Data

EFMSim relies heavily on temporal sequences of spatial data.  These data, coupled with ecological information, comprise the foundation of the information sets used during simulations.  These data are also diverse in subject and are typically large, with size increasing with resolution and extent (Figure).

Figure.  View of the Data Import interface with several data types and sets.

EFMSim has an embedded GIS to efficiently structure and visualize the data and an underlying database to store data and simulation results.  The Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) is used as the underlying database (https://www.hdfgroup.org/).  The contents of an HDF file, including data tables, can be viewed and in some cases plotted using a software called HDFView, which is developed and maintained by the creators of the HDF database.  HDFView is available online, free of cost.

There are three primary user interfaces dedicated to data: Data Import, Data Controls, and Create Variables.