Interfacing environmental simulation models and databases using XML

Typically in environmental management tasks one needs to examine and explore data from several sources, use simulation models, develop scenarios, assess impacts, and provide support for decision makers. Here we consider the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) standard in developing information transfer techniques between databases and simulation models. Suitability of XML as the agreed data transfer format is studied in a sample application, where two snow models of different complexity are linked with input data extracted from a relational database. The simple case study demonstrated that with free and easily accessible tools it was relatively straightforward to develop an XML interface between a meteorological data set and simulation models. Based on the case study, a structure for a more comprehensive system comprising model and data resources, and a broker application that acts as an intermediate between the user and those resources, is presented. We believe that such an XML-based structure is worth exploring on the track towards an open modelling framework. Such a framework would allow models developed by various expert groups to connect easily to a common information system.