EVALUATING AI-ASSISTED DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL ALGORITHMS FOR TIDAL ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY OF BONNY PORT, NIGERIA

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that deals with the research and development of simulating and extending human intelligence theory, methods, and applications in technical science. This study evaluates the contribution of AI tools to the development of mathematical algorithms and programming code for tidal analysis at the Bonny Port, Nigeria. The Twenty (20) best AI coding tools were employed for the retrieval of mathematical algorithms for long period tidal analysis, computations of orbital elements(s, h, P, N and P¹), astronomical argument (E), nodal correction (u) and nodal factor (f), formation of the Normal (N)matrix from the design (A) Matrix, inversion of the N matrix by Least Squares Method (LSM) and monthly tidal analysis for the year 2018. Results obtained from each of the 20 best AI tools were evaluated compared with each other using a Likert scale of 1-5 point rating scale method based on their significance. Also, the results from each of the 20 best AI coding tools were compared with the results produced by the Author’s code using the same Likert scale of 1-5 point rating scale method. Each of the 20 AI tools contributed its results that enhance this study, although to various degrees. The Author’s codes presented complete results of monthly tidal analysis in which tidal constants (H, g) for the 28 primary constituents of tide are presented and the monthly Mean Sea Level (MSL). This study shows that AI tools have brought advancements to the development of programming codes, but with some critical issues, such as the nature of some AI models and algorithms used, the interpretation of the codes, and accuracy. This study also shows that AI is augmenting human capabilities and reducing their workload. Therefore, it can be concluded that AI coding tools are enhancing the development of mathematical algorithms and programming codes, and also improving data processing and analysis for tidal analysis for the Bonny port, Nigeria. However, AI is not a replacement for human skills.