Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1. Monolithic Approach: Writing an over-all model including more or less detailed
representations of subsystems. This straightforward type of integrated model is
appropriate when focusing on a clearly distinct aspect, describing an ecosystem
based on limited factors and indicators. Monolithic all-in-one-models require a
deep knowledge of the system - profound software skills. Monolithic IEM have
many advantages: they tend to be high-performance and profit from enhanced
internal data exchange. They follow a coherent and regularly well documented
concept with every component directly adjusted to each other and the whole
system. Typical disadvantages of monolithic IEM are elaborated manageability
and a high risk of conceptual errors hidden deep in their code.
2. Modular Approach: Using existing models and combining them into an
integrated model. Figure
22.1
(left) shows an example for this using GIS as an
integration tool. The GIS manages spatial data in a database, supports model(s)
with input, retrieves results from it, and passes the information to tools, which
apply specific methods of aggregation and evaluation. Finally, the GIS executes
the visualization of results.
Although a number of established monolithic IEM exist (Argent et al. 2006), this
chapter focuses on modular approaches (Hinkel 2009; Voinov et al. 2004) as they
highlight the process of integration much better. The technical side of an integration
process necessary to actually integrate different models, teaches a lot about the
conceptual side of how to integrate the contents. Modular approaches can easily
demonstrate both aspects of integration (see Section on Conceptual and Technical
Aspects).
Fig. 22.1 Using GIS as a framework to couple data and models (
left
) or as a tool to manage, map
and analyse data for a cascade of models (
right
) (modified from Argent 2004)
