Keywords
modularity, interoperability, conflict resolution, environmental management
Start Date
1-7-2008 12:00 AM
Abstract
Environmental management depends on analysis of complex dynamics and spatialrelationships of ecological and socio-economic systems. Modelling, when used to conduct suchanalyses, is recognized as an effective decision support tool in environmental management.Modelling conducted in a participatory fashion, involving stakeholders in various stages ofmodel building and data processing has evolved as an efficient method for conflict resolutionand decision-making. However, successful participatory modelling efforts require specificsoftware and computer tools that are not available or accessible for stakeholders. There is aclear need for specialized modelling and data processing infrastructure that would allowcomprehensive environmental simulations, based on limited computer programming skills,computer power, and data availability. We are developing a software framework of model anddata modules to enable various stakeholders to tap into the recent and ongoing advances inenvironmental modelling, and high-quality data available on the Internet. The proposedframework would allow managers and planners to run simulations of policy scenarios andutilize state-of-the-art algorithms to develop and evaluate policy alternatives.The web-based modelling framework is based on the following components:o A web-based domain-specific interface which facilitates the development, configuration,and execution of models applicable to region-specific watershed issues;o A data-finder and transformer unique to the landscape modelling framework that lever-agesrelevant Open GIS catalogue, RDF, and GRID resource discovery standards;o A module composer that uses a module pool and guided composition of modules based onexpert rules, which are either automatically acquired or input from human users, to guidethe simulation-modelling process; ando A semi-automatic model calibrator and verifier to deliver high quality simulation models.The framework’s core components, i.e. model composition, data finder, and geospatial dataprocessing, serve the needs of a wide range of applications. The framework should be designedto be configurable for multiple domain specific user groups, enabling applications as diverse asagricultural forecast, real estate market analysis, transportation planning, etc.
Community-based software tools to support participatory modelling: a vision
Environmental management depends on analysis of complex dynamics and spatialrelationships of ecological and socio-economic systems. Modelling, when used to conduct suchanalyses, is recognized as an effective decision support tool in environmental management.Modelling conducted in a participatory fashion, involving stakeholders in various stages ofmodel building and data processing has evolved as an efficient method for conflict resolutionand decision-making. However, successful participatory modelling efforts require specificsoftware and computer tools that are not available or accessible for stakeholders. There is aclear need for specialized modelling and data processing infrastructure that would allowcomprehensive environmental simulations, based on limited computer programming skills,computer power, and data availability. We are developing a software framework of model anddata modules to enable various stakeholders to tap into the recent and ongoing advances inenvironmental modelling, and high-quality data available on the Internet. The proposedframework would allow managers and planners to run simulations of policy scenarios andutilize state-of-the-art algorithms to develop and evaluate policy alternatives.The web-based modelling framework is based on the following components:o A web-based domain-specific interface which facilitates the development, configuration,and execution of models applicable to region-specific watershed issues;o A data-finder and transformer unique to the landscape modelling framework that lever-agesrelevant Open GIS catalogue, RDF, and GRID resource discovery standards;o A module composer that uses a module pool and guided composition of modules based onexpert rules, which are either automatically acquired or input from human users, to guidethe simulation-modelling process; ando A semi-automatic model calibrator and verifier to deliver high quality simulation models.The framework’s core components, i.e. model composition, data finder, and geospatial dataprocessing, serve the needs of a wide range of applications. The framework should be designedto be configurable for multiple domain specific user groups, enabling applications as diverse asagricultural forecast, real estate market analysis, transportation planning, etc.
