The Optimization Software Toolkit for Research Involving Computational Heuristics (OSTRICH) is a model-independent program that automates the processes of model calibration and design optimization without requiring the user to write any additional software. Typically, users only need to fill out a few required portions of the OSTRICH input file (i.e. ostIn.txt) and create template model input files. Users may also activate and configure a variety of optional features, including: parallel processing, model pre-emption, algorithm restarts, parameter statistics and regression diagnostics, telescoping parameter bounds, predictive uncertainty, non-ASCII model I/O, and user-defined initial parameter sets. Finally, users with skill in code or script development (e.g. C/C++, FORTRAN, Java, R, MATLAB, Python, bash/bat, etc.) may also wish to take advantage of OSTRICH’s parameter correction feature. It allows users to correct candidate parameter sets based on rules-of-thumb or expert judgment that would otherwise be difficult to encapsulate as optimization constraints.
This manual describes the configuration and usage of OSTRICH. The overview provides a brief summary of the currently supported optimization/calibration algorithms and regression statistics/diagnostics. The setup pages describe the OSTRICH input file and its various configuration sections. The majority of these sections are optional and others will only be processed when a specific algorithm, objective function, or feature is activated. The solution pages provide guidance on running OSTRICH in serial or parallel, and the output pages describes various output files generated by OSTRICH. Finally, the examples section reviews the set of examples that accompany the OSTRICH distribution and provides instructions for running them on a Windows-based machine.
Tell us how you use OSTRICH
If you use OSTRICH, please reach out and let the community know. It's helpful for us to track who and how much OSTRICH is being utilized. If you have a publication that uses OSTRICH, we'd like to add it to our community list of publications. You can send an email to dloney@usbr.gov to have your information included.
