Extensive comparision of directional wave analysis methods from gauge array data

In order to settle an efficient operational wave gauge array for estimating directional wave spectrum, several directional analysis methods are implemented and compared. These methods are based on different modelling approaches including simple and sophisticated ones : Fourier Series decomposition, Fit to unimodal or bimodal parametric models, Variational Fitting Technique, Maximum Likelihood Methods, Maximum Entropy Method and Bayesian Approach. The comparison is performed following a three steps procedure : first on exact cross-spectral simulations, then on numerical sea-surface elevation time series and finally on laboratory measurements. Various directional shapes are reproduced at each step. The influence of several parameters for measurement and analysis is examined. Practical recommendations for operational processing are underlined.