Setting Analysis Module Parameters
Analysis module parameters are variable input assumptions used to localize analysis and test technology or policy-based targets into the future. Parameters can be varied by scenario, allowing you to test different configurations of assumptions in concert with land use alternatives. Each module comes loaded with a set of default assumptions, which can be changed based on your own data sources.
This article provides an overview of the analysis module parameters management, a summary of the analysis parameters for each module, and guides you through the basic steps of how to set analysis parameters. For more detailed information about default module parameters and how they are applied, refer to the methodology documentation.
The Analysis Module Parameters Manager is accessed via Manage mode. You can use the manager to view, edit, and export parameters. Click the Analysis Modules tab to open the manager.
Along the left side of the screen you'll see a list of the analysis modules. Selecting a module brings up its parameters, grouped by type, with values for each scenario organized into columns. At the top right of the screen are controls to access methodology documentation and export a table of parameter values for the current module.
Rolling over the names of the parameters and/or parameter group names (for example, "Residential Building Electricity Use Rates") brings up their descriptions. The unit for each parameter is indicated alongside the parameter name. The default units may not be edited.
Upon project creation, all modules are populated with default values. Defaults are the same for all scenarios, including the Base Scenario. The values may represent data differentiated by climate zone, region, or state, or may apply nationally. For more information about the default parameters used for specific modules, refer to the analysis module methodology documentation.
You can edit any parameter values by double-clicking them and entering new values. If edited, parameter values show up in blue text. Values can always be reset back to the defaults, by group (as shown below for "Residential Building Natural Gas Use Rates"). Values can also be copied from one scenario to another, by group, using the Copy Values control.
Values must be saved to be applied. Updating values will render any existing analysis runs for the affected module and scenario(s) out of date.
Scenarios may be used to compare the impacts of technological or policy-based changes alone -- for example, you may compare the energy use impacts of compact growth coupled with parameters to reflect modest improvements in energy efficiency as compared to strong improvements in energy efficiency as supported by aggressive policy targets.
From this screen, you can create a new scenario as a copy of an existing scenario using the Duplicate scenario option. This will duplicate the land use and analysis module parameters of the selected scenario. From there, you can edit parameters to differentiate the scenario.
While all modules are run independently, some modules rely on output from other modules. For example, carbon emissions are calculated based on energy use, water use, and transportation. In this and other cases, the parameters management screen will contain links to the other modules.
To set analysis module parameters:
1. Enter Manage mode by clicking the Manage mode button
in the Mode bar. The Manage mode screen appears.
2. Click the Analysis Modules tab, if it is not active already. The Analysis Module Parameters Manager appears.
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3. Select a module from the list at left. The parameter screen for the module appears.
4. Double-click on values to edit them. Manually enter or adjust values as needed. Edited values appear in blue text.
5. Click Save to save your edits. Otherwise, click Discard to revert values to their previous state.
6. Run (or re-run) the analysis module to see results. Changing the analysis parameters of a scenario renders any previous analysis as out of date. The module must be run again to apply the new parameters.
7. To save a copy of the analysis assumptions, click the
Export button in the upper right corner of the screen. An Excel spreadsheet containing the current module's analysis parameters for all scenarios is downloaded to your computer.
1. Roll over the header for a group of values in a scenario and click the Expand menu button
2. Select Reset to defaults. The selected group of parameter values are reset to the defaults.
3. Click Save to save your edits. Otherwise, click Discard to revert values to their previous state.
1. Roll over the header for a group of values in a scenario and click the Expand menu button
2. Select the scenario from which you want to copy values. The group of parameter values from the selected scenario are copied over.
3. Click Save to save your edits. Otherwise, click Discard to revert values to their previous state.
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​Running Analysis Modules​
