WC133 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 13
The OBWB has already embraced an open-source, cloudbased information management strategy for sharing Raven Hydrology models and datasets. This strategy is a blueprint for other
local governments to share and collaborate on existing hydrology
models and datasets.
Important Distinction:
Models vs. Model Results/Output
In the context of this article, it's crucial to understand the difference
between two key terms:
MODELS refer to the algorithms, equations, or mathematical structures representing a system or process. Open-sourcing models mean
making the underlying code and structure available to the public.
MODEL RESULTS/OUTPUT refers to the data or information running
the models produce. It includes the predictions, insights, or other
outcomes the model generates.
The primary argument of this article focuses on the importance of
open-sourcing the models themselves rather than the data that these
models produce. This distinction is vital to grasp the nuances of the
discussion and the implications of open sourcing-in the field.
A blueprint for the future
To tackle these issues and enhance access to valuable hydrology models and data through open-source sharing, an effective
information management strategy is needed. The OBWB has developed a four-part strategy for implementing open-source data
cloud management, aiming to enhance water resource management in the Okanagan Basin. This strategy involves data model
transparency and version control, data storage and processing,
data analysis and visualization, and providing a warehouse for
documents that provide decision support.
The OBWB has taken a significant step in advancing hydrological modelling by hosting the new Raven hydrology model
online on their GitHub repository—a centralized storage
location where code and related files are kept, allowing multiple users to access, modify, and track changes collaboratively.
In the context of open source, a public repository ensures that
the models are freely accessible to anyone, fostering a culture of
shared knowledge and cooperative development. This publicly
accessible platform serves as a centralized hub for all necessary resources needed to develop hydrologic models within the OHME,
catering specifically to the unique hydrological challenges of the
Okanagan region.
Users can find valuable resources within this repository,
including codes, scripts, and tools to streamline the hydrologic
modelling process. These resources are tailored for integration
with the Raven Hydrological Model Framework, a powerful
and versatile modelling platform suited for Okanagan-specific
applications.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Additionally, the repository offers powerful calibration
capabilities using the Ostrich optimization software.
This feature lets users fine-tune their models for optimal
performance and accuracy, ensuring precise and dependable
results.
By leveraging public repositories, a seamless exchange of
ideas and methodologies can be enabled, paving the way for
collective growth and advancement in the field.
The Okanagan Hydrologic Modelling Environment
(OHME) is a prime example of the growing trend toward
open-source hydrology models. Available to the public,
OHME’s Raven Hydrologic Operations Models from 2020 and
2022 can be accessed on the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s
GitHub page. For an overview of these models and their role
in long-term water planning, you can refer to the OBWB’s
2020 report. If you’re interested in exploring the data library,
you’ll need a Google account, and access can be requested
directly from the OBWB. This initiative reflects a broader
movement towards transparency and collaboration in water
management, allowing professionals and enthusiasts to explore
and apply hydrologic models. Emerging cloud-based solutions
like PAVICS are further expanding these opportunities. For
support or to learn how these resources can be utilized in your
community, don’t hesitate to reach out to the OBWB.
To support users in leveraging the full potential of the
Okanagan Hydrologic Model Environment, the OBWB
repository also offers resources that help seamless integration
with Google Cloud Platform resources. By taking advantage
of the robust infrastructure provided by Google Cloud
Platform (GCP), users can access scalable computing power
and storage solutions to handle large-scale hydrological
modelling projects.
The intentional deployment of open-sourcing and cloud
computing in hydrologic modelling represents a transformative
approach to more effective, collaborative, and responsive
decision-making. OHME provides a compelling case study
in this regard. By combining the Raven hydrology model,
Ostrich optimization software, and seamless integration with
Google Cloud Platform resources, OHME offers a robust and
user-friendly environment for applied hydrologic studies. This
co-creation approach by the OBWB is not merely a regional
solution but a model that can be replicated and adapted
elsewhere. By making such resources publicly available and
easily accessible, there is an opportunity to collectively advance
understanding and management of unique water resources and
address critical climate change issues. This advocacy for opensourcing and cloud computing in decision-relevant hydrologic
modelling, as exemplified by OHME, underscores a broader
vision for collaborative innovation in the field.
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