Design of a component-based integrated environmental modeling framework

Integrated environmental modeling (IEM) includes interdependent science-based components that comprise an appropriate software modeling system and are responsible for consuming and producing information as part of the system, but moving information from one component to another (i.e., interoperability) is the responsibility of the IEM software system. We describe and discuss the Framework for Risk Analysis in Multimedia Environmental Systems (FRAMES), a component-based IEM system, from the standpoint of software design requirements which define system functionalities. Design requirements were identified in a series of workshops, attended by IEM practitioners, and reported in the development of a number of IEM software systems. The requirements cover issues associated with standards, component connectivity, linkage protocols, system architecture and functionality, and web-based access, all of which facilitate the creation of plug & play components from stand-alone models through a series of software support tools and standards.