Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
necessary to connect information from different levels of complexity to address
comprehensive questions on the behaviour of an ecological system.
Combining models from different disciplines into integrated applications poses
technical as well as conceptual challenges:
On the technical side, legacy models (i.e. software that has been outdated but
is difficult to replace because of its wide use) are not often developed to interact
with other models, neither within nor between disciplines. These models are well
known techniques, especially in disciplines with many popular models like
hydrology, forestry and ecology. However, limits are noted and problems of
integration with other models are obvious (Loucks et al. 1984; Mackay 2000;
Zalewski 2002). Consequently, the topic of interoperability, the task of joining
data, models or methods receives a lot of attention (as a start see Goodchild
1999).
On the conceptual side, integration has to deal with a range of problems. In
addition to ontological discrepancies between scientific disciplines, as well as
between science, management and politicians, the concepts of the different sciences
are often “hidden” in ancient code. This is true at least for the use of typical units,
for the classification of systems and for definitions and specific disciplinary terms
that might have a different meaning in each discipline.
Obviously, both aspects are relevant; they are both sides of the same coin, which
are necessary to integrate data and models. During the development of an IEM,
technical as well as conceptual aspects are crucial for the success of the approach.
22.3 Model Integration by GIS
GIS are powerful and established tools in sciences dealing with spatially referenced
data. Common GIS (like ESRI ArcGIS
®
, MapInfo
®
, GRASS and QGIS) offer a
variety of tools to manage, visualize, analyse, and interpolate data. Handling
different coordinate systems and projections and visualizing information in detailed
maps are commonly used features. Maps are useful to present and discuss results,
especially with decision makers dealing with environmental issues (Aspinall et al.
2000).
GIS: A Brief Definition
A GIS is a software that manages, analyses, and presents data that are spatially
referenced by their location.
GIS depict any information system that enables the user to capture, store,
integrate (join, merge and unite), edit, analyse, share, and display geographic
information.
