Interoperable Environmental
Modelling Webring

Introduction

The sphere of earth systems science is characterized by disparate departments specializing in narrow areas. In order that complete modelling systems can be created, it is necessary that departments are aware of the precise interface and data requirements of others.

The purpose of this web ring is to collect together all environmental modelling softwares which provide a clean interface to the 'next' component in the chain. In this way, developers of the 'next' component, or indeed of the 'previous' one, can see the selection of interfaces that are in use, and can choose to support one or other of them, or improve upon them with a new interface. Hopefully, over a period of time, patterns of standardization will emerge from this, simplifying the future needs, and improving the interchangeability, of components of the 'complete' system.

Thus a secondary purpose of this ring, in the long run, is to collect together softwares which form a complete chain, from rainfall data sources through catchment modelling to urban decision making, for example, which can be freely and flexibly combined in an integrated environment.


Current state

The diagram on the left shows the models currently in the webring, and indicates their position in the sphere (rectangle!) of earth systems modelling. Models which interoperate are shown connected.

The following models are currently in the ring:

Anticipated evolution

As this ring becomes populated, this home page will be updated to display connections between different programs, whether they be currently interoperable or incompatible. It will thus become possible to see the chains of compatible softwares. These chains will be assimilated into sub-rings, making it easy for end users to acquire complete suites of programs which will work seamlessly together.

Membership

Membership is open to all individuals and organizations. Any software with application to an aspect of earth system science is eligible, but it is expected that it has a clean, well-documented interface, and that it be regarded as 'mature', if not production quality. Clearly, a long chain of models would be very unsatisfactory if parts of the chain were notably unreliable. On the other hand, new approaches developed by researchers are wanted to keep the subject invigorated.

To join the web ring, ensure that your software is adequately described on the WWW, and then click the link below to register the URL. If your software itself consists of separate components, then please consider a separate entry for each component rather than providing information for lots of components on one screenful of information.

JOIN THIS WEBRING