Introduction to EPA’s Multimedia Integrated Modeling System Software Suite:A New Framework for Models-3

Steve Fine (EPA/NOAA), Steve Howard (EPA/NOAA), Alison Eyth (MCNC), Dean Herington (UNC), Karl Castleton (PNNL)

National Exposure Research LaboratoryU.S. EPA Office of Research and Development

What is the MIMS Software Suite?

• Software to support composing, configuring, applying, and evaluating complex systems of models

Current and Planned Features

• User interface to support connecting and interchanging compatible models

• Aid repetitive work, such as modeling multiple locations and sensitivity and uncertainty studies

• Provide user interfaces for programs when desired, in most cases with no programming required

• Manage computations on one or more computers• Data management and manipulation

Potential Benefits for Models-3 Users

• GUI for running CMAQ and SMOKE• Archive and share configurations for simulations• Automate repetitive work• Manage model executions on remote computers

Might not benefit all Models-3 users

SMOKE in MIMS Framework

Guiding Principles

• Make the common things easy; make the hard things possible.

• Balance planning for the future with delivering value ASAP– Concentrate on what the customers need

– Assume simplicity

– Generalize as appropriate

Differences from Original Models-3 Framework

• No data set catalog (yet)

• No GUI for compiling models

• Implemented for stand-alone users

• More general

• No cost to users

• Easier to install and use

• More reliable

• Compatible with more platforms

• Executes models on remote computers

• Looping

• Easier to extend

• Open source

• Development process is more responsive

Current and Potential Future Applications

• Models-3• OAQPS’s Total Risk Integrated Methodology• Prototype urban drainage decision support system• Clean Air Markets Division’s deposition model• Coupled deposition-plant-soil model for deposition

studies

• Prototype optimization tool for air quality strategies

Special Features for Models-3

• Simple I/O API file viewer• Grid editor• Chemical mechanism editor• Spatial allocator

– Computes surrogates and intersections of coverages

Status

• Spatial allocator– On web

– Memory consumption should be reduced

– Will be discussing options with developer

• Framework– Software is “beta” quality and is on web

– Development continuing

– Documentation is a year out-of-date

– Documentation development should restart soon

Future Directions

• More robust long-duration simulations• Additional methods for accessing remote

computers• Sensitivity and uncertainty tools• Model performance evaluation tools• CMAS support for application of MIMS to

Models-3• Continue to try to meet users’ needs

Summary

• EPA is developing MIMS to address a broad range of modeling needs

• MIMS will support composition, configuration, application and evaluation of systems of models

• The development approach and end result is very different from the old Models-3 framework

http://www.epa.gov/asmdnerl/mims