Automatic transformation from geospatial conceptual workflow to executable workflow using GRASS GIS command line modules in Kepler

Abstract

Many geospatial models are developed using command line modules of GIS packages. To utilize scientific workflow technology in geospatial modeling, it is important to support command line GIS modules in scientific workflow systems. However, straightforward representation of command line modules as workflow components conflicts with conventional conceptual design patterns. We propose a two-step geospatial scientific workflow composition approach. Simple conceptual workflows are composed in the first step. These allow data type-based workflow validation. The validated conceptual workflows are then transformed automatically into executable workflows using command line modules in the second step. We describe the preliminary implementation of the proposed approach in the Kepler scientific workflow system and demonstrate its feasibility using an example. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.