Model Builder

Question 1

What is a model?

Answer 1

A simplified representation of reality – to help us understand and predict how things work

Question 2

What are the two types of GIS models?

Answer 2

Representation models, and process models
- representation models – describe or visualize objects in the real world. ex. A map, or features represented as
vector or raster layers
- process models – describe the interaction of the objects in a representation model. Ex GP tools or GP models

Question 3

What is Model Builder?

Answer 3

An application program used to create, edit, and manage models composed of GP tools

Question 4

What is a Model Builder Model?

Answer 4

A sequence of tools in a workflow

Question 5

What is a tool?

Answer 5

Basic building blocks of workflows in a model

Question 6

What is a tool dialog?

Answer 6

Interface where tool parameters are entered

Question 7

What is a tool parameter? I

Answer 7

Inputs and outputs of a tool required for it to run

Question 8

Where are MB models stored?

Answer 8

Toolbox or toolset

Question 9

What are model elements?

Answer 9

Variables, tools, and connectors

Question 10

What is a model variable?

Answer 10

Any data or values added to a model

Question 11

What is a model parameter?

Answer 11

A parameter that can be changed in a model. Changes a model from static to dynamic.

Question 12

What is a model tool dialog?

Answer 12

Opens when model is first run from the Catalog. It looks like a tool, but displays only the
parameters set as model parameters.

Question 13

Be prepared to know and describe the three states of a MB model.

Answer 13

Not ready to run – connection is missing or parameter not set – element shown in white
- Ready to run – all connections and parameters are set - inputs, tools, and outputs have a solid color.
- Has been run – model has been run successfully and displays drop shadows on tools & outputs. Model must be
validated to be run again

Question 14

What must be done to reset a model to run?

Answer 14

Validate it

Question 15

You should know the two places where models can be run

Answer 15

• From MB canvas - Model immediately runs showing tools changing color to red as they are executed, but it will
  not open the Model Tool Dialog so user cannot modify parameters for dynamic models.
• From the Catalog pane - the Model Tool Dialog opens so users can change any model parameters for dynamic
  models. If there are no model parameters (ie. static model) then the model can still be run. Tools are not shown

Question 16

How do you make a static model dynamic?

Answer 16

Add a model parameter to a tool parameter, input, or output variable

Question 17

• Know the difference between a static model and a dynamic model.

Answer 17

• static models cannot be changed – hard coded
• dynamic models – users can change any parameter that is set to a model parameter when the model first runs.
• When a dynamic model is run, a model tool dialog displays showing which parameters can be modified.