MesoMap is a powerful approach to mapping wind resources which is especially well suited tocomplex wind regimes and to areas lacking reliable surface data. It consists of an integrated set ofadvanced atmospheric simulation models, global weather and geographical databases, and a largedistributed computer and storage system. Since MesoMap went into operation one year ago, mapshave been completed or are planned in 11 countries, including 15 US states and 5 Canadianprovinces. This widespread experience has netted a significant body of validation statistics on theaccuracy of the MesoMap system when simulating wind conditions in a variety of geographicareas and climates. Objective errors in comparison with high-quality surface data have rangedfrom 4% to 8% (one standard deviation), after elimination of known errors in site elevation androughness. The most important sources of error appear to be elevation and roughness variationsthat occur below the grid scale of the model as well as errors in the topographical and land coverdata. This paper will discuss the performance of the MesoMap system in three very differentclimatic regions: New York State, the Philippines, and Brazil.
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