How to create a wind map in ArcGIS

Wind maps are essential maps in the field of meteorology and oceanography. Creating a wind map requires representation of the wind magnitude and direction. The direction of the wind is defined by angles, while the magnitude is defined by the size of the symbols. A layer that representing either wind magnitude or direction can also be created. This section describes how to create a wind map from wind speed and direction data obtained from meteorological stations.

In this section, the wind map was created using ArcGIS 10.x, but the Golden Surfer application also provides powerful tools for your design. The steps are as follows;

The first step is to create point data (SHP file) from the table, through the Add XY Data tool. Interpolate the values of wind direction and speed to generate its respective raster using the Spatial Analyst Tool (with IDW, Kriging, Spline).

ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Interpolation

For the study area, generate a mesh of random or regular points (also could only display data from existing stations) with the Extract Multi Values to Point. This is to obtain a greater distribution of vectors against the points of the seasons.

ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Extraction

Get the values of the raster direction and speed on the new layer of mesh points.

The next step is simply to display the magnitude and direction in the properties of the layer containing the mesh points in the Symbology tab. In the left corner side below Show: click on Quantities and select Graduated Symbols. For fields section (upper centre part of Layer Properties), using the drop down button on field Value, select field magnitude that contains the values of speed. At the bottom of Layer Properties page; click on Advanced, then Rotation.
Advanced> Rotation

Select the field that contains the values of the direction (flow in geographic coordinates). The size of the symbol and the number of classes can also be customized.

To customize the symbolism of the arrow containing the flow direction, open the property editor symbol from;

Template > Edit Symbol > Character Marker Symbol > ESRI Cartography

Finally, select an arrow symbol and accept all open dialog boxes. Before printing or posting the wind map, it is recommended to follow all these steps for efficient and attractive design.

Reviewed by Esther Jones.