def METHOD_NAME(images_dir=os.path.join(base_dir, 'images')):
    print 'initializing the model'
    start_time = datetime(2012, 10, 25, 0, 1)
    # start_time = datetime(2015, 12, 18, 06, 01)
    # 1 day of data in file
    # 1/2 hr in seconds
    model = Model(start_time=start_time,
                  duration=timedelta(hours=24),
                  time_step=900)
    mapfile = get_datafile(os.path.join(base_dir, 'nyharbor.bna'))
    print 'adding the map'
    '''TODO: sort out MapFromBna's map_bounds parameter...
    it does nothing right now, and the spill is out of bounds'''
    model.map = MapFromBNA(mapfile, refloat_halflife=0.0)  # seconds
    # draw_ontop can be 'uncertain' or 'forecast'
    # 'forecast' LEs are in black, and 'uncertain' are in red
    # default is 'forecast' LEs draw on top
    renderer = Renderer(mapfile, images_dir, image_size=(1024, 768))