Abstract
Abstract The increasing complexity of numerical modelling systems in environmental sciences has led to the development of different supporting architectures. Integrated environmental modelling can be undertaken by building a ‘super model’ simulating many processes or by using a generic coupling framework to dynamically link distinct separate models during run-time. The application of systemic knowledge management to integrated environmental modelling indicates that we are at the onset of the norming stage, where gains will be made from consolidation in the range of standards and approaches that have proliferated in recent years. Consolidation is proposed in six topics: metadata for data and models; supporting information; Software-as-a-service; linking (or interface) technologies; diagnostic or reasoning tools; and the portrayal and understanding of integrated modelling. Consolidation in these topics will develop model fusion: the ability to link models, with easy access to information about the models, interface standards such as OpenMI and software tools to make integration easier. For this to happen, an open software architecture will be crucial, the use of open source software is likely to increase and a community must develop that values openness and the sharing of models and data as much as its publications and citation records.
Highlights
The need for integrated environmental modelling tools led to the development of the Open Modelling Interface (OpenMI) during two European Commission funded projects, HarmonIT (2002–2005) and OpenMI LIFE (2006–2010)
The past decade has seen the development of the new field of integrated environmental modelling where compositions of linked models exchange data at run-time
The application of systemic knowledge management to integrated environmental modelling indicates that we are at the onset of the norming stage, where gains will be made from the hierarchical organization of the competing options
Summary
The increasing need to model systems, rather than just single processes, has led to different methods for combining models of different processes. Lu & Piasecki (2012) identified the following four categories:. It starts by introducing two frameworks that have been used to assess the progression in numerical modelling (largely in hydraulics) and considers their application to the modelling of integrated environmental systems. It discusses the increasingly blurred line between observations (data) and models, before describing the evolution of OpenMI and the OpenMI standard (Gregersen et al 2007). The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines fusion as the ‘fusing, melting, blending of different things into one’, so it might be argued that it should involve more than just the ability to link models and this paper looks at what other factors may be involved in this concept
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