New paper advances hydrological modelling by providing a tool for building reproducible, transparent, and reusable SWAT+ model input data preparation workflows

Ecohydrological modelling is a crucial tool utilized in the OPTAIN project. It is indispensable for analyzing various scenarios, including climate and Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM). The most time-consuming and error-prone step in this modelling process is the preparation of input data, which typically requires significantly more effort than the modelling itself and the subsequent analysis of results. Reliable data, its accurate collection, and the preparation of input data are paramount for ensuring reliable model outcomes. Additionally, numerous issues are often identified during this or later stages, necessitating corrections, updates, or amendments to the data. Moreover, new data may become available during the project timeline, which inclusion could be very beneficial. By developing a scripted workflow for model input preparation, it becomes easier to perform these tasks, track the data treatment process, and identify and rectify mistakes. To facilitate this, the SWATprepR R package was developed within the OPTAIN project. The tool, along with examples of its usage, is presented in a new paper authored by Svajunas Plunge (SGGW), Brigitta Szabó (ATK), Michael Strauch (UFZ), Natalja Čerkasova (KU), Christoph Schürz (UFZ), and Mikołaj Piniewski (SGGW), thereby making them accessible to the wider scientific community.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-00873-1

Authors: Svajunas Plunge (SGGW), Brigitta Szabó (ATK), Michael Strauch (UFZ), Natalja Čerkasova (KU), Christoph Schürz (UFZ), and Mikołaj Piniewski (SGGW)