NIWA, Landcare Research, and AgResearch are holding a workshop to assess user needs for a software framework for interoperable freshwater models.

In this MSI-funded project, a computer-based model framework will be adapted or designed and then tested. The framework will allow existing mathematical models relevant to freshwater quality and quantity to work together, or interoperate by communicating with each other, to provide more complete solutions to freshwater questions. Access to data will be improved by making use of visualisation and mapping tools and data communication standards. The workshop will provide you and your organization an opportunity to shape the framework.

This goal of this workshop is to address the following questions:

• Who are the "users" of this system?
• Who are the "contributors" to this system?
• What are the needs and expectations of each of the above?
• What do we mean by "interoperable"?
• What benefits would such a framework provide?
• What are the technical constraints and requirements?

For more details about the project please visit our web page at: https://secure.niwa.co.nz/teamwork/display/IFM/Interoperable+Freshwater+Models+Framework.

The facilitated workshop will be attended by researchers, central government and regional council representatives, and water-based industry representatives. A workshop plan will be circulated at a later date, along with background material.

We would greatly appreciate your participation in the workshop and ask you for your confirmation by 28 May 2011 by e-mail to Gabrielle Turek.