Reports and Papers

- Fedra, K. (1997)
-
Integrated Environmental Information Systems: from data to information.
In: N.B. Harmancioglu,
M.N. Alpaslan, S.D.Ozkul, and V.P. Singh [eds.]: Integrated Approach to
Environmental Data Management Systems, 367-378. Kluwer, Dordrecht.

Abstract
Environmental problems are almost always spatially distributed
and dynamic, and are characterized by the complexity of
the underlying processes. Environmental data can either be of very
high density and volume, for example, from automatic monitoring
equipment or remote sensing instruments, or rather sparse and with
a high sampling error, if resulting from traditional sampling methods
and analytical procedures.
To be useful for the support planning and decision making
processes, environmental data have to be transformed into
information that meets the requirements of these processes.
Environmental planning and decision making requires the integration
of large volumes of often disparate and multi-format information
from numerous sources;
the analysis of this information with complex tools and models for
assessment and evaluation; and effective methods of communication
of results that also allow broad, interactive participation in the
planning, assessment, and decision making process.
Information systems based on the object-oriented
integration of GIS with data base management, remote sensing and
image processing, simulation and optimization models, expert systems,
and decision support tools, provide some of the elements
to effectively support environmental planning and management.
GIS can provide a common framework through georeferencing
information, and an easily understandable presentation style in
the form of topical maps, linked to functional objects that use various
models. Modern information technology, and in particular
multi-media applications accessible through the Internet hold promise of
fulfilling many of the goals set out in UNCED Agenda 21,
chapter 40, Information for Decision Making.
|