Documenting models and workflows: the next challenge in the field of ecological data management

Abstract

Bonet-García, F.J., Pérez-Pérez, R., Benito, B.M., Pérez-Luque, A.J., Zamora, R.J. 2013. Documenting models and workflows: the next challenge in the field of ecological data management. Ecosistemas 22(3):37-45. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2013.22-3.06

Documenting models and workflows: the next challenge in the field of ecological data management. Ecological models have become a key part of this scientific discipline. Most of the knowledge created by ecologists is obtained by applying analytical processes to primary data. But most of the information underlying how to create models or use analytic techniques already published in the scientific literature is not readily available to scientists. We are proposing the creation of computer tools that help to document, store and execute ecological models and scientific workflows. These tools (called model repositories) are being developed by other disciplines such as molecular biology and earth science. We are presenting a model repository (called ModeleR) that has been developed in the context of the Sierra Nevada Global Change Observatory (Granada-Almería. Spain). We believe that model repositories will foster cooperation among scientists, enhancing the creation of relevant knowledge that could be transferred to environmental managers.