Tide Watch Methodologies
There are two different types of digital tide watches:
SPECIFIC TIDE INFORMATION BY LOCATION
A pre-selected number of tide locations are chosen and then specific tide data by location is entered to ensure accuracy of the tide. This is the best way to achieve “true” tide accuracy, but it has real limitations. Since each location must have 4 specific tide flows entered daily, the memory capacity of the chip limits the number of locations and the number of years for which this information can be stored.
ALGORITHM FORMULA
By studying tidal flow information by region, an algorithm is developed to “predict” tides. This formula yields “relatively” accurate information but it is not as accurate as entering specific tide information by location. The major advantage of the algorithm formula method is that an unlimited number of tide locations can be programmed into memory. To help make this method of predicting tides more accurate, an offset feature is offered to help align the formula predictions to a local tide chart. The Heavy Water World Tide uses this method.
Typically, the formula yields fluctuations in accuracy during the +/-28 day cycle of the tide. These fluctuations vary by region and can be greatly affected by local weather conditions.
NOTE:
Tide watches are not intended to be used for navigation purposes. Local NOAA tide charts should be used when accurate tide information is necessary. The tide formula used in this watch is intended to predict “relatively” accurate tidal flow information only.