event 17 mai 2018

Tools // New Version of the Nexus Tools Platform 2.0

The Nexus Tools Platform aims at facilitating the application of a cross-sectoral Nexus Approach to environmental resources management. This requires a holistic understanding of the interlinkages of environmental processes. However, no single modelling tool is available or even conceivable which covers all aspects and processes related to the nexus of resources. The Nexus Tools Platform by UNU-FLORES is an integrated modelling tool that tries to achieve this. In its beta version, NTP 2.0 offers new, improved, and more interactive features, promising a smoother and more pleasant user experience. Below are five things you need to know about it.

2018 ntp featureimage
https://flores.unu.edu/en/news/news/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-nexus-tools-platform-2-0.html (C) UNU-FLORES

UNU-FLORES has developed the Nexus Tools Platform (NTP), a web-based database for inter-model comparison. Through this platform, nexus-oriented researchers can specify and run their criteria to select the most appropriate (set of) model(s) for their specific needs. The basic concept and initial applications based on the alpha version are described in Mannschatz et al. (2016).

1. Search through a Wealth of Models (84 and Counting)

Since the alpha version, the NTP has grown to include a greater number of models, currently at the count of 84. Through advanced search and filter functions, users can differentiate models in terms of considered processes, input and output parameters, application areas (countries), spatial and temporal resolution, programming language, among others.

The models that are included cover a wide array of research areas from hydrology and land management to soil and waste-related topics from local (plot) to global scale (see word cloud generated from the filters of considered processes on NTP 2.0).

2. Get a Clear Picture – Better Visuals, Greater Interactivity

The Nexus Tools Platform 2.0 boasts improved visualisations and documentation. With clearer explanations of interactive charts and graphs, users can expect to have a clearer understanding of them. To provide users with an ever more seamless experience, links are in place to direct them to the respective model homepages.

3. Read Up about the Scientific Background of the Models

The modelling tools included are grounded in scientific research. To give users a more complete understanding of the applications of the models, NTP 2.0 features a link to an open literature database on included modelling tools. Complete references of all literature from which the information included in the NTP was taken plus key references (applications) of these models are made easily available through a compilation on Zotero. Since it is open, users can add new references, too.

4. Download Results

Via a Chrome extension, users may conveniently download results. This makes it possible to have the information gathered on NTP 2.0 offline and work with them in other applications.

5. Participate – Add Your Own Model, Give Feedback, and Join the Community

The success of the platform lies in its continuous growth, which in part is participatory in nature. If you find that a modelling tool that could be beneficial for nexus-oriented research missing, go ahead and add your own model. Your submission will be reviewed and upon approval added to the database. The beta version of the platform also offers new options for feedback and interaction in the blog section. All users of NTP 2.0 are welcome to give feedback and comments to administrators as well as to other NTP users – as a forum to share user experiences with the included models.

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