1st International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software - Lugano, Switzerland - June 2002
Keywords
environmental decision support systems, multi-criterion decision support, computer visualization, water management, global climate change
Start Date
1-7-2002 12:00 AM
Abstract
Application of a new graphic multi-criterion model-based approach to integrated assessment and screening of environmental strategies is described. The approach is based on integration of mathematical models and visualization of the Pareto-efficient (non-dominated) frontier. In the case of linear integrated models, the visualization is based on application of the Interactive Decision Maps (IDM) technique that visualizes the frontier in the form of multiple animated decision maps provided on-line. Interactive visualization of the Pareto-efficient frontier helps the user to understand potentialities of choice and criterion tradeoffs for 3 to 7 criteria. Moreover, the IDM technique supports identification of a preferred non-dominated feasible goal directly on display and subsequent automatic computation of an associated efficient strategy. In the case of a non-linear integrated model, the model helps to generate a database that describes outputs of a large finite number of decision alternatives (may be, millions of them). Then, the IDM technique is used for visualization of the Pareto-efficient frontier of the convex hull of the criterion points associated with above decision alternatives. Though a goal identified by the user is only reasonable, several selected decision alternatives are in line with user’s preferences (Reasonable Goals Method). The approach was applied in several DSS for exploration of environmental decision problems and selecting preferable environmental strategies. In this paper, applications are outlined that are related to water management and global climate change. Future Internet implementation of the approach for supporting the democratic paradigm of environmental decision making is discussed in short.
Graphic model-based software for supporting the search for efficient environmental strategies: method, real-life applications and future developments
Application of a new graphic multi-criterion model-based approach to integrated assessment and screening of environmental strategies is described. The approach is based on integration of mathematical models and visualization of the Pareto-efficient (non-dominated) frontier. In the case of linear integrated models, the visualization is based on application of the Interactive Decision Maps (IDM) technique that visualizes the frontier in the form of multiple animated decision maps provided on-line. Interactive visualization of the Pareto-efficient frontier helps the user to understand potentialities of choice and criterion tradeoffs for 3 to 7 criteria. Moreover, the IDM technique supports identification of a preferred non-dominated feasible goal directly on display and subsequent automatic computation of an associated efficient strategy. In the case of a non-linear integrated model, the model helps to generate a database that describes outputs of a large finite number of decision alternatives (may be, millions of them). Then, the IDM technique is used for visualization of the Pareto-efficient frontier of the convex hull of the criterion points associated with above decision alternatives. Though a goal identified by the user is only reasonable, several selected decision alternatives are in line with user’s preferences (Reasonable Goals Method). The approach was applied in several DSS for exploration of environmental decision problems and selecting preferable environmental strategies. In this paper, applications are outlined that are related to water management and global climate change. Future Internet implementation of the approach for supporting the democratic paradigm of environmental decision making is discussed in short.
