Model integration in NextGen, NGIAB and NRDS
Day 3 Session 1 (0:00AM)
Presenters:
Josh Cunningham, AWI
Jordan Laser, Lynker
Harsha Vemula, AWI
Quinn Lee, AWI
Nia Minor, AWI
Gio Romero, Aquaveo
Arpita Patel, AWI
Nels Frazier, Lynker
Zach Wills, Lynker
This workshop explores the complete lifecycle of contributing BMI-compliant models to the NextGen Framework, NGIAB (NextGen In A Box), and the NextGen Research DataStream (NRDS). This hands-on session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the model integration pathway from development through potential operational deployment.
Starting with BMI (Basic Model Interface) documentation, we’ll guide participants through the model integration checklist, contribution form and demonstrate how containerization via NGIAB’s “plugin” system enables modular model addition without direct Dockerfile editing. We’ll cover the technical requirements for model contribution, including BMI compliance verification, configuration standards, and testing protocols across Docker environments. Finally, the NGIAB Visualizer will also be used to explore local model results.
The workshop will then demonstrate how models integrated into NGIAB can become available through NRDS: the continuously running research platform generating daily NextGen outputs on AWS. We’ll discuss how this creates an immediate research-to-operations pathway where community model improvements can be tested, evaluated, and potentially adopted for operational forecasting.Additionally, we’ll address the organizational and technical considerations for sustainable community model integration: version control strategies, security considerations for model robustness, documentation standards, and coordination with Community Resources Working Groups to ensure community contributions align with framework evolution toward NWM 4.0.
The NextGen ecosystem is advancing toward a truly community-driven hydrological modeling framework through standardized model integration pathways. Join us to learn how you can contribute your hydrological models to the Community NextGen ecosystem, whether you’re developing new process representations, implementing regional adaptations, or advancing existing model formulations.
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess BMI compliance of hydrological models for NextGen integration
- Use the plugin system to add models to NGIAB containers
- Navigate the model integration checklist and contribution process
- Test and deploy models across local and cloud environments
- Visualization Interpret and compare outputs using the NGIAB Visualization
- Setup and configure NRDS for integration with NRDS
- Understand the R2O pathway from development to operational deployment
- Coordinate with community through Working Groups and version control
Prerequisites:
- Prior knowledge: participants should be comfortable navigating their operating system of choice and have experience using the command line.
- Software & data – what will the participants need to have/install (Git clone repositories; data or application downloads; system requirements): Participants should have Git, Docker Desktop, Python and WSL (Windows only) installed on their computer.
- Accounts to set up (e.g. HydroShare, GitHub, CIROH Cloud); GitHub
Additional Details:
It is challenging for newcomers to understand the benefits of NGIAB/NRDS etc. as these “brand names” are not particularly descriptive. Our aim for this workshop is to enhance attendees’ understanding and vocabulary, making it easier for them to draft proposals and collaborate effectively in open-source world.