APPENDICES

APPENDIX C

Development of an Advanced Modular Modeling Framework for Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems

Vision: A modular modeling system is a computer framework consisting of a library of alternate science and database modules, which facilitates the assembly of a modeling package, tailored to the problem, data constraints, and scale of application. The framework is supported by appropriate graphical user interface (GUI) modules and utility modules such as data retrieval and storage, GIS, graphical and Statistical analysis packages.

Benefits: In the past, ARS has had various teams develop software technology and simulation models at an average expense of $l5 Million per project that contained significant duplication of work. The proposed system will leverage the investment that ARS has made in model development to facilitate the creation of future models, or modification of existing models, with newer technology at a fraction of the cost. Additional advantages of the proposed Modular Modeling Framework are:

1. It will use the best science available for the given conditions and problem.

2. It will be easier to maintain and update as the new knowledge, data, and technology become available. It will allow a "plug and play" mechanism for modules consisting of sub-models, equations, graphics, statistics, and risk analysis.

3. It will eliminate duplication of work by modelers. The library of modules will serve as a reference and a coordination mechanism for future improvements. It will facilitate communication between modelers and scientists by providing a common standard for development and implementation.

4. It will significantly reduce the problem for users of different models giving different results by utilizing a library of evaluated, documented and standardized modules, thus greatly benefiting NRCS and other users as well as ARS.

5. The common interface for model usage will result in lower training costs and reduced startup time for future modelers and scientific users.

6. The java can be compiled into a runtime executable for consistent interface use for NRCS and others resulting in lower training costs.

These items were identified as high priority needs by our customers and stakeholders at the August, 1999 Water Quality component National Program workshop.

Background: In 1992, The USGS (George Leavesley) released a Unix-based Modular Modeling System (MMS) that incorporated their Performance and Results Measurement System (PRMS) surface runoff model. In 1997, an ARS-NRCS-USGS Interagency workshop reviewed the MMS and unanimously endorsed the development of an advanced Modular Modeling Framework for Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems that will:

1. Run on PC and other platforms.

2. Allow for dynamic interaction between modules.

3. Have a flexible, modular GUI, separated from the "model" engine.

4. Be object oriented such as demonstrated by Dr. Olaf David, a German computer scientist.

5. Have the science put in appropriate size modules.

There is no software commercially available to build models from modules composed of existing source code. Some technology is available which uses a common interface for running multiple models. These are modeling systems using pre-built models such as groundwater agricultural system models (OMS) and surface water Watershed Modeling System (WMS) models. These systems cannot build models from modules.

Current Status: Dr. Olaf David, Professor of Computer Science, University of Jena, Germany, and the USGS, Denver, in cooperation with ARS and NRCS units in F ort Collins, have developed a new framework called the Object Modeling System (OMS) and the supporting user interface called OUI, in Java language. This framework addresses the requirement no.1, 3, and 4 given above. However, a lot of further work is needed to test and refine these developments, as well as accomplish requirements no.2 and 5. At a meeting in Fort Collins attended by all parties (USGS, Dr. David, ARS, NRCS) in May 1999, the remaining tasks were analyzed. It was estimated that it would take two to three years to complete the tasks.

Action Proposed: The ARS and NRCS propose that we invite and support Dr. Olaf David to come on a leave for 15-18 months to Fort Collins to help accomplish the remaining tasks in this time frame. Dr. Olaf David is an experienced computer scientist with extensive knowledge of computer information technology. He has been involved in this project development for over four years and has developed prototypes for a module builder, model builder, and module library. Dr. Olaf David will be able to rapidly advance the OMS technology because of his existing involvement and his experience in computer science. Utilizing his capabilities is significantly more cost effective than utilizing a local programmer. A local programmer would require years of education and experience to get to the level of knowledge of Dr. Olaf David.

Budget Estimate for ARS and NRCS share: The ARS and NRCS will share the salary costs of Dr. David, whereas the USGS will provide support for his travel and possibly for a student assistant. The NRCS will also provide 50% time of a computer specialist for this work.

1. Salary and benefits for Dr. Olaf David for 18 months $120,000
2. Amount required in FY 2000, June to September $27,000
3. Amount required in FY 2001 $80,000
4. Amount required in FY 2002 $13,000

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