Project Update

There are  some major considerations in developing the Semaphore software,  including the degree to which automation  may be achieved for ecological modelling tools and if possible how to run this software on the cloud.  A number of ideas  have been posited on these issues since project commencement.

At the most recent meeting, discussion surrounded the following proposal for an outcome of the Semaphore project.  It includes the possibility that where some processes may be automated, some will only be semi- automated or remain wholly manual processes.

Part one is about helping the user prepare the data to be modeled: including calibrating the model, running the modelling software, displaying results for visual inspection, and uploading the data and parameters to a repository.  For the procedures that can be fully automated, there will be a button on the excel add-on.  For the semi-automated processes relevant buttons will be supplemented by instructional pop-up windows explaining to the user their next steps.  Similar pop-ups will explain the fully manual steps of the data analysis process.

The second part of the proposal concerns a data sharing portal where browse-able  sets of analyses from the models are uploaded by users.  Data packages can be downloaded and simulations run on a cloud version of the Century/Daycent models.  Alternatively a Kepler workflow can be downloaded that can be used to automatically run a simulation from the user’s desktop.  The workflow will be basic and consist of taking formatted data and optional parameters from the repository, running it on a cloud based modelling tool, and displaying the output.

Ideas also expand beyond the probable scope of the Semaphore project to the possibility of the user being able to edit workflow to suit their needs, for example to use a different modelling tool or further manipulate data.

These discussions help to provide context for the technical work being carried out, providing a direction in which to work.  Technical details to follow…

Project Update

With no particularly noteworthy announcements this week it might be easy to forget that work continues on the Semaphore project: developing Kepler actors and preparing for the next Semaphore Advisory Committee meeting.  There is a challenge inherent in scheduling time for these  meetings between members in different locales.  The meetings are an important component however of keeping the project on track.  This ongoing drive to see a project through to completion and deliver a worthy product is just as important to success as the highlights, and the team remain on track through this low-key phase.

Also important to the project’s outcome is maintaining contact with the scientific community.  It is hoped that further meetings can be organised soon with experts in ecological data modelling.  Focus will also turn to the data management side of the project with thought being given to what metadata is essential for adequate description of input and output data, and how best to facilitate making data findable.

Weekly Update

A happy new year update where, despite the break, work continues on the Semaphore project.

2013 brings with it a shiny new Kepler workflow example that runs the DAYCENT model, transforms outputs and plots subsequent charts on the screen.  Alvin has provided the example that includes a Kepler actor that provides check boxes to select which output files  DAYCENT is to produce.