Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
variables. It is up to the internal intelligence of the model to avoid unnecessary (re)
calculations (e.g. by using some caching system).
Allowing a
link
to concern multiple variables simplifies the use of that
link
within a call for variable values. Links could also be given more functionality, but
there should stay a clear distinction between functionality of a
link
versus that of a
LinkableComponent
.
Using SEAMLESS-IF for Integrated Assessment Studies
In this section we describe how SEAMLESS-IF can be used in an integrated
assessment study. First we focus on the pre-modelling phase and the definition of
the boundary conditions of the problem. Then, we enter the modelling phase, where
the appropriate model chains are selected, their parameters are defined and sets of
simulations experiments are executed. Finally we describe the post-modelling
stage, where results are analysed and interactively examined by the end user, an
activity that may lead to a redefinition of the pre-modelling or modelling stages.
The process is iterated until the end user has gained a sufficient insight on the problem
and she has obtained a satisfactory result in the analysis process.
Starting a Project in SEAMLESS-IF (Pre-modelling Phase)
Through SeamGUI, the user may build up a project that specifies an integrated
assessment exercise. A
project
(Fig.
9.9
) is characterized by the definition of the
problem it tries to solve or study, and it incorporates at least one experiment
configuration, that is, the configuration of the models to be executed during the
analysis. An
experiment
, in turn, is associated with a single model chain and is
parameterized by the specification of an outlook, a context and a policy option.
Also the
indicators
are associated with a problem; they are used for quantifying the
analysis results. Through a single project, there are several alternatives that can be
investigated. Based on the results of the computation, the calculated indicators
become available in the framework and can be used for visualizing results in
SeamPRES, the visualization client. The project definition is a result of the DOT.
Force
10
team (Janssen et al.
2007)
, and has been specified as an ontology in OWL.
Through the SeamGUI client application, the end user may configure a
SEAMLESS-IF project, by specifying the narrative descriptions of problem and
experiments, context, outlook and policy options, but also, by selecting indicators
applicable for the exercise at hand. Figure
9.10
presents the screenshot of the project
definition panel.
10
Seamless Data-Ontology Task Force.
