Simplify definition of regions in the XML

[jeannepellerin]

What is the requested feature?
As a user, I want to define easily regions from their name in the subsurface model.

A non exhaustive list of subitems are:

• the different cell types are managed by GEOSX
• the user manages meaninful regions names that correspond to the subsurface model instead of an Attribute value
• the user can create regions that do not have a physical meaning (rock type, fluid type) but e.g. border between countries

Is your request related to a specific problem?
The XML file is very complex to write and there is no check of its validity.
GEOSX might crash without notice and no error message.

Describe the solution you'd like
Check of validity of the XML
Clear error messages to the user
Replace entries that have a meaning for the developers by entries that have a meaning for the users to define Regions

[AntoineMazuyer]

Great suggestion.

Using the VTU/VTK file there is unfortunately no way to associate an attribute id with a name... except using VTM structure BUT in my opinion, it will add complexity for users to build the mesh (need to respect a certain hierarchy, naming convention etc...).

One solution could be to provide a map attribute id <--> name that can be either communicate to geosx through an external file map.txt or in the vtu file (adding a new XML tag)

[untereiner]

IHMO To manage meaningful regions over representations a data format more Reservoir oriented like RESQML (#2109) would be more appropriate.

[untereiner]

If I can summarize (do not hesitate to correct me):

• pure vtk solution:

  • With VTU files: add an attribute per region with the name of that region (add a null value to the elements not concerned by the region): memory overhead but keeps a simple format
  • With VTM files: same as above with less memory overhead but hierarchical format

• deck oriented solution:

  • As @AntoineMazuyer wrote, add somehow a map in the deck: new file as a dependency, consistency needs to be tracked.

• RESQML solution:

  • Already possible with SubRepresentations (flexible use and memory efficient) but puts the effort to the modelling software.