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Spatial decision support system

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Spatial decision support systems (sDSS) developed in parallel with the concept of decision support systems (DSS).

An sDSS is an interactive, computer-based system designed to support a user or group of users in achieving a higher effectiveness of decision making while solving a semi-structured spatial problem.[1] It is designed to assist the spatial planner with guidance in making land use decisions. For example, when deciding where to build a new airport many contrasting criteria, such as noise pollution vs. employment prospects or the knock on effect on transportation links, which make the decision difficult. A system which models decisions could be used to help identify the most effective decision path.

An sDSS is sometimes referred to as a policy support system.

A spatial decision support system typically consists of the following components (GIS+DSS=SDSS).

In more detail that means:

  1. A database management system – This system holds and handles the geographical data. A standalone system for this is called a geographical information system, (GIS).
  2. A library of potential models that can be used to forecast the possible outcomes of decisions.
  3. An interface to aid the users interaction with the computer system and to assist in analysis of outcomes.

This concept fits dialog, data and modelling concepts outlined by Sprague and Watson as the DDM paradigm.[2]

How does an SDSS work?

An sDSS usually exists in the form of a computer model or collection of interlinked computer models, including a land use model. Although various techniques are available to simulate land use dynamics, two types are particularly suitable for sDSS. These are cellular automata (CA) based models[3] and Agent Based Models (ABM).[4]

An sDSS typically uses a variety of spatial and nonspatial information, like data on land use, transportation, water management, demographics, agriculture, climate, epidemiology, resource management or employment. By using two (or, better, more) known points in history the models can be calibrated and then projections into the future can be made to analyze different spatial policy options. Using these techniques spatial planners can investigate the effects of different scenarios, and provide information to make informed decisions. To allow the user to easily adapt the system to deal with possible intervention possibilities an interface allows for simple modification to be made.

References

  1. ^ Sprague, R. H., and E. D. Carlson (1982) Building effective Decision Support Systems. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:Prentice-Hall, Inc.
  2. ^ Sprague, R. H. and H. J. Watson (1996) Decision support for management. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall
  3. ^ White, R., and G. Engelen (2000) High-resolution integrated modeling of spatial dynamics of urban and regional systems. Computers, Environment, and Urban Systems 24: 383–400.
  4. ^ Parker, D. C., Manson, S. M., Janssen, M. A., Hoffmann, M., Deadman, P., June (2003) Multi-agent systems for the simulation of land-use and land-cover change: A review. Annals of the Association of American Geographers 93 (2): 314–337.
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