Modelling

Air quality surveys and modelling Air quality surveys are used to investigate the amount of emissions caused by an activity and how widely they may spread. Mathematical models predict the dispersion of pollutants under different weather and climate conditions, using data on emission sources, the chemical properties of air pollutants and local weather conditions such as wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity. Climate change modelling Local climate change models are used to study the effects of climate change on temperature and the volume of rainfall, snowfall and snow amounts in the project area. The modelling is based on the Finnish Meteorological Institute's national models and local weather history. Surface water modelling The aim of surface water modelling is to understand how factors such as water flow, pollutant load, temperature and climate change affect water volumes, load distribution, water quality, the state of the water system and the wellbeing of the ecosystem. The modelling is based on extensive data on the weather, the water system and its catchment area. Groundwater modelling Groundwater modelling is used to investigate local groundwater conditions such as the level of the groundwater, the size of the reservoir, flow direction, discharge locations and changes in these due to, for example, water or soil extraction or other changes in land use. Water balance modelling Water balance modelling determines both the water balance and possibly the material balance of a water cycle managed in industrial operations. The completed model shows how well the balances are known and how key information gaps can be addressed. It can also be used to test the functionality of water management in exceptional situations or when planning a change in operations or a new activity. Chemical spill modelling Kemikaalivuotomallinnuksen avulla simuloidaan ilmaa tiheämpien kaasujen leviämistä. Mallinnuksen avulla kaasupilven leviämistä on mahdollista seurata tarkemmin, mistä on hyötyä esimerkiksi onnettomuustilanteissa, joissa vaarallisia kemikaaleja pääsee ulkoilmaan. Solar panel reflection modelling Reflection modelling can be used to estimate the time and duration of glare caused by solar panels. It is based on a terrain model, the times of sunrise and sunset, the locations of the observation points as well as the location, orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels. Noise modelling Noise modelling is used to calculate and predict the spread of noise in the environment. The modelling is based on mathematical models that consider the characteristics of the sound source, the terrain, buildings and other noise barriers, weather conditions and other environmental factors. Modelling is used, for example, in site planning and Environmental Impact Assessments to investigate noise caused by traffic, industry, construction and wind turbines. We prepare propagation calculations for noise caused by transport, industry and construction in accordance with the Nordic industrial, transport and rail traffic noise models. Noise propagation calculations of wind turbines follow up-to-date guidelines on noise modelling and consider, among other things, low-frequency noise. Wind turbine flicker modelling Flicker modelling enables estimation of the time and duration of flicker caused by wind turbine blades. The modelling is based on a terrain model, the times of sunrise and sunset, wind condition data, the locations of the observation points as well as the location and height data and blade profile of the wind turbines. 10 Viewshed analysis and visualizations A landscape impact assessment may include modelling the visibility of a project, e.g. a wind or solar power plant, from the environment of the project area and an assessment of the project's visual impact. In addition to the project’s activities, the analysis considers the terrain and the trees in the area. A visualization refers to all types of visual representations of the project. For example, photomontages are created to combine and visualize the current state of nature with planned project. A 3D visualization, on the other hand, is a three-dimensional observation tool created using 3D modelling software.