pyEMU

Active

Python framework for PEST/PEST++ workflows — programmatic setup, ensembles and uncertainty analysis.

Pricing: Open Source
License: BSD-3-Clause
Commercial use: Permitted
Ecosystem: Python, PEST++, FloPy
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Install

pip install pyemu

About pyEMU

pyEMU wraps the PEST and PEST++ ecosystems in Python: build high-dimensional parameterisations programmatically (pilot points and multipliers straight from FloPy models), run linear (FOSM) and ensemble-based uncertainty analyses, manage observation weights, and post-process results into pandas and matplotlib.

The FloPy-to-pyEMU-to-PEST++ pipeline has become the reference open workflow for decision-support groundwater modelling — the approach taught in USGS and GMDSI training. If you calibrate models more than once a year, learning it repays quickly.

Where it fits in the workflow

TerrainCatchmentRainfallRunoffRoutingHydraulicsMappingReporting

Alternatives to pyEMU

Other groundwater & hydrogeology tools covering similar workflow stages.

FloPy

Open SourceVerified

The Python interface to MODFLOW — build, run and post-process groundwater models entirely in code.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyActiveMODFLOWGroundwater Modelling

MODFLOW 6

Gov-PublicVerified

The USGS groundwater model — the world standard for aquifer simulation, rebuilt as a modular multi-model framework.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyActiveMODFLOWGroundwater Modelling

FEFLOW

Commercial

DHI's finite-element groundwater platform — unstructured meshes, density-driven flow, heat and mine dewatering.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyActiveGroundwater ModellingContaminant Transport

Groundwater Vistas

Commercial

Veteran commercial MODFLOW GUI with deep PEST integration — a consultant favourite for calibration-heavy work.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyActiveMODFLOWGroundwater Modelling

HYDRUS

Freemium

The standard for vadose-zone modelling — variably saturated flow and transport by Richards' equation.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyActiveGroundwater ModellingContaminant Transport

MT3D-USGS

Gov-Public

Multi-species solute transport for MODFLOW — advection, dispersion, sorption and reactions in aquifers.

Groundwater & HydrogeologyStableContaminant TransportMODFLOW