© k.fedra 2002 1 environmental information systems an introduction

© K.Fedra 2002

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Environmental Environmental Information SystemsInformation Systems

Environmental Environmental Information SystemsInformation Systems

An IntroductionAn Introduction

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Environmental Information SystemsEnvironmental Information SystemsEnvironmental Information SystemsEnvironmental Information Systems

EIS provide structured descriptions of the environment (and its problems).

They support environmental planning and management, decision making, education and training, and general awareness building, and may be required by law (e.g., EU Directives).

EIS provide structured descriptions of the environment (and its problems).

They support environmental planning and management, decision making, education and training, and general awareness building, and may be required by law (e.g., EU Directives).

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EIS describe the state of the environment:

• Provides baseline data for comparison (EIA)

• Trend analysis (repeated observations)

• Raise problem awareness

EIS describe the state of the environment:

• Provides baseline data for comparison (EIA)

• Trend analysis (repeated observations)

• Raise problem awareness

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Agenda 21 (UNCED Rio Declaration) Chapter 40:

Information for Decision-making• bridging the data gap• improving information availabilityAG21 on-line under:http://www.ess.co.at/GAIA

Agenda 21 (UNCED Rio Declaration) Chapter 40:

Information for Decision-making• bridging the data gap• improving information availabilityAG21 on-line under:http://www.ess.co.at/GAIA

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Agenda 21, Chapter 40:

Objectives• achieve more cost-effective and

relevant data collection and assessment by better identification of users and their information needs at all levels.


Objectives• achieve more cost-effective and

relevant data collection and assessment by better identification of users and their information needs at all levels.

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Objectives• strengthen capacity to collect , analyze

and use multi-sectoral information in decision making processes.


Objectives• strengthen capacity to collect , analyze

and use multi-sectoral information in decision making processes.

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Objectives• develop means of ensuring that

planning for sustainable development in all sectors is based on timely, reliable and usable information.


Objectives• develop means of ensuring that

planning for sustainable development in all sectors is based on timely, reliable and usable information.

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Objectives• strengthen mechanisms of information

processing and exchange, and related technical assistance, to ensure effective and equitable availability of information.


Objectives• strengthen mechanisms of information

processing and exchange, and related technical assistance, to ensure effective and equitable availability of information.

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Agenda 21, Chapter 40, Actions:• development, and use, of indicators of

sustainable development• improvement of data collection and use• improvement of methods of data

assessment and analysis• establishment of a comprehensive

information framework

Agenda 21, Chapter 40, Actions:• development, and use, of indicators of

sustainable development• improvement of data collection and use• improvement of methods of data

assessment and analysis• establishment of a comprehensive

information framework

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Agenda 21, Chapter 40, Actions:• production of information usable for

decision making: transform scientific and socio-economic assessments into information suitable for both planning and public information. Electronic and non-electronic formats should be used.

Agenda 21, Chapter 40, Actions:• production of information usable for

decision making: transform scientific and socio-economic assessments into information suitable for both planning and public information. Electronic and non-electronic formats should be used.

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How to describe environmental How to describe environmental systems and problems ?systems and problems ?

• WHAT FOR: WHAT FOR: Purpose, objectivesPurpose, objectives

• FOR WHOM: FOR WHOM: AudienceAudience

• HOW, WHEN: HOW, WHEN: Regulatory frameworkRegulatory framework

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Information ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation Resources

• Different sources and ownership Different sources and ownership

• Diverse formats:Diverse formats:– electronic (available data bases)electronic (available data bases)– on-line (telemetry)on-line (telemetry)– large volume (remote sensing)large volume (remote sensing)– paper based (maps, records)paper based (maps, records)– human expertisehuman expertise

• Meta data

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Information ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation Resourceson-line telemetry: on-line telemetry: low volume, continuouslow volume, continuous

continuous monitoring continuous monitoring (meteorological variables, air (meteorological variables, air quality, emissions, water flow and quality, emissions, water flow and quality, lake levels, etc.)quality, lake levels, etc.)

Information quantities:Information quantities:(Urban air quality monitoring)(Urban air quality monitoring)30 minutes interval, 28 stations,30 minutes interval, 28 stations, 5 variables: approx. 10 MB per year5 variables: approx. 10 MB per year

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Electronic data bases:Electronic data bases:• usually in relational structure, usually in relational structure,

accessible through SQL accessible through SQL (structured query language)(structured query language)

• problems of ownership and access problems of ownership and access control, privacy control, privacy

• problems of quality control, problems of quality control, currentness, meta datacurrentness, meta data

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remote sensing: remote sensing: high volume, infrequenthigh volume, infrequent

weather radar, aerial photography,weather radar, aerial photography,satellite imagery.satellite imagery.

Information quantities:Information quantities:

SPOT scene (10 m resolution, SPOT scene (10 m resolution, approx. 60 by 60 km, 7 bands:approx. 60 by 60 km, 7 bands:

2.5 GB (several per year)2.5 GB (several per year)

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Paper maps: Paper maps: sporadic updatessporadic updatesScanning:Scanning: simple, large volume of data, simple, large volume of data,

limited interpretation and processinglimited interpretation and processingDigitizing:Digitizing: difficult, efficient storage, difficult, efficient storage,

extensive processing possibilitiesextensive processing possibilities

Information quantitiesInformation quantities::

The Netherlands, 1:25,000 The Netherlands, 1:25,000 450 maps, 53 attributes: 45 MB 450 maps, 53 attributes: 45 MB

Paper maps: Paper maps: sporadic updatessporadic updatesScanning:Scanning: simple, large volume of data, simple, large volume of data,

limited interpretation and processinglimited interpretation and processingDigitizing:Digitizing: difficult, efficient storage, difficult, efficient storage,

extensive processing possibilitiesextensive processing possibilities

Information quantitiesInformation quantities::

The Netherlands, 1:25,000 The Netherlands, 1:25,000 450 maps, 53 attributes: 45 MB 450 maps, 53 attributes: 45 MB

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Internet:Internet:

• enormous volume of exponentially enormous volume of exponentially growing information resourcesgrowing information resources

• very large number of environmental very large number of environmental and geographical “sites” (URLs)and geographical “sites” (URLs)

• difficult to locate useful datadifficult to locate useful data

• no quality controlno quality control

Internet:Internet:

• enormous volume of exponentially enormous volume of exponentially growing information resourcesgrowing information resources

• very large number of environmental very large number of environmental and geographical “sites” (URLs)and geographical “sites” (URLs)

• difficult to locate useful datadifficult to locate useful data

• no quality controlno quality control

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Human expertise:Human expertise:

• informal: text, multi-media informal: text, multi-media representation of anecdotal datarepresentation of anecdotal data

• formal: knowledge representationformal: knowledge representation– rulesrules

– framesframes

– semantic networkssemantic networks

Human expertise:Human expertise:

• informal: text, multi-media informal: text, multi-media representation of anecdotal datarepresentation of anecdotal data

• formal: knowledge representationformal: knowledge representation– rulesrules

– framesframes

– semantic networkssemantic networks

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Geographic Information SystemsGeographic Information SystemsGeographic Information SystemsGeographic Information Systems

• well established enabling well established enabling technology, widely availabletechnology, widely available

• excellent visualization in familiar excellent visualization in familiar form (topical maps)form (topical maps)

• limited analytical capability, limited analytical capability, dynamics:dynamics:

Coupling with dynamic modelsCoupling with dynamic models

• well established enabling well established enabling technology, widely availabletechnology, widely available

• excellent visualization in familiar excellent visualization in familiar form (topical maps)form (topical maps)

• limited analytical capability, limited analytical capability, dynamics:dynamics:

Coupling with dynamic modelsCoupling with dynamic models

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AnalyticalAnalytical ToolsToolsAnalyticalAnalytical ToolsTools

• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models• optimization modelsoptimization models• rule-based expert systemsrule-based expert systems• statistical analysisstatistical analysis• neural nets, genetic algorithms, neural nets, genetic algorithms,

machine learning, data miningmachine learning, data mining

• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models• optimization modelsoptimization models• rule-based expert systemsrule-based expert systems• statistical analysisstatistical analysis• neural nets, genetic algorithms, neural nets, genetic algorithms,

machine learning, data miningmachine learning, data mining

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• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models

AddressAddress WHAT - IF WHAT - IF questionsquestions

Descriptive models analyzeDescriptive models analyze or forecast the evolution of or forecast the evolution of systems over time.systems over time.

• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models

AddressAddress WHAT - IF WHAT - IF questionsquestions

Descriptive models analyzeDescriptive models analyze or forecast the evolution of or forecast the evolution of systems over time.systems over time.

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• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models state variablesstate variables, related by , related by operators operators ((SS), ), subject to subject to inputsinputs ( (X X (t)(t)),), producing producing outputsoutputs ( (Y Y (t)(t)):):

YYtt = = SXSXtt

• dynamic simulation modelsdynamic simulation models state variablesstate variables, related by , related by operators operators ((SS), ), subject to subject to inputsinputs ( (X X (t)(t)),), producing producing outputsoutputs ( (Y Y (t)(t)):):

YYtt = = SXSXtt

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• dynamic simulation modeldynamic simulation model YYtt = = SXSXtt

in the non-linear case, the transfer in the non-linear case, the transfer function is itself a function of input function is itself a function of input or state:or state:

YYtt = = SS((XXtt))XXtt

• dynamic simulation modeldynamic simulation model YYtt = = SXSXtt

in the non-linear case, the transfer in the non-linear case, the transfer function is itself a function of input function is itself a function of input or state:or state:

YYtt = = SS((XXtt))XXtt

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• optimization modelsoptimization models

Address HOW - TO problemsAddress HOW - TO problemsMinimize or maximize functionsMinimize or maximize functions like cost or efficiency.like cost or efficiency.Normative models: Normative models:

how we how we shouldshould decide. decide.

• optimization modelsoptimization models

Address HOW - TO problemsAddress HOW - TO problemsMinimize or maximize functionsMinimize or maximize functions like cost or efficiency.like cost or efficiency.Normative models: Normative models:

how we how we shouldshould decide. decide.

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• rule-based expert systemsrule-based expert systems

are man-machine systems that are man-machine systems that perform problem solving tasks inperform problem solving tasks in well defined domains.well defined domains.

• rule-based expert systemsrule-based expert systems

are man-machine systems that are man-machine systems that perform problem solving tasks inperform problem solving tasks in well defined domains.well defined domains.

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Expert SystemsExpert SystemsExpert SystemsExpert Systems

use rules, heuristics, and various use rules, heuristics, and various knowledge representation knowledge representation strategies to deduce strategies to deduce conclusions from stored and conclusions from stored and user supplied information.user supplied information.

use rules, heuristics, and various use rules, heuristics, and various knowledge representation knowledge representation strategies to deduce strategies to deduce conclusions from stored and conclusions from stored and user supplied information.user supplied information.

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Hybrid or embedded systems Hybrid or embedded systems combine elements of AI combine elements of AI technology with more traditional technology with more traditional tools of operations research tools of operations research and information technology. and information technology.

Hybrid or embedded systems Hybrid or embedded systems combine elements of AI combine elements of AI technology with more traditional technology with more traditional tools of operations research tools of operations research and information technology. and information technology.

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Most existing expert systems work in Most existing expert systems work in analytical domainsanalytical domains,, where problem where problem solving consists of identifying the solving consists of identifying the correct solution from a pre-correct solution from a pre-specified finite list of potential specified finite list of potential answers.answers.

Merry, 1985Merry, 1985..

Most existing expert systems work in Most existing expert systems work in analytical domainsanalytical domains,, where problem where problem solving consists of identifying the solving consists of identifying the correct solution from a pre-correct solution from a pre-specified finite list of potential specified finite list of potential answers.answers.

Merry, 1985Merry, 1985..

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An expert system is a computer An expert system is a computer system that encapsulates specialist system that encapsulates specialist knowledge about a particular knowledge about a particular domain of expertise and is capable domain of expertise and is capable of intelligent decisions within that of intelligent decisions within that domain.domain.

Forsyth, 1984Forsyth, 1984

An expert system is a computer An expert system is a computer system that encapsulates specialist system that encapsulates specialist knowledge about a particular knowledge about a particular domain of expertise and is capable domain of expertise and is capable of intelligent decisions within that of intelligent decisions within that domain.domain.

Forsyth, 1984Forsyth, 1984

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• reason heuristically, interact with reason heuristically, interact with humans including natural languagehumans including natural language

• reason about symbolic descriptionsreason about symbolic descriptions• can function with uncertain datacan function with uncertain data• can contemplate competing hypothesescan contemplate competing hypotheses• can explain their questions and justify can explain their questions and justify

their conclusions their conclusions Hayes-Roth, 1984Hayes-Roth, 1984

• reason heuristically, interact with reason heuristically, interact with humans including natural languagehumans including natural language

• reason about symbolic descriptionsreason about symbolic descriptions• can function with uncertain datacan function with uncertain data• can contemplate competing hypothesescan contemplate competing hypotheses• can explain their questions and justify can explain their questions and justify

their conclusions their conclusions Hayes-Roth, 1984Hayes-Roth, 1984

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include (an operational definition):include (an operational definition):• a knowledge-base (domain specific)a knowledge-base (domain specific)• an inference engine (generic)an inference engine (generic)• a knowledge acquisition methoda knowledge acquisition method• an explanation componentan explanation component• a conversational user interfacea conversational user interfaceand must perform useful tasksand must perform useful tasks in a non-trivial domain.in a non-trivial domain.

include (an operational definition):include (an operational definition):• a knowledge-base (domain specific)a knowledge-base (domain specific)• an inference engine (generic)an inference engine (generic)• a knowledge acquisition methoda knowledge acquisition method• an explanation componentan explanation component• a conversational user interfacea conversational user interfaceand must perform useful tasksand must perform useful tasks in a non-trivial domain.in a non-trivial domain.

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• statistical analysisstatistical analysis

• basic descriptive statisticsbasic descriptive statistics• regression and correlationregression and correlation• analysis of varianceanalysis of variance• time series analysistime series analysis• cluster analysiscluster analysis

• statistical analysisstatistical analysis

• basic descriptive statisticsbasic descriptive statistics• regression and correlationregression and correlation• analysis of varianceanalysis of variance• time series analysistime series analysis• cluster analysiscluster analysis

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• neural nets, genetic algorithms, neural nets, genetic algorithms, machine learning, data miningmachine learning, data mining

extract simplified descriptions or extract simplified descriptions or models from large sets of datamodels from large sets of data

(inductive method)(inductive method)

• neural nets, genetic algorithms, neural nets, genetic algorithms, machine learning, data miningmachine learning, data mining

extract simplified descriptions or extract simplified descriptions or models from large sets of datamodels from large sets of data

(inductive method)(inductive method)

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The User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User Interface

• provides integration of functionsprovides integration of functions• interactive, dialogue oriented, interactive, dialogue oriented,

menu drivenmenu driven• intuitive, graphical, symbolicintuitive, graphical, symbolic• consistent syntax and semantics, consistent syntax and semantics,

layout and symbolismlayout and symbolism• intelligent, context awareintelligent, context aware• customizedcustomized

• provides integration of functionsprovides integration of functions• interactive, dialogue oriented, interactive, dialogue oriented,

menu drivenmenu driven• intuitive, graphical, symbolicintuitive, graphical, symbolic• consistent syntax and semantics, consistent syntax and semantics,

layout and symbolismlayout and symbolism• intelligent, context awareintelligent, context aware• customizedcustomized

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• provides integration of functionsprovides integration of functionsshould provide access to should provide access to ALLALL

systems functions and resources:systems functions and resources: seamless integration.seamless integration.

For the non-technical user, the user For the non-technical user, the user interface interface ISIS the system. the system.

• provides integration of functionsprovides integration of functionsshould provide access to should provide access to ALLALL

systems functions and resources:systems functions and resources: seamless integration.seamless integration.

For the non-technical user, the user For the non-technical user, the user interface interface ISIS the system. the system.

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• interactive dialogue, menu driveninteractive dialogue, menu drivenmodeled after the dialogue with a modeled after the dialogue with a

human experthuman expertimmediate responseimmediate responseincremental problem definitionsincremental problem definitionsincremental detail of answersincremental detail of answersparaphrasing, explanation,paraphrasing, explanation,analogiesanalogies

• interactive dialogue, menu driveninteractive dialogue, menu drivenmodeled after the dialogue with a modeled after the dialogue with a

human experthuman expertimmediate responseimmediate responseincremental problem definitionsincremental problem definitionsincremental detail of answersincremental detail of answersparaphrasing, explanation,paraphrasing, explanation,analogiesanalogies

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The User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User Interface• intuitive, graphical, symbolicintuitive, graphical, symbolic

intuitively understandable formatsintuitively understandable formatsgraphical representation of complex graphical representation of complex

and large data volumesand large data volumessymbolic representation of abstract symbolic representation of abstract

concepts concepts

• intuitive, graphical, symbolicintuitive, graphical, symbolic

intuitively understandable formatsintuitively understandable formatsgraphical representation of complex graphical representation of complex

and large data volumesand large data volumessymbolic representation of abstract symbolic representation of abstract

concepts concepts

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• consistent syntax and semantics, consistent syntax and semantics, layout and symbolismlayout and symbolism

ease-of-use through familiarityease-of-use through familiarityeasy orientationeasy orientationfast learningfast learning

• consistent syntax and semantics, consistent syntax and semantics, layout and symbolismlayout and symbolism

ease-of-use through familiarityease-of-use through familiarityeasy orientationeasy orientationfast learningfast learning

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• intelligent, context awareintelligent, context aware

built-in information about the built-in information about the application domainapplication domain

information about data availabilityinformation about data availabilityinformation about the userinformation about the useradaptive behaviour, learningadaptive behaviour, learning

• intelligent, context awareintelligent, context aware

built-in information about the built-in information about the application domainapplication domain

information about data availabilityinformation about data availabilityinformation about the userinformation about the useradaptive behaviour, learningadaptive behaviour, learning

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The User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User InterfaceThe User Interface• customizedcustomized

uses the language, jargon, style, etc. uses the language, jargon, style, etc. of the end userof the end user

simulates familiar structures and simulates familiar structures and formats of informationformats of information

It is easier to change software than It is easier to change software than institutions and habits.institutions and habits.

• customizedcustomized

uses the language, jargon, style, etc. uses the language, jargon, style, etc. of the end userof the end user

simulates familiar structures and simulates familiar structures and formats of informationformats of information

It is easier to change software than It is easier to change software than institutions and habits.institutions and habits.

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Efficiency of an EIS:Efficiency of an EIS:

Information content * Information content * Number of recipientsNumber of recipients

Role of user interface:Role of user interface:1.1. Easy access (quantity)Easy access (quantity)2.2. Ease of understanding (quality)Ease of understanding (quality)

Efficiency of an EIS:Efficiency of an EIS:

Information content * Information content * Number of recipientsNumber of recipients

Role of user interface:Role of user interface:1.1. Easy access (quantity)Easy access (quantity)2.2. Ease of understanding (quality)Ease of understanding (quality)

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All science is All science is propagandapropaganda..

Paul FeyerabendPaul FeyerabendScience in a free Society,Science in a free Society,Against Method.Against Method.

All science is All science is propagandapropaganda..

Paul FeyerabendPaul FeyerabendScience in a free Society,Science in a free Society,Against Method.Against Method.

© k.fedra 2002 1 environmental information systems an introduction

Documents

usable information

information suitable

information needs

public information

multisectoral information

environmental planning

environmental problemsare

environmental systems