Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
BOX 3.4
USE OF SPATIAL DECISION SUPPORT
SYSTEM (SDSS) SOFTWARE TO
INTEGRATE CONSERVATION TARGETS
AND THREATS
What is an SDSS?
A decision support software (DSS) can be generally defi ned as
an interactive computer-based software to help decision-makers
utilize data and models to solve problems. For our purposes, we
further defi ne a DSS to include a spatial (mappable) component,
commonly provided through a GIS. Therefore a spatial decision
support system (SDSS) is a software program that uses a variety
of spatial data and analytical and statistical modelling capabilities
to answer problems in a map or graphic display. Most SDSSs can
be adapted to meet decision-makers' needs to solve problems,
formulate alternative displays, interpret and select appropriate
implementation options and modify or include new data.
Why use an SDSS?
SDSS allows users to input a variety of spatial data (that is, species
ranges, future land use plans, cost of land parcels, development
zones) into a computer system and specify a set of requirements
(for example, select areas of forests that maximize tiger habitat
but minimize cost and distance from roads). These requirements
can be modifi ed or changed and therefore are useful in develop-
ing a series of conservation planning options. A common output
of an SDSS is a map or series of maps that indicate various land
use confi guration options that will meet conservation, develop-
ment, or combined goals. The outputs of an SDSS can provide
compelling visualization of the conservation landscape that can
aid in communicating the plan with broad stakeholder groups.
However, as with all computer-generated solutions, your answer
is only as good as the data used in the program.
Currently, a range of SDSS software is being used by some
conservation organizations, including SITES (Marxan and
Spexan), C-PLAN, IDRISI, NatureServe DSS, TAMARIN
and GeoNetWeaver. All of these programs can accept both
conservation-orientated and development-orientated information.
