Benchmarking and Validation Framework

To validate ecological models against new data sources, PEcAn researchers currently bypass the rigid, database-dependent benchmarking module, instead writing fragmented, "one-off" scripts. This project solves this by replacing the rigid benchmarking module with a highly flexible, general-purpose Validation Toolkit. Built entirely on R data frames, the toolkit extracts successful design patterns from existing scripts to let users ingest arbitrary data via YAML configurations (bypassing the database entirely), align time/space, and calculate statistical metrics. The toolkit will be rigorously tested on a Biogeochemistry Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using specific AmeriFlux sites and targeted global meta-datasets. Final deliverables include the fully documented Toolkit R Package, automated Quarto reporting templates, robust test suites, and an educational tutorial vignette.