9. Using Python and EPA WATERS Web Services for Analysis and Modeling

 Learning Objectives

• Write and execute computer code to automate difficult and repetitive data related tasks
• Retrieve and use data from Web services
• Organize data in a variety of platforms and systems common in hydrology and engineering
• Prepare data to support hydrologic, water resources, and/or water quality modeling

Computer and Data Requirements

• Canopy (https://www.enthought.com/products/canopy/ Links to an external site.)
• EPA WATER Web Services (http://water.epa.gov/scitech/datait/tools/waters/services/index.cfm Links to an external site.)

Assignment

Create a Python tool of your own choosing that leverages the EPA WATERS Web services. You may not repeat the tools described in class, but you may build from them and add functionality. As a general rule of thumb, you should spend as much time on your tool as you have (on average) for prior assignments.

Deliverables 

• A 1-page description of your tool including
  • The problem the tool solves. This is where you “sell” your tool.
  • A description of the tool’s algorithm/design. Describe in a way that is not tied to Python (do not reference specific Python functionality) but gives a higher-level description of the steps the code completes. Your objective is to describe how your tool works to a colleague, not to describe the specific implementation of the code in Python to a fellow Python programmer. 
  • A brief description of how to use the tool. In this case, you can assume the user is able to open and run Python code in Canopy, so you should describe what variables in the code the user should update.
  • An example application of the tool that demonstrates how the tool can be used.
• The Python code for your tool as a single .py file uploaded along with your submission.

Grading Criteria

Please see the rubric for a full description of how your assignments will be graded. For the “Engineering Calculations and Design” component of your assignment (70 points of the 100 total), you will be evaluated according to the following criteria.

• Effectively communicated the problem your tool solves. Convincing argument that it is a worthwhile problem to try to solve. (10 points)
•  Description of the tool design is clear, complete, and easy to follow for a non-programmer. (20 points)
• Description of how to use the tool is clear, complete, and easy to follow. (10 points)
• Example application of the tool effectively demonstrates its potential use. (20 points)
• Code is well documented with comments and follows, in general, style conventions. (10 points)

A pdf of the assignment for printing purposes is here Download here. The full grading rubric is here Download here.