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 Laboratory U.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with developer Framework –Software is “beta” quality and is on web –Development continuing –Documentation is a year out-of-date –Documentation development should restart soon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