MOSAICC is a powerful tool for simulation and is unique in that it combines several models in a single modelling system. The models and tools all run on a central server to which users have access via web interfaces. All models are connected to a single spatial database, which facilitates the exchange of data, guarantees data coherence and allows users to run simulations that can generate data for other experiments or use the results of other model executions.

The main advantage of such a system consists in the exchange of data between different models, which enables researchers to consistently assess different aspects of climate change impacts.

The data exchange is easy, effective and transparent. The processing time required to perform simulations is reduced. A web interface is used to communicate information to users. Users may consult the results of the climate change impact studies or use the system to produce customized simulations. 

Software architecture

MOSAICC is based on the open source Linux distribution called CentOS. CentOS aims to provide a free, enterprise-class, community-supported computing platform which is functionally compatible with its upstream source, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the hosting industry.

Its web-based interface is user-friendly. Users do not need to install any software on their computers, as data and results are shared on a centralized server, acting as web server, data server and processing workstation.

The user interface of MOSAICC is based on the WEB-GIS technology, which requires open source tools and libraries. It is a multi-user system which allows users to share data and results (i.e. other data generated from the models).