OpenMI

exchange data between models: opensource interface

It was specifically developed for the Water Framework Directive but is applicable to any directive where it is necessary to understand how one process could impact upon another.

The OpenMI is an interface standard which allows models to exchange data as they run. It nables linking of models of different processes and hence facilitates the understanding of process interactions. Eg. questions that lead to the need for such understanding and hence modelling might be: Could dynamic pricing of water achieve savings in water and energy consumption and so prolong the life of capital works. What are the implications of climate change on the cost of flood insurance ?

Operational.

The OpenMI changes the nature of the market for models and opens up vast opportunities for innovation and integration.

It does so by removing many of the obstacles to the take up of modelling and makes it very much easier for developers to create saleable modelling components.

The opportunities for innovation lie in using the OpenMI to link modelling components together in ways and with an ease that were previously completely infeasible.

From a commercial and scientific point of view, the lies not in the OpenMI itself but what it makes possible.

Open Source licence. No charge is made and it may be used for any purpose.

For a model to be labelled ‘OpenMI Compliant’ it must conform to the OpenMI specification in all respects.

The IPR is owned by the OpenMI Association.

Any organisation with a need to develop or use models or modelling components that need to be linked to other models.

It can be used simply as a way structuring complex models efficiently or it can be used for linking models, modelling tools and data sets from a range of different suppliers.

Market needs

• A market place where all the players in the development, delivery and use of modelling can meet, show/find modelling tools, data and services, gain access to them and use them.
• Standards
• Ease of use
• Usefulness of the output
• Creates opportunities for innovation
• Enables greater understanding of interacting processes
• Facilitate the finding of sustainable solutions and the avoidance of ‘unintended consequences’
• Prospective users

Initially:

• Researchers
• Developers
• Vendors
• Consultants
• Utilities

Later: Any organisation using modelling or decision support

The public

• Achieve recognition as an international standard
• Develop a model Market
• Develop and release Version 3 of the OpenMI
• Develop key standards

Tasks:

• small or large scale tests and demonstrations, especially involving linking models across domains
• development of user friendly interfaces and supporting tools
• development of catalogues of modelling components, models, tools, etc.
• user guides in other languages *standards

Funded 50:50 by :

• The EC through DG RTD and DG Env
• The HarmonIT and OpenMI-Life consortia members

The lead partners were:

The Natural Environment Research Council (UK) DHI (DK) Deltares (NL) HRW (UK) Other partner names can be supplied.

Objective is to make it ready for the market : Mandays and associated expertise, tools (server, …), budget for improvement

To be discussed.

Costs for testing, costs for improving

To be discussed.