Robert M. Argent

An overview of model integration for environmental applications—components, frameworks and semantics

Abstract In recent years, pressure has increased on environmental scientist/modellers to both undertake good science in an efficient and timely manner, under increasing resource constraints, and also to ensure that the science being performed is immediately relevant to a particular environmental management context. At the same time, environmental management is changing, with increasing requirements for multi-scale and multi-objective assessment and decision making that considers economic and social systems, as well as the ecosystem. Integration of management activities, and also of the modelling undertaken to support management, has become a high priority. To solve the problems of application and integration, knowledge encapsulation in models is being undertaken in a way that both meets the needs for good science, and also provides the conceptual and technical structures required for broader and more integrated application of that knowledge by managers. To support this modelling, tools and technologies from computer science and software engineering are being transferred to applied environmental science fields, and a range of new modelling and software development approaches are being pursued. The papers in this Special Issue provide examples of the integrated modelling concepts and applications that have been, or are being, developed. These include the use of object-oriented concepts, component-based modelling techniques and modelling frameworks, as well as the emerging use of integrated modelling platforms and metadata support for modelling semantics. This paper provides an overview of the science and management imperatives underlying recent developments, discusses the technological and conceptual developments that have taken place, and highlights some of the semantic, operational and process requirements that need to be addressed now that the technological aspects of integrated modelling are well advanced.

Progress in integrated assessment and modelling

Environmental processes have been modelled for decades. However. the need for integrated assessment and modeling (IAM) has,town as the extent and severity of environmental problems in the 21st Century worsens. The scale of IAM is not restricted to the global level as in climate change models, but includes local and regional models of environmental problems. This paper discusses various definitions of IAM and identifies five different types of integration that Lire needed for the effective solution of environmental problems. The future is then depicted in the form of two brief scenarios: one optimistic and one pessimistic. The current state of IAM is then briefly reviewed. The issues of complexity and validation in IAM are recognised as more complex than in traditional disciplinary approaches. Communication is identified as a central issue both internally among team members and externally with decision-makers. stakeholders and other scientists. Finally it is concluded that the process of integrated assessment and modelling is considered as important as the product for any particular project. By learning to work together and recognise the contribution of all team members and participants, it is believed that we will have a strong scientific and social basis to address the environmental problems of the 21st Century.

Science, Citizens, and Catchments: Decision Support for Catchment Planning in Australia

This paper describes an approach that has been used to facilitate participatory catchment (watershed) planning in Australia. Integrated catchment management(ICM) is a complex process embracing not only the natural resources of a catchment, but also diverse interests and values. This paper examines experiences and issues relating to the integration of science-based research and development (R&D) in ICM. In particular, it identifies issues relating to the integration of uncertainty of knowledge on catchment processes. Using a case study of a catchment setting in Western Australia, the paper offers an early evaluation of adaptive environmental assessment and management (AEAM), a decision support systems (DSS) approach that explicitly recognizes the high levels of uncertainty in environmental processes. Previous evaluations of AEAM have tended to focus on immediate outcomes. This study forms the first phase of an evaluation that seeks to measure the long-term effects of the approach.This paper describes an approach that has been used to facilitate participatory catchment (watershed) planning in Australia. Integrated catchment management(ICM) is a complex process embracing not only the natural resources of a catchment, but also diverse interests and values. This paper examines experiences and issues relating to the integration of science-based research and development (R&D) in ICM. In particular, it identifies issues relating to the integration of uncertainty of knowledge on catchment processes. Using a case study of a catchment setting in Western Australia, the paper offers an early evaluation of adaptive environmental assessment and management (AEAM), a decision support systems (DSS) approach that explicitly recognizes the high levels of uncertainty in environmental processes. Previous evaluations of AEAM have tended to focus on immediate outcomes. This study forms the first phase of an evaluation that seeks to measure the long-term effects of the approach.

Modelling the flow regime of an arid zone floodplain river, Diamantina River, Australia

Arid zone, ephemeral rivers are characterised by discharge decreasing downstream in the lower reaches due to transmission losses. Modelling the flow regime of these rivers requires data on the spatial and temporal distribution of transmission losses in these reaches. In this study, a hydrological model is developed for a 330 km reach of the Diamantina River in southwestern Queensland, where the floodplain width varies from 5 to 60 km. Analysis of gauging station data at each end of the reach indicates that transmission losses are between 70 and 98% for floods with total discharge 2300 GL. The flow routing and transmission losses are modelled using a grid-based, daily time-step conceptual model incorporating flow routing algorithms. Satellite images are used to identify the flow-paths used by the range of flood sizes and to identify threshold flow volumes for initiation of flow into new flow-paths. The grid-based approach allows for representative routing of flow through the reach and representation of spatial variability in transmission loss processes, including losses resulting from evaporation, channel/floodplain infiltration and terminal flow storage. A combination of gauging station data and satellite images is used in the calibration of the model parameters.  2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

A modelling shell for participatory assessment and management of natural resources

Abstract Recent structural and jurisdictional developments in natural resources management have resulted in requirements for more open and inclusive management processes. These processes generally use participatory approaches to involve a wide stakeholder audience in management investigations and policy development. Along with these changes have come requirements for more open approaches to the combined spatial and temporal modelling often used in management, leading to the development of tools that are designed to meet the needs of managers and other stakeholders. This paper presents a modelling shell that has been developed to support the participatory assessment and management of natural resources. The modelling shell concept is based upon experience gained during development of a number of natural resources modelling applications over the past 10 years. The shell supports the basic functions of data manipulation, simulation management and output presentation, and is underlain by a simple, accessible and easily understood system of data storage and manipulation. By providing these common functions, the modelling shell allows the people involved in system model construction to concentrate on the important issues of algorithm selection and development, rather than the often messy and time consuming issues of input–output.

Design of information systems for environmental managers: an example using interface prototyping

Abstract Environmental information is available to managers through a broad range of methods and tools, from raw data provision to knowledge-based decision support systems. The design of ‘environmental information systems’ (EISs) to enhance the use of environmental information includes consideration of data formats, user interface, the nature of management questions, data characteristics such as variability, reliability and periodicity, and the management culture within which the EIS is intended for use. One of the principles of EIS design is that the designer must know potential users — their wishes, needs, likes and dislikes. Interface prototyping is an approach to EIS design that provides designers with useful information about users and their interaction with the EIS under construction. A case study of interface prototyping in EIS design was carried out in development of a water balance assessment program for farm management planning. It was found that the approach opened the minds of potential users to the opportunities afforded by a well-designed information system, provided identification of required data, imposed a scientific rigour that transformed an ill-structured problem into a structured one, and resulted in widespread use of the program.

Integrated models for environmental management : Issues of process and design

Abstract Integration has become an important element of natural resource management over recent decades, and managers are now required to consider the social, economic, ecological, and bio-physical effects of alternative management interventions. The problem of managing across many issues is sometimes tackled by putting together a number of individual models. For this approach to work effectively, attention must be paid to both the technical details of the interactions between system components and also to the processes through which these integrated models are developed. This paper explores technical and social aspects of the development of integrated models for environmental management, and discusses two cases within which open modelling and interface prototyping processes were undertaken. The results of this exploration suggest that, for models to be used and accepted widely in integrated environmental management, developers must undertake a process that involves stakeholders and potential users, that exploits the current knowledge, and that illustrates the influence of uncertainty in the technical knowledge. This requires strict attention to the social and technical process of modelling, as well as additional skills in group facilitation and shared vision exploration, so that user expectations can be developed and met in such a way that the best information available is used by decision makers.

A case study of environmental modelling and simulation using transplantable components

Recent changes in environmental modelling practice have included adoption of modern software engineering concepts of model reuse, extensibility and flexibility, and development of better visual user interfaces. Additionally, the concepts of component-based software development and use of object-oriented programming have produced new environmental modelling methods. These changes have been supported by development of a range of modelling environments that allow rapid creation of environmental models from components. To date there has been little exploration of the opportunities that modelling environments offer in terms of flexible model construction by transplanting components. In the work reported here, simple catchment-based nonpoint source pollution models are constructed using the ICMS modelling environment, and a number of different data types and components are used within a single model structure to estimate pollution loads. Models include a bulk runoff-concentration load calculation, an export coefficient model, and land-use specific runoff and loads. It was found that, when applied using a powerful and flexible modelling environment, the component-based modelling concept provides not only an elegant method for model development, but also the opportunity to explore model expansion and refinement through use of transplantable components.

Adaptive Management of Environmental Flows: Lessons for the Murray-Darling Basin from Three Large North American Rivers

Abstract Throughout the Murray-Darling Basin it is recognised that rivers are being degraded by changes to flow caused by development of water resources. Proposals to reverse this degradation include the provision of environmental flows, that is, water specifically managed to meet environmental needs. So far, implementation of environmental flows has proved difficult because of competition for water and uncertainties in environmental water requirements. Economic losses from allocating water to the environment are easy to quantify but the benefits can only be vaguely specified, which makes changes difficult to justify. A possible way forward is to use an adaptive management approach to the implementation of environmental flows. The promise of adaptive management is that it facilitates public policy in the face of uncertainty through a structured dialogue between scientists and managers and allows meaningful participation of stakeholders. Adaptive management has been used to address natural resources management issues in large river systems in the United States and three case studies are considered here: the Columbia, Colorado and Mississippi River projects. The case studies show that adaptive management can promote rapid learning and address complex environmental management issues but the process can be also be derailed. Barriers to adaptive management include: jurisdictional and institutional complexity, lack of credible science, and difficulties with developing system models. Adaptive management is more likely to be successful where there are few, well defined points of intervention, early successes for experimental management, shared goals and strong political support. Where experimental policies are seen as too risky or costly, the promise of adaptive management has not been realised. There is the potential to use adaptive management to address implementation of environmental flows in the Murray-Darling Basin but it will be necessary to select a project wisely.

Land and water resources model integration: software engineering and beyond

Abstract Integrated modelling has arisen as a valuable tool for assisting environmental management. Many existing land and water resources models are, however, not amenable to integration. To transform and develop models that serve integrated environmental management we need to address technical and social issues that include model reformulation and design, adoption of standard specification, notation and documentation on models and the reluctance of developers to adopt new design and programming approaches. There are tools and approaches that can aid the adoption of new approaches, and these are reviewed in the paper. Other developments that need to be infiltrated into the modelling community include facilities to flexibly examine, edit, visualise and analyse data at all stages of program execution, processes for user involvement in program and interface design, tools to assist knowledge-based selection of models and processes for undertaking and recording the peer reviewing of models. Options to address these issues are discussed, and it is considered that, despite the availability of suitable tools, the likelihood of getting adoption of high quality software engineering along with appropriate documentation and design practices will be low unless an integrated development approach is made, and the benefits made apparent to both developers and users. Context abstract: recent moves towards more integrated management of land and water resources have resulted in an increased focus on model integration. This focus has included the redesign of existing models to increase their capacity for reuse, often by using object-oriented approaches to produce flexible and reusable program modules. The redesign of existing models, as well as the design of new models, has, ideally, being done in a way that allows the program modules to be easily linked and run together. The adoption of sound software engineering practices, including the use of formalised modelling languages and modular development, is helping to achieve the goal of producing natural resources management modelling tool kits that allow complex, module-based, programs to be developed through drag-and-drop environments. Beyond software engineering there lie a number of issues that must be considered before the advantages of drag-and-drop integrated environmental modelling become apparent to natural resources managers and planners. These issues, including model design, notation, documentation and review, are discussed.