PMVIEWER Modeling (Performance Measure Descriptions)

SFWMM-CERP System Wide Modeling

Performance Measure Descriptions

Testing The performance measures used on this site are broken into two types, RECOVER performance measures and Other Performance Graphics. To see the latest documentation on RECOVER performance measures and indicators, visit the CERP RECOVER Regional Evaluation Team page on performance measures. Information on some of the other performance indicators is listed below.

Scroll down to see a comprehensive list of all the performance measure types (categories) currently available on this web site.

Generally, performance measure and performance graphics and reports are different methods to display model output in a useful manner. Some performance measures have been specifically designed to understand how a particular model simulation performs in relation to a target. Usually these targets are based on physical or biological functions within the South Florida ecosystem that are necessary for restoration of the Everglades or to meet other water related needs, such as water supply and flood protection.

What are Performance Measures?

Performance measures are quantitative indicators of how well (or poorly) an alternative meets a specific objective. Features of good performance measures are that they are:

quantifiable,
have a specific target
indicate when that target has been reached, or
measure the degree of improvement toward the target when it has not been reached.

The performance measures provided on this site are hydrological performance measures that quantify changes in hydrological conditions relative to hydrologic targets. Achieving hydrologic targets does not necessarily guarantee ecological restoration, however in restoration of the Everglades it is assumed that recapturing the hydrological characteristics of the natural or pre-drained system will provide maximum opportunity for recovery of the remaining Everglades landscape patterns and hence recovery of Everglades wildlife.

What are Other Performance Graphics?

Other Performance Graphics, in contrast to performance measures, do not usually have a specific target, but are used to provide an indication of the relative behavior of alternatives. Another name for Other Performance Graphics is Evaluation Criteria, which is defined as anything that measures the effects of alternative plans. For example a stage hydrograph without specific stage targets is considered an Evaluation Criteria or an Other Performance Graphic.

The performance measures have been organized geographically into those pertaining to particular regions. Performance measures that pertain to the entire modeled domain have been put in a Regional group.

Performance Measure Sets and Model Runs

Each RUN is the SFWMM output for a particular alternative or scenario. For example, the CERP2000, Alternative 1, the 2000 Base, and the 2050 Base are all runs.

A performance measure SET is the group of model simulation runs that are compared. For example, a set may compare Alternative 1 with the NSM and the 2000 Base run. Another set could compare Alternative 1, Alternative 2, the 2000 base run and the 2050 base run.