Linking icon-based models to code-based models: a case study with the agricultural production systems simulator

This approach has the benefits of: (i) rapid and efficient model development that allows specialist scientists and programmers to focus on their respective areas of expertise; (ii) ongoing maintenance and development of modules by science specialists without need for constant recourse to programmers; (iii) ease of sharing, exchange and comparison of icon-based modules between researchers; and, (iv) ease of communication of model structure.