File Output Option 

Version 6 of the CALPUFF model has the option to output a QA plot 

file - a standard series of output files (e.g. locations of sources, 

receptors, grids ...) suitable for plotting. This option was 

implemented under the CALPUFF Output Options dialog – Binary 

Files & Debug tab. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 2.0 Release Notes – November 14, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

CALPOST 

Option 

(Version 6) 

New Averaging Period (1-Period) 

An averaging period equal in length to the CALPUFF time step is 

now available in CALPOST Options – Run Information tab. This 

option is compatible with Version 6 of the CALMET model only. 

CALPOST 

Option 

(Version 6) 

One Step ALM 

The Ammonia Limiting Method in CALPOST may now be completed 

in a single step. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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CALPUFF ViewTM 

Version 1.9 

Release Notes 

 July 13, 2006 

Topic Feature Description 

Models CALPUFF – VISTAS Recommended for BART Modeling 

The version of the CALPUFF modeling system recommended by 

VISTAS (and other Regional Planning Organizations) for Best 

Available Retrofit Technology (BART) analyses is now fully supported 

in the CALPUFF View interface. Model Versions supported by 

CALPUFF View Version 1.9 are: 

♦ CALPUFF - Version 5.754 - February 2, 2006 

♦ CALMET - Version 5.724 - April 14, 2006 

♦ CALPOST - Version 5.6393 - February 2, 2006 

Models Model Preferences 

You can now switch seamlessly between the VISTAS Recommended 

and EPA Approved CALPUFF Models – model executables are 

specified independently for each setting. This option is available by 

selecting File | Preferences from the menu and then selecting the 

Model Version panel. 

CALPUFF-VISTAS models: Download the latest models from TRC’s 

web site and place the exe files under the Models_V folder within 

the installation folder (C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView\Models_V) 

Download CALPUFF-VISTAS Models from TRC Web Site

CALPUFF- EPA Approved models: Download the latest models 

from TRC’s web site and place the exe files under the Models folder 

within the installation folder (C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView\Models) 

Download CALPUFF-EPA Approved Models from TRC Web Site
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

Graphical 

Tool 

New Eagle Watch View Tool 

The Eagle Watch View tool displays a small window showing 

the full extents of your modeling domain with a red rectangle 

marking the area that is currently displayed in the main graphical 

area. In the Eagle Watch View window, you can use the mouse 

pointer to draw a new rectangle around the area that you would like 

to zoom in on. This will automatically update the display in the main 

window. 

Graphical 

Tool 

New Web Annotation Tool 

The Web Annotation tool allows you to draw a polar grid with the 

option to specify rings, rays, and labels at specific distances for 

annotation purposes only. This annotation tool can be especially 

useful when used as a scaling tool for graphical visualization of the 

modeling area and its dimensions. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

Graphical 

Options 

Transparency Option for Contours Using Alpha Blending 

Alpha Blending has been implemented to support real transparency 

of your concentration or terrain contours. You can access this 

option from the Graphical Options dialog, Levels panel, Shade Style

drop-down list box. 

Graphical 

Options 

New Contour Method – Triangulation 

A new contouring method, Triangulation, has been added to the 

Contour Smoothing options in the Graphical Options dialog. While 

the contours created by the Triangulation method may not be as 

smooth as those created by the Resampling method, they may be 

more representative in some cases. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

Graphical 

Options 

New Contour Label Options – Orientation and Spacing 

Two new contour label options are available, Orientation and 

Spacing. You can now specify the orientation angle, as well as the 

spacing between labels, for contour labels. These options can be 

accessed from the Graphical Options dialog, Labelling panel for 

concentration or terrain contours. 

VISTAS 

CALMET 

Barrier Levels 

The VISTAS version of CALMET now includes barriers, which may be 

used to limit the influence of an observation. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

VISTAS 

CALMET 

Convective Options 

A series of convective options have been introduced in the VISTAS 

version of CALMET. 

VISTAS 

CALMET 

Overwater Surface Fluxes 

New methods for the calculation of overwater surface fluxes have 

been introduced in the VISTAS version of CALMET. 
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Topic Feature Description 

VISTAS 

CALPUFF 

New Met File Format 

AERMET tower file has been added as an accepted met file format. 

VISTAS 

CALPUFF 

Profile Data file 

VISTAS CALPUFF accepts a profile data file to be used in addition to 

another met file (E.g. CALMET.DAT) 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

VISTAS 

CALPUFF 

Additional Dispersion Options 

Dispersion options have been added to the VISTAS CALPUFF, 

including turbulence data and Lagrangian timescale methods. 

VISTAS 

CALPUFF 

Platform Height 

The VISTAS version of CALPUFF now contains a platform height 

parameter for point sources. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.9 Release Notes – July 13, 2006 

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Topic Feature Description 

VISTAS 

CALPOST 

Source Contribution Options 

The VISTAS version of CALPOST includes source contribution 

options. 

VISTAS 

CALPOST 

New Light Extinction Methods 

A seventh method of light extinction – “use observed weather or 

prognostic weather information” – has been added to the VISTAS 

CALPOST. 
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Topic Feature Description 

VISTAS 

CALPOST 

POSTUTIL TAB 

In VISTAS mode, CALPOST contains a separate POSTUTIL tab. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.7 Release Notes – Sep 27, 2005 

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CALPUFF ViewTM 

Version 1.7 

Release Notes 

 Sep 27, 2005 

Topic Feature Description 

Installation Default Installation Path 

CALPUFF View is now being installed, by default, under 

C:\Lakes\CALPUFFView instead of C:\CALPUFFView. Tutorial 

files are also being included with the install. 

 

General Save Project As 

CALPUFF View now has a Save Project As feature that allows 

you to save your current project under another name. You may 

also choose which files you wish to include in the new project 

folder. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.7 Release Notes – Sep 27, 2005 

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Topic Feature Description 

BPIP Latest U.S. EPA BPIP PRIME Model 

The latest U.S. EPA BPIP model (BPIPRRM.EXE dated 04274) is 

now being included with this version. This latest model allows 

for an unlimited number of buildings, tiers, stacks, etc. 

General Import Sources from Excel 

Sources can now be imported directly from Excel; this includes 

source parameters and emission rates. The Excel file, SourceParameters.xls, is being supplied in the installation under the 

folder “Templates”. This file contains the format structure that 

your Excel file should have in order for CALPUFF View to 

successfully import sources parameters and emissions from 

your Excel file. See the help files for more information. 
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Topic Feature Description 

General Printing to Scale 

You can now specify the scale of your printouts. Select from a 

predefined list, or type in the desired scale. 

General Coastline Tool 

An improved coastline tool now maintains land/water color 

indicators for closed polygons. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.7 Release Notes – Sep 27, 2005 

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Topic Feature Description 

General Zoom to Overlay Tool 

A Zoom to Overlay option has been added to the Overlays tab 

of the Tree View allowing you to zoom to a specified layer. 

 

General Grid Spacing 

When creating a new project, the computational grid may now 

be specified with greater accuracy. 

General UTM Coordinate Check 

UTM coordinates are now checked to ensure they are within a 

valid range. A warning will be issued if they are not. 

General Import From ISC 

The “Create from ISC input file” tool has an improved ability to 

import rotated area sources. 

CALPOST Run Period Check 

The run period check in CALPOST has been corrected. 

CALPOST Select Tools 

New select tools have been added to CALPOST to help you 

enter your data more quickly. 
CALPUFF ViewTM – Version 1.7 Release Notes – Sep 27, 2005 

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Topic Feature Description 

CALPOST Monthly Concentrations for Background Extinction 

The default values for the Monthly Concentration for 

Background Extinction Coefficients have been changed to zero. 

In addition, a FLAG Guidance suggested values button has been 

added. 

3D View Building Textures 

BITMAP files for the building textures in 3D View have been 

added to the CALPUFF View installation. 

 
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Topic Feature Description 

CALMET Run Period Check 

The CALPUFF run period is now checked for validity against the 

CALMET meteorological period. 

RAMMET Multi-Year Rammet View 

Rammet View can now easily process multiple years of data in 

its completely redesigned interface. You have the option to 

output a combined multi-year file in addition to individual year 

files. This avoids the need for multiple runs to create a multiyear file. 

Documentation FAQs and References 

FAQs and reference articles are now available directly from the 

help menu. The FAQ page will require your user name and 

password, the references page will not. 
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Topic Feature Description 

General Source Check 

Before running, CALPUFF will now check that all sources are 

within the computational grid. 

Documentation Help File and User’s Guide 

The Help File, User’s Guide, and Getting Started guide have 

been revised and improved. 

RAMMET Error Checking 

Rammet View now includes a built-in error checker that will 

search for and identify errors in the meteorological data file that 

will cause CALPUFF runs to fail. 

 

 

General Show Terrain Tool 

The Show Terrain Tool allows you to easily switch between 

hiding and viewing the terrain contours.