In the context of ModelBuilder, what does "model parameter" refer to?

In ModelBuilder, a "model parameter" specifically refers to an exposed input or output within a model. When you create a model, you can define certain variables as parameters so that users of the model can provide specific input or retrieve output without needing to alter the inner workings of the model itself. This functionality allows the model to be flexible and user-friendly, enabling users to interact with the model's components directly through the user interface.

By exposing certain inputs as parameters, it facilitates the customization of the model's operation each time it is run, allowing for different datasets or conditions to be tested without modifying the underlying structure of the model. Additionally, exposed outputs allow users to access the results of the model easily, making it practical for sharing analytical results with others who may not have technical expertise in the original parameters used to generate those results.

In contrast, descriptors like specialized output format, final product, or mapping specifications do not accurately capture the interactive nature of what model parameters are intended to do within the ModelBuilder environment.