You are here:
Design of a component-based integrated environmental modeling framework
Citation:
Whelan, G., K. Kim, M. Pelton, K. Castleton, Gerry Laniak, K. Wolfe, J. Babendreier, R. Parmar, AND M. Galvin. Design of a component-based integrated environmental modeling framework. ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE. Elsevier Science, New York, NY, 55:1-24, (2014).
Impact/Purpose:
Article published in Environmental Modelling and Software.
Description:
Integrated environmental modeling (IEM) includes interdependent science-based components (e.g., models, databases, viewers, assessment protocols) that comprise an appropriate software modeling system. The science-based components are responsible for consuming and producing information as part of the system, but moving information from one component to another (i.e., interoperability) is the responsibility of the IEM software system. Legacy components do not lend themselves easily to interfacing with common inputs or transferring disparate outputs across systems of models. When legacy components are included, many science and technology issues arise in constructing such a modeling system, especially when legacy components that are not designed for interoperation are included. Legacy model, database, and tool linkage can be facilitated through a common design (e.g., software infrastructure, adoption of standards) to identify and describe real-world solutions to complex problems. In this paper, we describe and discuss the Framework for Risk Analysis in Multimedia Environmental Systems (FRAMES), a component-based IEM system, from the standpoint of software design requirements which define system functionalities. Design requirements were identified in a series of workshops, attended by IEM practitioners, and reported in the development of a number of IEM software systems. The requirements cover issues associated with standards, component connectivity, linkage protocols, system architecture and functionality, and web-based access, all of which facilitate the creation of plug & play components from stand-alone models through a series of software support tools and standards.
