GG_MODFLOW

GG_MODFLOW is an experimental effort to build MODFLOW models over the internet, automatically, using a GIS database. GG_MODFLOW currently stores raw inputs in GIS format within a GRASS GIS map.

We have run up against a functional limitation in GG_MODFLOW, which is that the models simply take too long to build. Currently, we can build 300×300 size models over a 2 day period. Sizes greater than that become completely impractical.

To address this problem, we are re-thinking the way that GG_MODFLOW builds models. In GG_MODFLOW 3.1, we will save the GIS information in a Berkeley database. We will store it at two resolutions, 10m and 100m. Models of varying resolution will be built by averaging the values of the smaller resolution. To store data this way will take more memory than the current system, but it seems necessary if GG_MODFLOW is to evolve.

We will also be repackaging GG_MODFLOW for windows into a format that is easier to use, a simple GUI. The new format will allow us to do this.

GG_MODFLOW will be constructed in conjunction with the Map the Water Table Project, which will allow it to have better inputs. Thus, it will initially be constructed for New York and New England.