Researchers and analysts have constructed over twenty Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs). These models vary widely in size, scope, detail, objectives, and assumptions. Dowlatabadi has characterized 19 IAMs along a number of dimensions. The summary chart arising from Dowlatabadi's work provides a useful structure for comparing the models conceptually, and provides an entry point for additional information provided in the thematic guide. Also, the detailed descriptions of IMAGE 2.0 and MiniCAM which comprise the model guides allow an in-depth comparison of these two models.
Besides comparing the models conceptually, one can also compare the data produced by the models. The dataset of arising from the 12th Energy Modeling Forum (EMF-12) is a collection of data produced by 17 key IAMs. The EMF-12 dataset is available through the visualization and analysis service.