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State and partners build Michigan Hydrologic Framework to share models and speed site reviews
Summary
EGLE, MSU and USGS showed a functioning Michigan Hydrologic Framework web tool that hosts models, lets users carve refined inset models from regional models, and explores meta‑modeling as an intermediate screening step between the analytics tool and full numerical models.
State staff and academic partners demonstrated the Michigan Hydrologic Framework (MHF), a web platform designed to centralize groundwater data and models, let users download data by watershed or custom polygon, and upload or visualize MODFLOW models in 3‑D.
Jeremiah (IWR/MSU) described core features: a data search and extraction interface, a models repository that allows users to download model inputs and output, a 3‑D visualization tool and an inset workflow that inherits boundary conditions from larger regional models to create faster, higher‑resolution child models for site‑specific review. "This will be the landing page or is the landing page for the Michigan Hydrologic Framework," he said, showing mockups and functional prototypes.
Howard (USGS collaborator) explained efforts to produce transient recharge fields and "meta‑models"—statistical surrogates or precomputed capture‑maps that can approximate MODFLOW outputs and serve as intermediate screening tools where full numerical modeling isn't practical. He said the intent is to provide starting points that modelers can refine, not to replace careful, peer‑reviewed numerical modeling.
Why it matters: The platform aims to reduce duplication, make model artifacts discoverable and accelerate site‑specific reviews by enabling users to carve insets and inherit realistic boundary conditions from large regional models. EGLE staff said external testing, stress testing and documentation remain but that the system is moving toward broader demonstrations to advisory committees.
What’s next: Continued testing, adding datasets and documentation, adding user choices for buffer distances and coordinate systems, and building desktop add‑ins for ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. EGLE and partners will coordinate pilots and provide live demos for Council and modelers.
