SDSS development
Our spatial decision support systems (SDSS) allow planners and policy makers to explore possible future developments through scenario studies and what-if analysis. Key characteristics of these systems are their high level of spatial detail and their integrated nature. Because socio-economic and bio-physical processes are thoroughly intertwined in reality, we also ensure a dynamic coupling between those processes in our systems. Depending on the problem context models from different disciplines are integrated to provide an outlook into the future. As such, we provide tailor made solutions that fit the policy needs, data availability and regional characteristics. Many of our projects include the development of a tailor made systems, such as Xplorah, the Environment Explorer, DeSurvey and Creating Futures.
We believe that developing a spatial decision support system should be collaborative effort between policy makers that have a specific topic they want to asses, scientists that have process knowledge, and software developers that can make a user friendly system out of it. In such joint efforts we also take the role of architect that brings these parties together to ensure a productive collaboration.
To integrate models from different disciplines and to create an easy to use piece of software, RIKS created its own software environment, Geonamica. This is specifically designed for the development of integrated spatial decision support systems. Because land use is a core element in most of our systems, we often include the Metronamica land-use model. Moreover we have a suite of other models in house that can be integrated, such as a land use transport model, an age cohort model, a spatial planning component or a dynamic suitability component. At the other hand we often include models from clients or other project partners, such as models for economics, hydrology, water quality and biodiversity.