In this final chapter we examine two programs that have a fair degree of complexity and will serve to bring together many of the concepts of the text. The first program is an adaptation of a simpler program to compute either the height of the tide, given a time of day, or the time that the tide will be at a given height. This type of program finds use in many applications of ocean engineering and is called a modeling program, for it models the behavior of a physical phenomenon. Modeling is related to simulation, in which case the computer is used to simulate a process or device. The techniques of computer modeling and simulation are major aspects of engineering practice because they allow us to design and analyze systems in the laboratory before making a high-value commitment to a physical prototype. Modeling and simulation are also useful when working in potentially dangerous and hazardous environments to evaluate risk and develop protective appliances and procedures for personnel who may be exposed to those environments.

The second program shows you how to use a console to plot functions in time. This type of programming is called visualization and entails the use of the computer to enhance the presentation of data for analysis or design purposes. Visualization is used in all fields of engineering practice primarily owing to the huge volume of data that engineers must deal with on a day-to-day basis.