Geospatial Workflow Optimization Using Modelbuilder for Visualizing Subsurface CO2 Plume Footprint Predictions Derived From Numerical Simulation Cases
As part of the Plains CO2;Reduction (PCOR) Partnership Program, the Energy & Environmental Research Center is developing the tools and techniques for understanding geologic storage of CO2. One challenge that has been previously encountered is how to graphically depict the subsurface CO2;plume footprint. Through trial and error, it was determined that using ESRI's Arcmap to create 2-D geospatial maps was far more effective than trying to depict 3-D numerically produced plumes.The original analysis in ArcMap consisting of several toolbox processes consumed up to 4 hours/map. Optimization through ESRI's ModelBuilder cut run time down to approximately 5 minutes/map. A simple graphical user interface within ArcMap was designed to allow the user more operability and the ability to change options and rerun several different scenarios with near-instant visualization of results. ModelBuilder is an intuitive Python script-based workflow that can be built interactively and either supplemented by Python or exported entirely and run in a Python shell for more control. ModelBuilder also allows models and tools to be shared easily via importation into ArcMap, allowing ease of use among many different levels of users. This workflow was very effective for displaying interactive data and can be used for other similar applications.View/Download Document
Event/Meeting Information
North Dakota GIS Users Conference
9/10/2013
Grand Forks, ND