Introduction to EPAs Multimedia Integrated Modeling System Software Suite: A New Framework for Model

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Introduction to EPAs Multimedia Integrated
Modeling System Software SuiteA 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 Laboratory
• U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development

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What is the MIMS Software Suite?

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

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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

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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

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SMOKE in MIMS Framework
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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

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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

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Current and Potential Future Applications

• Models-3
• OAQPSs Total Risk Integrated Methodology
• Prototype urban drainage decision support system
• Clean Air Markets Divisions deposition model
• Coupled deposition-plant-soil model for
  deposition studies
• Prototype optimization tool for air quality
  strategies

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Special Features for Models-3

• Simple I/O API file viewer
• Grid editor
• Chemical mechanism editor
• Spatial allocator
• Computes surrogates and intersections of coverages

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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

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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

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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