Environmental Modelling, Software and Decision Support: State of the Art and New Perspective

The complex and multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems requires that they are dealt with in an integrated manner. Modeling and software have become key instruments used to promote sustainability and improve environmental decision processes, especially through systematic integration of various knowledge and data and their ability to foster learning and help make predictions. This book presents the current state-of-the-art in environmental modeling and software and identifies the future challenges in the field.

State-of-the-art in environmental modeling and software theory and practice for integrated assessment and management serves as a starting point for researchersIdentifies the areas of research and practice required for advancing the requisite knowledge base and tools, and their wider usageBest practices of environmental modeling enables the reader to select appropriate software and gives the reader tools to integrate natural system dynamics with human dimensions

1.Modelling and Software as Instruments for Advancing Sustainability
2.Good Modelling Practice
3.Bridging the Gaps between Design and Use: Developing Tools to Support Environmental Management and Policy
4.Complexity and Uncertainty: Rethinking the Modelling Activity
5.Uncertainty in Environmental Decision Making: Issues, Challenges and Future Directions
6.Environmental Policy Aid under Uncertainty
7.Integrated Modelling Frameworks for Environmental Assessment and Decision Support
8.Intelligent Environmental Decision Support Systems
9.Formal Scenario Development for Environmental Impact Assessment Studies
10.Free and Open Source Geospatial Tools for Environmental Modelling and Management
11.Modelling and Monitoring Environmental Outcomes in Adaptive Management
12.Data Mining for Environmental Systems
13.Generic Simulation Models for Facilitating Stakeholder Involvement in Water Resources Planning and Management: a Comparison, Evaluation, and Identification of Future Needs
14.Computational Air Quality Modelling
15. State of the Art in Methods and Software for the Identification, Resolution and Apportionment of Contamination Sources
16.Regional Models of Intermediate Complexity (Remics) – A New Direction in Integrated Landscape Modelling
17.Challenges in Earth System Modelling: Approaches and Applications
18.Uncertainty and Sensitivity Issues in Process-Based Models of Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles in Terrestrial Ecosystems
19.Model-Data Fusion in the Studies of Terrestrial Carbon Sink
20.Building a Community Modelling and Information Sharing Culture