Rational gaze: Presenting the open-source HYPEtools R package for analysis, visualization, and interpretation of hydrological models and datasets

Abstract

The open-source HYPEtools R package aims to address current challenges in hydrological modeling and data analysis by providing a suite of tools for data management, visualization, interpretation, and exploration. Originally developed as a supporting toolbox for the HYPE hydrological model, HYPEtools has since evolved into a standalone package with features ranging from diverse aggregation and evaluation routines to interactive apps and mapping. Specifically, functions are included for data manipulation and conversion, data summarization, plotting and mapping, and interactive data exploration. Two case studies are provided to highlight how HYPEtools can simplify hydrological workflows and analyses both independently of and within HYPE modeling contexts. First, HYPEtools is used for data exploration and mapping of water transfers in South Africa. Then, a case study for the Baltic Sea region of a pan-European HYPE model setup illustrates how HYPEtools can assist model calibration and validation.