Structured Modeling Technology: A Modeling Environment for Integrated Environmental Assessment

Sound environmental decision-making and assessment require integration of modelingresources such as models and complex tools, large volumes of often disparate and multi-format data fromnumerous sources and effective methods of disseminating and presenting results that allow broad,interactive participation in the assessment and decision-making process. This paper discusses how data sets,models and modeling tools are incorporated into the design of a structured modeling environment. In thispaper, we describe the background and implementation of structured modeling environment, which wasdeveloped to facilitate and integrate many aspects of the modeling process. The conceptual frameworkunderpinning the structured modeling technology identifies the major aspects of integration betweendatabase management system, models, tools, object oriented paradigm, XML and Web technology toprovide some of the elements to effectively support Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA). It helps laythe foundation for the development of implemented prototype using AIM/Trend model to meet therequirements of modeling activities for supporting IEA in Asia Pacific region.