The package opens space for many other research applications. It can support real-life expedition planning by letting users test sampling routes before going to sea. It also provides tooling to explore real-time adaptive strategies in which sampling plans shift as forecasts or observations update. The same workflow can also be used to investigate sampling efficiency, for example, examining how waypoint number or spacing shapes the ability to capture features of interest. Moreover, the software is well-suited for developing Observation System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs; e.g. @Errico2013) to test and optimise observational strategies in a cost- and time-efficient manner. This framework further enables instrument design experiments that are relevant to autonomous observing systems. There is potential for users to prototype and test control strategies for gliders, REMUS vehicles, and Saildrones, as well as explore concepts for new instruments at early stages of development. Future tutorials could demonstrate how to define custom instruments within the VirtualShip framework.
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