Get started with CMT

About CMT

The CSDMS Modeling Tool (CMT) allows you to run and couple CSDMS model components on the CSDMS supercomputer in a user-friendly software environment. Components in the CMT are based on models, originally submitted to the CSDMS model repository, and now adapted to communicate with other models. The CMT tool is the environment in which you can link these components together to run new simulations. The CMT software runs on your own computer; but it communicates with the CSDMS HPCC, to perform the simulations. Thus, the CMT also offers you a relatively easy way of using the CSDMS supercomputer for model experiments.

User requirements
The CSDMS Modeling Tool is your way of communicating with the CSDMS supercomputer. Scripts and commands constantly go back and forth between the CMT on your computer and the HPCC. Since the HPCC needs secure access, you will need to go through 3 steps before you can download and start using the CMT.
Step 1: Become a CSDMS member You need to become a CSDMS member. Sign up! Step 2: Request a HPCC account The University of Colorado requires that you have a special user account to log on to the CSDMS HPCC. It is free for CSDMS members with modeling needs, but it does need to be specially setup for you (this takes a few days). To request an account sign up here. Step 3: Install VPN You will need a secure connection to the computer network of the University of Colorado. For this a VPN should be setup on your computer, this requires downloading CU's VPN software. Only after starting the VPN, the CMT can connect to the CSDMS supercomputer. Get CU VPN software here: http://www.colorado.edu/its/vpn/ Optional: fill in a HPCC project page Whereas the other listed steps are immediate needs, this is a request. CSDMS tries to document for what reasons everyone uses our high performance computing cluster. If you just want to do a couple of runs you do not have to fill a full project description in, but if you are using CMT as a more significant part of your research project or class, please fill in a project page here. We will advertize your work for you on the HPCC project page.

Download CMT
Download the CSDMS Modeling Tool (CMT) client for PC, Mac or Linux and start running models or coupled components on the CSDMS supercomputer. The CSDMS Modeling Tool is your way of communicating with the CSDMS supercomputer. Scripts and commands constantly go back and forth between the CMT on your computer and the HPCC. Read more about three prerequisits in the above section.

CMT manuals
What does the CMT software look like and how do you use it? Here we posted a number of presentations and manuals to get you started.
Getting started Click here for a short manual on navigating and using the CMT Tool. A presentation explaining the lay-out and basic functionality of the CMT is available too. Run a stand-alone model A presentation explains how to run one of the components as a stand-alone model. We have used this example with students in our Fall 2010 class; notes on this excercise and a more detailed presentation on the model are posted in the EKT repository. Sediment Supply Numerical Experiments notes and a lecture on the Sediment Supply Model, Hydrotrend. Running a Coupled Model A presentation explains how to run three coupled components: a river branching over the floodplain and building a delta. We have used this example with students in our Fall 2010 class; notes on this excercise and a more detailed presentation on the model are posted in the EKT repository. River to Delta Modeling notes and a lecture on the Coastline Evolution Model, CEM.

Modules in the CMT
Over 55 modules out of 212 modules listed in the CSDMS model repository can now be coupled and run in the CMT. See this list for an overview of the CMT compatible models.

CMT FAQ
Can’t find the answer in the dropbox below? Feel free to e-mail your question to CSDMS@colorado.edu. CSDMS staff will try to respond within a week. Please make sure the question you’re asking is unique and CSDMS-related.
CMT FAQ I can not login with the CMT, is the HPCC (beach.colorado.edu) down? The HPCC could be down for maintenance. Check this link to see if the HPCC is still running. Secondly, check your VPN connection. You can only reach the HPCC with a VPN connection to the Univ. of Colorado domain. Still no luck?, feel free to contact us and we'll try to solve this as soon as possible: CSDMSsupport@colorado.edu.

CMT modules help pages
Each of the modules in the CMT has one or more help files describing how to use the module, what each of the input parameters means, and some example files are provided as well. Learn more about a module by reading the help documentation.