Purpose
The Invisible Modelling Environment (TIME) is a software development framework for creating, testing and delivering environmental simulation models. TIME includes support for the representation, management and visualisation of a variety of data types, as well as support for testing, integrating and calibrating simulation models.
Target user group
TIME is intended for use by modellers who program in Visual Basic, C# or Fortran 95. Other languages, such as C++ and Java are also usable with TIME, though their use is not explicitly supported.
TIME is also used by application developers to produce polished, standalone, integrated modelling applications, such as the Rainfall Runoff Library.
Complexity
While all modelling frameworks simplify the task of creating models, by providing reusable components for data handling, visualisation and model execution, TIME further simplifies the task by providing a high level, metadata driven environment for automating common tasks, such as creating user interfaces for models, or optimising model parameters. This reduces the learning curve for new developers while the use of commercial programming languages gives advanced users unbridled flexibility.
Example applications
TIME can be used to develop and test individual algorithms, such as a conceptual rainfall runoff model as well as integrated modelling applications that draw together models, data visualisation components and customised user interfaces.
Overview of features, advantage and benefits
TIME supports programmers and modellers who wish to:
- Create, test and calibrate model components,
- Design integrated system models that combine model components
- Develop highly visual, customised user interfaces for applications for use by end users
TIME includes support for a number of advanced tools for the visual integration of models, calibration of models using automatic optimisers and the pre and post processing of data.
