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An overview of the model integration process: From pre-integration assessment to testing
Citation:
Belete, G., A. Voinov, AND Gerry Laniak. An overview of the model integration process: From pre-integration assessment to testing. ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE. Elsevier Science, New York, NY, 87:49-63, (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.10.013
Impact/Purpose:
The paper provides a review of the literature regarding techniques and methods employed by various modeling system developers to facilitate science software interoperability. The intent of the paper is to illustrate the wide variation in methods and the limiting effect the variation has on inter-framework reuse and interoperability. A series of recommendations are made that suggest the need for a community-wide focus on developing science software for inter-framework discoverability, access, reuse, and interoperability.
Description:
Integration of models requires linking models which can be developed using different tools, methodologies, and assumptions. We performed a literature review with the aim of improving our understanding of model integration process, and also presenting better strategies for building integrated modeling systems. We identified five different phases to characterize integration process: pre-integration assessment, preparation of models for integration, orchestration of models during simulation, data interoperability, and testing. Commonly, there is little reuse of existing frameworks beyond the development teams and not much sharing of science components across frameworks. We believe this must change to enable researchers and assessors to form complex workflows that leverage the current environmental science available. In this paper, we characterize the model integration process and compare integration practices of different groups. We highlight key strategies, features, standards, and practices that can be employed by developers to increase reuse and interoperability of science software components and systems.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: An overview of the model integration process: From pre-integration assessment to testing
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.10.013