diff --git a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPET_elevations.rst b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPET_elevations.rst
index 89058d50..6aad0cec 100644
--- a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPET_elevations.rst
+++ b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPET_elevations.rst
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ Calling Sequence
         * ``'GPS'``: GPS Time
         * ``'LORAN'``: Long Range Navigator Time
         * ``'TAI'``: International Atomic Time
+        * ``'datetime'``: formatted datetime string in UTC
 
     --projection : @after
         * ``4326``: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
diff --git a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPT_displacements.rst b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPT_displacements.rst
index 3d7b41dc..341e8ec9 100644
--- a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPT_displacements.rst
+++ b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_LPT_displacements.rst
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ compute_LPT_displacements.py
         * ``'GPS'``: GPS Time
         * ``'LORAN'``: Long Range Navigator Time
         * ``'TAI'``: International Atomic Time
+        * ``'datetime'``: formatted datetime string in UTC
 
     --projection : @after
         * ``4326``: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
diff --git a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_OPT_displacements.rst b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_OPT_displacements.rst
index dfe4c2f0..3ef05790 100644
--- a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_OPT_displacements.rst
+++ b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_OPT_displacements.rst
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ compute_OPT_displacements.py
         * ``'GPS'``: GPS Time
         * ``'LORAN'``: Long Range Navigator Time
         * ``'TAI'``: International Atomic Time
+        * ``'datetime'``: formatted datetime string in UTC
 
     --projection : @after
         * ``4326``: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
diff --git a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_currents.rst b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_currents.rst
index a38017a1..f4c40fda 100644
--- a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_currents.rst
+++ b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_currents.rst
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ compute_tidal_currents.py
         * ``'GPS'``: GPS Time
         * ``'LORAN'``: Long Range Navigator Time
         * ``'TAI'``: International Atomic Time
+        * ``'datetime'``: formatted datetime string in UTC
 
     --projection : @after
         * ``4326``: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
diff --git a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_elevations.rst b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_elevations.rst
index 9ef71c23..1479706a 100644
--- a/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_elevations.rst
+++ b/doc/source/api_reference/compute_tidal_elevations.rst
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ compute_tidal_elevations.py
         * ``'GPS'``: GPS Time
         * ``'LORAN'``: Long Range Navigator Time
         * ``'TAI'``: International Atomic Time
+        * ``'datetime'``: formatted datetime string in UTC
 
     --projection : @after
         * ``4326``: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
diff --git a/pyTMD/spatial.py b/pyTMD/spatial.py
index 9f0a3a7d..4c410ecc 100644
--- a/pyTMD/spatial.py
+++ b/pyTMD/spatial.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 spatial.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (06/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 
 Utilities for reading, writing and operating on spatial data
 
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
         https://github.com/yaml/pyyaml
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added datetime parser for ascii time columns
     Updated 06/2022: added field_mapping options to netCDF4 and HDF5 reads
         added from_file wrapper function to read from particular formats
     Updated 04/2022: add option to reduce input GDAL raster datasets
@@ -56,6 +57,7 @@
 import datetime
 import warnings
 import numpy as np
+import dateutil.parser
 # attempt imports
 try:
     import osgeo.gdal, osgeo.osr, osgeo.gdalconst
@@ -165,13 +167,19 @@ def from_ascii(filename, **kwargs):
         file compression type
     columns: list, default ['time','y','x','data']
         column names of ascii file
+    delimiter: str,
+        Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     header: int, default 0
         header lines to skip from start of file
+    parse_dates: bool, default False
+        Try parsing the time column
     """
     # set default keyword arguments
     kwargs.setdefault('compression',None)
     kwargs.setdefault('columns',['time','y','x','data'])
+    kwargs.setdefault('delimiter',',')
     kwargs.setdefault('header',0)
+    kwargs.setdefault('parse_dates',False)
     # print filename
     logging.info(filename)
     # get column names
@@ -218,30 +226,43 @@ def from_ascii(filename, **kwargs):
         dinput['attributes'] = YAML_HEADER['header']['global_attributes']
         # allocate for each variable and copy variable attributes
         for c in columns:
-            dinput[c] = np.zeros((file_lines-count))
+            if (c == 'time') and kwargs['parse_dates']:
+                dinput[c] = np.zeros((file_lines-count),dtype='datetime64[ms]')
+            else:
+                dinput[c] = np.zeros((file_lines-count))
             dinput['attributes'][c] = YAML_HEADER['header']['variables'][c]
         # update number of file lines to skip for reading data
         header = int(count)
     else:
-        # output spatial data and attributes
-        dinput = {c:np.zeros((file_lines-kwargs['header'])) for c in columns}
-        dinput['attributes'] = {c:dict() for c in columns}
+        # allocate for each variable and variable attributes
+        dinput = {}
         header = int(kwargs['header'])
+        for c in columns:
+            if (c == 'time') and kwargs['parse_dates']:
+                dinput[c] = np.zeros((file_lines-header),dtype='datetime64[ms]')
+            else:
+                dinput[c] = np.zeros((file_lines-header))
+        dinput['attributes'] = {c:dict() for c in columns}
     # extract spatial data array
     # for each line in the file
     for i,line in enumerate(file_contents[header:]):
         # extract columns of interest and assign to dict
         # convert fortran exponentials if applicable
-        column = {c:r.replace('D','E') for c,r in zip(columns,rx.findall(line))}
+        if kwargs['delimiter']:
+            column = {c:l.replace('D','E') for c,l in zip(columns,line.split(kwargs['delimiter']))}
+        else:
+            column = {c:r.replace('D','E') for c,r in zip(columns,rx.findall(line))}
         # copy variables from column dict to output dictionary
         for c in columns:
-            dinput[c][i] = np.float64(column[c])
+            if (c == 'time') and kwargs['parse_dates']:
+                dinput[c][i] = dateutil.parser.parse(column[c])
+            else:
+                dinput[c][i] = np.float64(column[c])
     # convert to masked array if fill values
-    dinput['data'] = np.ma.asarray(dinput['data'])
-    dinput['data'].mask = np.zeros_like(dinput['data'],dtype=bool)
-    if '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
+    if 'data' in dinput.keys() and '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
+        dinput['data'] = np.ma.asarray(dinput['data'])
         dinput['data'].fill_value = dinput['attributes']['data']['_FillValue']
-        dinput['data'].mask[:] = (dinput['data'].data == dinput['data'].fill_value)
+        dinput['data'].mask = (dinput['data'].data == dinput['data'].fill_value)
     # return the spatial variables
     return dinput
 
@@ -340,7 +361,7 @@ def from_netCDF4(filename, **kwargs):
         srs.ImportFromWkt(dinput['attributes']['crs']['crs_wkt'])
         dinput['attributes']['projection'] = srs.ExportToProj4()
     # convert to masked array if fill values
-    if '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
+    if 'data' in dinput.keys() and '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
         dinput['data'] = np.ma.asarray(dinput['data'])
         dinput['data'].fill_value = dinput['attributes']['data']['_FillValue']
         dinput['data'].mask = (dinput['data'].data == dinput['data'].fill_value)
@@ -445,7 +466,7 @@ def from_HDF5(filename, **kwargs):
         srs.ImportFromWkt(dinput['attributes']['crs']['crs_wkt'])
         dinput['attributes']['projection'] = srs.ExportToProj4()
     # convert to masked array if fill values
-    if '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
+    if 'data' in dinput.keys() and '_FillValue' in dinput['attributes']['data'].keys():
         dinput['data'] = np.ma.asarray(dinput['data'])
         dinput['data'].fill_value = dinput['attributes']['data']['_FillValue']
         dinput['data'].mask = (dinput['data'].data == dinput['data'].fill_value)
diff --git a/scripts/compute_LPET_elevations.py b/scripts/compute_LPET_elevations.py
index 38612ea9..b15dee89 100644
--- a/scripts/compute_LPET_elevations.py
+++ b/scripts/compute_LPET_elevations.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 compute_LPET_elevations.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (04/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 Calculates long-period equilibrium tidal elevations for an input file
 
 INPUTS:
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
         for csv files: the order of the columns within the file
         for HDF5 and netCDF4 files: time, y, x and data variable names
     -H X, --header X: number of header lines for csv files
+    --delimiter X: Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     -t X, --type X: input data type
         drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
         grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -27,11 +28,12 @@
         days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00
     -d X, --deltatime X: Input delta time for files without date information
         can be set to 0 to use exact calendar date from epoch
-    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times
+    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times or input time type
         UTC: Coordinate Universal Time
         GPS: GPS Time
         LORAN: Long Range Navigator Time
         TAI: International Atomic Time
+        datetime: formatted datetime string in UTC
     -P X, --projection X: spatial projection as EPSG code or PROJ4 string
         4326: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
     -V, --verbose: Verbose output of processing run
@@ -62,6 +64,7 @@
     compute_equilibrium_tide.py: calculates long-period equilibrium ocean tides
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added delimiter option and datetime parsing for ascii files
     Updated 04/2022: use argparse descriptions within documentation
     Updated 01/2022: added option for changing the time standard
     Updated 11/2021: add function for attempting to extract projection
@@ -114,9 +117,17 @@ def get_projection(attributes, PROJECTION):
 # PURPOSE: read csv, netCDF or HDF5 data
 # compute long-period equilibrium tides at points and times
 def compute_LPET_elevations(input_file, output_file,
-    FORMAT='csv', VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'], HEADER=0, TYPE='drift',
-    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00', TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
-    TIME=None, PROJECTION='4326', VERBOSE=False, MODE=0o775):
+    FORMAT='csv',
+    VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'],
+    HEADER=0,
+    DELIMITER=',',
+    TYPE='drift',
+    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
+    TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
+    TIME=None,
+    PROJECTION='4326',
+    VERBOSE=False,
+    MODE=0o775):
 
     # create logger for verbosity level
     loglevel = logging.INFO if VERBOSE else logging.CRITICAL
@@ -149,8 +160,9 @@ def compute_LPET_elevations(input_file, output_file,
 
     # read input file to extract time, spatial coordinates and data
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
+        parse_dates = (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime')
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_ascii(input_file, columns=VARIABLES,
-            header=HEADER)
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=HEADER, parse_dates=parse_dates)
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_netCDF4(input_file, timename=VARIABLES[0],
             xname=VARIABLES[2], yname=VARIABLES[1], varname=VARIABLES[3])
@@ -217,9 +229,15 @@ def compute_LPET_elevations(input_file, output_file,
     else:
         leap_seconds = 0.0
 
-    # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00 (UTC)
-    tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
-        epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime'):
+        # convert delta time array from datetime object
+        # to days relative to 1992-01-01T00:00:00
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_datetime(delta_time,
+            epoch=(1992,1,1,0,0,0))/86400.0
+    else:
+        # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00 (UTC)
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
+            epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
     # interpolate delta times from calendar dates to tide time
     delta_file = pyTMD.utilities.get_data_path(['data','merged_deltat.data'])
     deltat = calc_delta_time(delta_file, tide_time)
@@ -238,7 +256,8 @@ def compute_LPET_elevations(input_file, output_file,
     # output to file
     output = dict(time=tide_time,lon=lon,lat=lat,tide_lpe=tide_lpe)
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
-        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file, delimiter=',',
+        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file,
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=False,
             columns=['time','lat','lon','tide_lpe'])
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         pyTMD.spatial.to_netCDF4(output, attrib, output_file)
@@ -279,6 +298,10 @@ def arguments():
     parser.add_argument('--header','-H',
         type=int, default=0,
         help='Number of header lines for csv files')
+    # delimiter for csv or ascii files
+    parser.add_argument('--delimiter',
+        type=str, default=',',
+        help='Delimiter for csv or ascii files')
     # input data type
     # drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
     # grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -297,7 +320,7 @@ def arguments():
         help='Input delta time for files without date variables')
     # input time standard definition
     parser.add_argument('--standard','-s',
-        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN'), default='UTC',
+        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN','datetime'), default='UTC',
         help='Input time standard for delta times')
     # spatial projection (EPSG code or PROJ4 string)
     parser.add_argument('--projection','-P',
@@ -328,11 +351,18 @@ def main():
         args.outfile = '{0}_{1}{2}'.format(*vars)
 
     # run long period equilibrium tide program for input file
-    compute_LPET_elevations(args.infile, args.outfile, FORMAT=args.format,
-        VARIABLES=args.variables, HEADER=args.header, TYPE=args.type,
-        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch, TIME=args.deltatime,
-        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard, PROJECTION=args.projection,
-        VERBOSE=args.verbose, MODE=args.mode)
+    compute_LPET_elevations(args.infile, args.outfile,
+        FORMAT=args.format,
+        VARIABLES=args.variables,
+        HEADER=args.header,
+        DELIMITER=args.delimiter,
+        TYPE=args.type,
+        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
+        TIME=args.deltatime,
+        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard,
+        PROJECTION=args.projection,
+        VERBOSE=args.verbose,
+        MODE=args.mode)
 
 # run main program
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/scripts/compute_LPT_displacements.py b/scripts/compute_LPT_displacements.py
index 4cfd809a..b67a053c 100644
--- a/scripts/compute_LPT_displacements.py
+++ b/scripts/compute_LPT_displacements.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 compute_LPT_displacements.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (04/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 Calculates radial pole load tide displacements for an input file
     following IERS Convention (2010) guidelines
     http://maia.usno.navy.mil/conventions/2010officialinfo.php
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
         for csv files: the order of the columns within the file
         for HDF5 and netCDF4 files: time, y, x and data variable names
     -H X, --header X: number of header lines for csv files
+    --delimiter X: Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     -t X, --type X: input data type
         drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
         grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -30,11 +31,12 @@
         days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00
     -d X, --deltatime X: Input delta time for files without date information
         can be set to 0 to use exact calendar date from epoch
-    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times
+    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times or input time type
         UTC: Coordinate Universal Time
         GPS: GPS Time
         LORAN: Long Range Navigator Time
         TAI: International Atomic Time
+        datetime: formatted datetime string in UTC
     -P X, --projection X: spatial projection as EPSG code or PROJ4 string
         4326: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
     -V, --verbose: Verbose output of processing run
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@
     read_iers_EOP.py: read daily earth orientation parameters from IERS
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added delimiter option and datetime parsing for ascii files
     Updated 04/2022: use argparse descriptions within documentation
     Updated 01/2022: added option for changing the time standard
     Updated 11/2021: add function for attempting to extract projection
@@ -123,10 +126,18 @@ def get_projection(attributes, PROJECTION):
 
 # PURPOSE: compute the pole load tide radial displacements following
 # IERS conventions (2010)
-def compute_LPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
-    VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'], HEADER=0, TYPE='drift',
-    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00', TIME=None,
-    TIME_STANDARD='UTC', PROJECTION='4326', VERBOSE=False, MODE=0o775):
+def compute_LPT_displacements(input_file, output_file,
+    FORMAT='csv',
+    VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'],
+    HEADER=0,
+    DELIMITER=',',
+    TYPE='drift',
+    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
+    TIME=None,
+    TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
+    PROJECTION='4326',
+    VERBOSE=False,
+    MODE=0o775):
 
     # create logger for verbosity level
     loglevel = logging.INFO if VERBOSE else logging.CRITICAL
@@ -163,8 +174,9 @@ def compute_LPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
 
     # read input file to extract time, spatial coordinates and data
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
+        parse_dates = (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime')
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_ascii(input_file, columns=VARIABLES,
-            header=HEADER)
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=HEADER, parse_dates=parse_dates)
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_netCDF4(input_file, timename=VARIABLES[0],
             xname=VARIABLES[2], yname=VARIABLES[1], varname=VARIABLES[3])
@@ -231,9 +243,15 @@ def compute_LPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
     else:
         leap_seconds = 0.0
 
-    # convert dates to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
-    MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
-        epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1858,11,17,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime'):
+        # convert delta time array from datetime object
+        # to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
+        MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_datetime(delta_time,
+            epoch=(1858,11,17,0,0,0))/86400.0
+    else:
+        # convert dates to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
+        MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
+            epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1858,11,17,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
     # add offset to convert to Julian days and then convert to calendar dates
     Y,M,D,h,m,s = pyTMD.time.convert_julian(2400000.5 + MJD, format='tuple')
     # calculate time in year-decimal format
@@ -330,7 +348,8 @@ def compute_LPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
     # output to file
     output = dict(time=MJD,lon=lon,lat=lat,tide_pole=Srad)
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
-        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file, delimiter=',',
+        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file,
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=False,
             columns=['time','lat','lon','tide_pole'])
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         pyTMD.spatial.to_netCDF4(output, attrib, output_file)
@@ -371,6 +390,10 @@ def arguments():
     parser.add_argument('--header','-H',
         type=int, default=0,
         help='Number of header lines for csv files')
+    # delimiter for csv or ascii files
+    parser.add_argument('--delimiter',
+        type=str, default=',',
+        help='Delimiter for csv or ascii files')
     # input data type
     # drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
     # grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -389,7 +412,7 @@ def arguments():
         help='Input delta time for files without date variables')
     # input time standard definition
     parser.add_argument('--standard','-s',
-        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN'), default='UTC',
+        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN','datetime'), default='UTC',
         help='Input time standard for delta times')
     # spatial projection (EPSG code or PROJ4 string)
     parser.add_argument('--projection','-P',
@@ -420,11 +443,18 @@ def main():
         args.outfile = '{0}_{1}{2}'.format(*vars)
 
     # run load pole tide program for input file
-    compute_LPT_displacements(args.infile, args.outfile, FORMAT=args.format,
-        VARIABLES=args.variables, HEADER=args.header, TYPE=args.type,
-        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch, TIME=args.deltatime,
-        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard, PROJECTION=args.projection,
-        VERBOSE=args.verbose, MODE=args.mode)
+    compute_LPT_displacements(args.infile, args.outfile,
+        FORMAT=args.format,
+        VARIABLES=args.variables,
+        HEADER=args.header,
+        DELIMITER=args.delimiter,
+        TYPE=args.type,
+        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
+        TIME=args.deltatime,
+        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard,
+        PROJECTION=args.projection,
+        VERBOSE=args.verbose,
+        MODE=args.mode)
 
 # run main program
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/scripts/compute_OPT_displacements.py b/scripts/compute_OPT_displacements.py
index cbf3228a..a3e7e5d1 100644
--- a/scripts/compute_OPT_displacements.py
+++ b/scripts/compute_OPT_displacements.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 compute_OPT_displacements.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (04/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 Calculates radial ocean pole load tide displacements for an input file
     following IERS Convention (2010) guidelines
     http://maia.usno.navy.mil/conventions/2010officialinfo.php
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
         for csv files: the order of the columns within the file
         for HDF5 and netCDF4 files: time, y, x and data variable names
     -H X, --header X: number of header lines for csv files
+    --delimiter X: Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     -t X, --type X: input data type
         drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
         grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -30,11 +31,12 @@
         days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00
     -d X, --deltatime X: Input delta time for files without date information
         can be set to 0 to use exact calendar date from epoch
-    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times
+    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times or input time type
         UTC: Coordinate Universal Time
         GPS: GPS Time
         LORAN: Long Range Navigator Time
         TAI: International Atomic Time
+        datetime: formatted datetime string in UTC
     -P X, --projection X: spatial projection as EPSG code or PROJ4 string
         4326: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
     -I X, --interpolate X: Interpolation method
@@ -77,6 +79,7 @@
         doi: 10.1007/s00190-015-0848-7
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added delimiter option and datetime parsing for ascii files
     Updated 04/2022: use longcomplex data format to be windows compliant
         use argparse descriptions within sphinx documentation
     Updated 01/2022: added option for changing the time standard
@@ -141,11 +144,19 @@ def get_projection(attributes, PROJECTION):
 
 # PURPOSE: compute the ocean pole load tide radial displacements following
 # IERS conventions (2010) and using data from Desai (2002)
-def compute_OPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
-    VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'], HEADER=0, TYPE='drift',
-    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00', TIME=None,
-    TIME_STANDARD='UTC', PROJECTION='4326', METHOD='spline',
-    VERBOSE=False, MODE=0o775):
+def compute_OPT_displacements(input_file, output_file,
+    FORMAT='csv',
+    VARIABLES=['time','lat','lon','data'],
+    HEADER=0,
+    DELIMITER=',',
+    TYPE='drift',
+    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
+    TIME=None,
+    TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
+    PROJECTION='4326',
+    METHOD='spline',
+    VERBOSE=False,
+    MODE=0o775):
 
     # create logger for verbosity level
     loglevel = logging.INFO if VERBOSE else logging.CRITICAL
@@ -182,8 +193,9 @@ def compute_OPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
 
     # read input file to extract time, spatial coordinates and data
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
+        parse_dates = (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime')
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_ascii(input_file, columns=VARIABLES,
-            header=HEADER)
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=HEADER, parse_dates=parse_dates)
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_netCDF4(input_file, timename=VARIABLES[0],
             xname=VARIABLES[2], yname=VARIABLES[1], varname=VARIABLES[3])
@@ -250,9 +262,15 @@ def compute_OPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
     else:
         leap_seconds = 0.0
 
-    # convert dates to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
-    MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
-        epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1858,11,17,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime'):
+        # convert delta time array from datetime object
+        # to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
+        MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_datetime(delta_time,
+            epoch=(1858,11,17,0,0,0))/86400.0
+    else:
+        # convert dates to Modified Julian days (days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00)
+        MJD = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
+            epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1858,11,17,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
     # add offset to convert to Julian days and then convert to calendar dates
     Y,M,D,h,m,s = pyTMD.time.convert_julian(2400000.5 + MJD, format='tuple')
     # calculate time in year-decimal format
@@ -348,7 +366,8 @@ def compute_OPT_displacements(input_file, output_file, FORMAT='csv',
     # output to file
     output = dict(time=MJD,lon=lon,lat=lat,tide_oc_pole=Urad)
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
-        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file, delimiter=',',
+        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file,
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=False,
             columns=['time','lat','lon','tide_oc_pole'])
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         pyTMD.spatial.to_netCDF4(output, attrib, output_file)
@@ -389,6 +408,10 @@ def arguments():
     parser.add_argument('--header','-H',
         type=int, default=0,
         help='Number of header lines for csv files')
+    # delimiter for csv or ascii files
+    parser.add_argument('--delimiter',
+        type=str, default=',',
+        help='Delimiter for csv or ascii files')
     # input data type
     # drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
     # grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -407,7 +430,7 @@ def arguments():
         help='Input delta time for files without date variables')
     # input time standard definition
     parser.add_argument('--standard','-s',
-        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN'), default='UTC',
+        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN','datetime'), default='UTC',
         help='Input time standard for delta times')
     # spatial projection (EPSG code or PROJ4 string)
     parser.add_argument('--projection','-P',
@@ -443,11 +466,19 @@ def main():
         args.outfile = '{0}_{1}{2}'.format(*vars)
 
     # run ocean pole tide program for input file
-    compute_OPT_displacements(args.infile, args.outfile, FORMAT=args.format,
-        VARIABLES=args.variables, HEADER=args.header, TYPE=args.type,
-        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch, TIME=args.deltatime,
-        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard, PROJECTION=args.projection,
-        METHOD=args.interpolate, VERBOSE=args.verbose, MODE=args.mode)
+    compute_OPT_displacements(args.infile, args.outfile,
+        FORMAT=args.format,
+        VARIABLES=args.variables,
+        HEADER=args.header,
+        DELIMITER=args.delimiter,
+        TYPE=args.type,
+        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
+        TIME=args.deltatime,
+        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard,
+        PROJECTION=args.projection,
+        METHOD=args.interpolate,
+        VERBOSE=args.verbose,
+        MODE=args.mode)
 
 # run main program
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/scripts/compute_tidal_currents.py b/scripts/compute_tidal_currents.py
index 89bda634..390df962 100755
--- a/scripts/compute_tidal_currents.py
+++ b/scripts/compute_tidal_currents.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 compute_tidal_currents.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (05/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 Calculates zonal and meridional tidal currents for an input file
 
 Uses OTIS format tidal solutions provided by Ohio State University and ESR
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
         for csv files: the order of the columns within the file
         for HDF5 and netCDF4 files: time, y, x and data variable names
     -H X, --header X: number of header lines for csv files
+    --delimiter X: Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     -t X, --type X: input data type
         drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
         grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -38,11 +39,12 @@
         days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00
     -d X, --deltatime X: Input delta time for files without date information
         can be set to 0 to use exact calendar date from epoch
-    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times
+    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times or input time type
         UTC: Coordinate Universal Time
         GPS: GPS Time
         LORAN: Long Range Navigator Time
         TAI: International Atomic Time
+        datetime: formatted datetime string in UTC
     -P X, --projection X: spatial projection as EPSG code or PROJ4 string
         4326: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
     -I X, --interpolate X: Interpolation method
@@ -92,6 +94,7 @@
     predict_tide_drift.py: predict tidal elevations using harmonic constants
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added delimiter option and datetime parsing for ascii files
     Updated 05/2022: added ESR netCDF4 formats to list of model types
         updated keyword arguments to read tide model programs
     Updated 04/2022: use argparse descriptions within documentation
@@ -172,11 +175,24 @@ def get_projection(attributes, PROJECTION):
 # PURPOSE: read csv, netCDF or HDF5 data
 # compute tides at points and times using tidal model driver algorithms
 def compute_tidal_currents(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
-    TIDE_MODEL=None, ATLAS_FORMAT='netcdf', GZIP=True,
-    DEFINITION_FILE=None, FORMAT='csv', VARIABLES=[], HEADER=0,
-    TYPE='drift', TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
-    TIME=None, TIME_STANDARD='UTC', PROJECTION='4326', METHOD='spline',
-    EXTRAPOLATE=False, CUTOFF=None, VERBOSE=False, MODE=0o775):
+    TIDE_MODEL=None,
+    ATLAS_FORMAT='netcdf',
+    GZIP=True,
+    DEFINITION_FILE=None,
+    FORMAT='csv',
+    VARIABLES=[],
+    HEADER=0,
+    DELIMITER=',',
+    TYPE='drift',
+    TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
+    TIME=None,
+    TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
+    PROJECTION='4326',
+    METHOD='spline',
+    EXTRAPOLATE=False,
+    CUTOFF=None,
+    VERBOSE=False,
+    MODE=0o775):
 
     # create logger for verbosity level
     loglevel = logging.INFO if VERBOSE else logging.CRITICAL
@@ -228,8 +244,9 @@ def compute_tidal_currents(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
 
     # read input file to extract time, spatial coordinates and data
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
+        parse_dates = (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime')
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_ascii(input_file, columns=VARIABLES,
-            header=HEADER)
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=HEADER, parse_dates=parse_dates)
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_netCDF4(input_file, timename=VARIABLES[0],
             xname=VARIABLES[2], yname=VARIABLES[1], varname=VARIABLES[3])
@@ -263,7 +280,8 @@ def compute_tidal_currents(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
     except (TypeError, KeyError, ValueError):
         epoch1,to_secs = pyTMD.time.parse_date_string(TIME_UNITS)
     # convert time to seconds
-    delta_time = to_secs*dinput['time'].flatten()
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() != 'datetime'):
+        delta_time = to_secs*dinput['time'].flatten()
 
     # calculate leap seconds if specified
     if (TIME_STANDARD.upper() == 'GPS'):
@@ -295,9 +313,16 @@ def compute_tidal_currents(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
     else:
         leap_seconds = 0.0
 
-    # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00
-    tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
-        epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
+    # convert delta times or datetimes objects
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime'):
+        # convert delta time array from datetime object
+        # to days relative to 1992-01-01T00:00:00
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_datetime(dinput['time'].flatten(),
+            epoch=(1992,1,1,0,0,0))/86400.0
+    else:
+        # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
+            epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
     # number of time points
     nt = len(tide_time)
     # delta time (TT - UT1) file
@@ -361,7 +386,8 @@ def compute_tidal_currents(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
 
     # output to file
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
-        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file, delimiter=',',
+        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file,
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=False,
             columns=['time','lat','lon','u','v'])
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         pyTMD.spatial.to_netCDF4(output, attrib, output_file)
@@ -427,6 +453,10 @@ def arguments():
     parser.add_argument('--header','-H',
         type=int, default=0,
         help='Number of header lines for csv files')
+    # delimiter for csv or ascii files
+    parser.add_argument('--delimiter',
+        type=str, default=',',
+        help='Delimiter for csv or ascii files')
     # input data type
     # drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
     # grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -445,7 +475,7 @@ def arguments():
         help='Input delta time for files without date variables')
     # input time standard definition
     parser.add_argument('--standard','-s',
-        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN'), default='UTC',
+        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN','datetime'), default='UTC',
         help='Input time standard definition')
     # spatial projection (EPSG code or PROJ4 string)
     parser.add_argument('--projection','-P',
@@ -491,14 +521,24 @@ def main():
 
     # run tidal current program for input file
     compute_tidal_currents(args.directory, args.infile, args.outfile,
-        TIDE_MODEL=args.tide, ATLAS_FORMAT=args.atlas_format,
-        GZIP=args.gzip, DEFINITION_FILE=args.definition_file,
-        FORMAT=args.format, VARIABLES=args.variables,
-        HEADER=args.header, TYPE=args.type, TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
-        TIME=args.deltatime, TIME_STANDARD=args.standard,
-        PROJECTION=args.projection, METHOD=args.interpolate,
-        EXTRAPOLATE=args.extrapolate, CUTOFF=args.cutoff,
-        VERBOSE=args.verbose, MODE=args.mode)
+        TIDE_MODEL=args.tide,
+        ATLAS_FORMAT=args.atlas_format,
+        GZIP=args.gzip,
+        DEFINITION_FILE=args.definition_file,
+        FORMAT=args.format,
+        VARIABLES=args.variables,
+        HEADER=args.header,
+        DELIMITER=args.delimiter,
+        TYPE=args.type,
+        TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
+        TIME=args.deltatime,
+        TIME_STANDARD=args.standard,
+        PROJECTION=args.projection,
+        METHOD=args.interpolate,
+        EXTRAPOLATE=args.extrapolate,
+        CUTOFF=args.cutoff,
+        VERBOSE=args.verbose,
+        MODE=args.mode)
 
 # run main program
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/scripts/compute_tidal_elevations.py b/scripts/compute_tidal_elevations.py
index 7ce0a027..dbf139d3 100755
--- a/scripts/compute_tidal_elevations.py
+++ b/scripts/compute_tidal_elevations.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
 u"""
 compute_tidal_elevations.py
-Written by Tyler Sutterley (05/2022)
+Written by Tyler Sutterley (10/2022)
 Calculates tidal elevations for an input file
 
 Uses OTIS format tidal solutions provided by Ohio State University and ESR
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@
         for csv files: the order of the columns within the file
         for HDF5 and netCDF4 files: time, y, x and data variable names
     -H X, --header X: number of header lines for csv files
+    --delimiter X: Delimiter for csv or ascii files
     -t X, --type X: input data type
         drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
         grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -39,11 +40,12 @@
         days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00
     -d X, --deltatime X: Input delta time for files without date information
         can be set to 0 to use exact calendar date from epoch
-    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times
+    -s X, --standard X: Input time standard for delta times or input time type
         UTC: Coordinate Universal Time
         GPS: GPS Time
         LORAN: Long Range Navigator Time
         TAI: International Atomic Time
+        datetime: formatted datetime string in UTC
     -P X, --projection X: spatial projection as EPSG code or PROJ4 string
         4326: latitude and longitude coordinates on WGS84 reference ellipsoid
     -I X, --interpolate X: Interpolation method
@@ -96,6 +98,7 @@
     predict_tide_drift.py: predict tidal elevations using harmonic constants
 
 UPDATE HISTORY:
+    Updated 10/2022: added delimiter option and datetime parsing for ascii files
     Updated 05/2022: added ESR netCDF4 formats to list of model types
         updated keyword arguments to read tide model programs
         added command line option to apply flexure for applicable models
@@ -186,6 +189,7 @@ def compute_tidal_elevations(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
     FORMAT='csv',
     VARIABLES=[],
     HEADER=0,
+    DELIMITER=',',
     TYPE='drift',
     TIME_UNITS='days since 1858-11-17T00:00:00',
     TIME_STANDARD='UTC',
@@ -239,8 +243,9 @@ def compute_tidal_elevations(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
 
     # read input file to extract time, spatial coordinates and data
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
+        parse_dates = (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime')
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_ascii(input_file, columns=VARIABLES,
-            header=HEADER)
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=HEADER, parse_dates=parse_dates)
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         dinput = pyTMD.spatial.from_netCDF4(input_file, timename=VARIABLES[0],
             xname=VARIABLES[2], yname=VARIABLES[1], varname=VARIABLES[3])
@@ -306,9 +311,15 @@ def compute_tidal_elevations(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
     else:
         leap_seconds = 0.0
 
-    # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00
-    tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
-        epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
+    if (TIME_STANDARD.lower() == 'datetime'):
+        # convert delta time array from datetime object
+        # to days relative to 1992-01-01T00:00:00
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_datetime(delta_time,
+            epoch=(1992,1,1,0,0,0))/86400.0
+    else:
+        # convert time from units to days since 1992-01-01T00:00:00
+        tide_time = pyTMD.time.convert_delta_time(delta_time-leap_seconds,
+            epoch1=epoch1, epoch2=(1992,1,1,0,0,0), scale=1.0/86400.0)
     # number of time points
     nt = len(tide_time)
     # delta time (TT - UT1) file
@@ -374,7 +385,8 @@ def compute_tidal_elevations(tide_dir, input_file, output_file,
     # output to file
     output = {'time':tide_time,'lon':lon,'lat':lat,output_variable:tide}
     if (FORMAT == 'csv'):
-        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file, delimiter=',',
+        pyTMD.spatial.to_ascii(output, attrib, output_file,
+            delimiter=DELIMITER, header=False,
             columns=['time','lat','lon',output_variable])
     elif (FORMAT == 'netCDF4'):
         pyTMD.spatial.to_netCDF4(output, attrib, output_file)
@@ -436,6 +448,10 @@ def arguments():
     parser.add_argument('--header','-H',
         type=int, default=0,
         help='Number of header lines for csv files')
+    # delimiter for csv or ascii files
+    parser.add_argument('--delimiter',
+        type=str, default=',',
+        help='Delimiter for csv or ascii files')
     # input data type
     # drift: drift buoys or satellite/airborne altimetry (time per data point)
     # grid: spatial grids or images (single time for all data points)
@@ -454,7 +470,7 @@ def arguments():
         help='Input delta time for files without date variables')
     # input time standard definition
     parser.add_argument('--standard','-s',
-        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN'), default='UTC',
+        type=str, choices=('UTC','GPS','TAI','LORAN','datetime'), default='UTC',
         help='Input time standard for delta times')
     # spatial projection (EPSG code or PROJ4 string)
     parser.add_argument('--projection','-P',
@@ -512,6 +528,7 @@ def main():
         FORMAT=args.format,
         VARIABLES=args.variables,
         HEADER=args.header,
+        DELIMITER=args.delimiter,
         TYPE=args.type,
         TIME_UNITS=args.epoch,
         TIME=args.deltatime,
diff --git a/version.txt b/version.txt
index 66c4c226..9084fa2f 100644
--- a/version.txt
+++ b/version.txt
@@ -1 +1 @@
-1.0.9
+1.1.0