Currently, scientists studying greenhouse gas emissions focusing specifically on emissions from agriculture, use various greenhouse gas modelling tools to predict emissions and test assumptions. Scientists in the field collect and record physical measurements of emissions from the ground based on various different farming practices and use those measurements to calibrate the models. Once the models are calibrated they can use them to make predictions based on different scenarios, and they can validate the model predictions by carrying out experiments in the field and recording measurements.
Semaphore is a web based tool that simplifies environmental modelling processes, making a complex and laborious task faster and more straightforward.
We have designed Semaphore so that researchers can upload files, run multiple model simulations and control versions of input and output files, all in the cloud.
A screenshot of the Semaphore experiment screen
Users can begin a new experiment and select to use Century or DayCent models (more modelling tools will be added in the future).
Creating a new experiment.
Users can upload previously formatted data or use our Excel plug in to upload data straight out of Excel in a Century or DayCent format ready to run.
- The Semaphore excel plug-in.
When a model is run, all the files associated with the model are stored, along with any associated model outputs in the cloud, for you to download, run again or modify.
Model experiment runs.
Records of the model results and parameters are recorded in the run history so researchers can easily see the calibration changes for each model run.
Run history documentation
Semaphore users and testers
Our testers for Semaphore are Dr Martin Labadz and Dr David Rowlings.
We have chosen them as representative of the target audience for Semaphore, which is Scientists studying greenhouse gas emissions in Australian soils.
The data that is being used to test Semaphore is from the National Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Emissions Research in Australia program (www.n2o.net.au). Dr Labadz and Dr Rowlings are both researchers in the N2O network and have practical experience using the Century and DayCent modelling software.
Testing methods and findings
Early on in this project we interviewed the researchers and observed them in the modelling process to understand their workflows and identify where our technology could help streamline the activity and yield more effective and easily shared outputs.
Throughout the development of Semaphore we continued to consult with our steering committee by email and regular committee meetings. Following their advice we arranged meetings with researchers using a variety of modelling tools and workflows so we were able to develop a picture of the best features for our product.
We also had continued contact with our testers and there was a demonstration at each phase of development. There was also usability testing by the researchers in the final phase of the project.
Consultation
In the most recent demonstrations and usability testing sessions the researchers were very positive about Semaphore and its use for their environmental modelling work.
Points made were the clean look of the user interface, the ‘safety net’ feature of running the models and storing data on the cloud and also the ease of tracing calibration changes to the model. The Excel plug-in was also very well received.
Regarding future development of the product the testers suggested that a Graphical UI would be a great addition and some data cleaning tools would also be useful.
Soon a Demonstration of Value video will be available here to illustrate the reception of the product by the researchers and the development team.
Semaphore 