Recent developments associated with decision support systems in water resources

Abstract

In order to limit the scope of this review, a working definition of a decision support system is needed. L. Adelman has defined decision support systems (DSSs) as “interactive computer programs that utilize analytical methods, such as decision analysis, optimization algorithms, program scheduling routines, and so on, for developing models to help decision makers formulate alternatives, analyze their impacts, and interpret and select appropriate options for implementation” (Adelman [1992], p. 2). Another definition has been offered by S. J. Andriole, who defined decision support as consisting of “any and all data, information, expertise or activities that contribute to option selection“ (Andriole [1989], p. 3). A common idea explicit in each of these definitions is that DSSs integrate various technologies and aid in option selection. Implicit in each definition is that these are options for solving relatively large, unstructured problems. Thus, the following working definition of a DSS will be used in this review: A DSS is an integrated, interactive computer system, consisting of analytical tools and information management capabilities, designed to aid decision makers in solving relatively large, unstructured problems.

The Use of River Basin Modeling as a Tool to Assess Conflict and Potential Cooperation

“…River basin models have been reviewed by several authors (e.g., Yeh, 1985;Wurbs, 1993;Wurbs, 1994;Wurbs, 1998;Wagner, 1995;Watkins and McKinney, 1995;. Yeh (1985) provided a comprehensive stateof-the-art review of reservoir operation models with a strong emphasis on optimization methods.…”

Assessment of alternative land management practices using hydrological simulation and a decision support tool: Arborea agricultural region, Sardinia

“…To assess these options, we will make use of a process-based simulation model and a decision support system, two tools that are increasingly being used in tandem because they enable analysis of water management and planning issues based on complex environmental, economic, and social parameters (e.g. Abel et al, 1992;Watkins and McKinney, 1995;Fedra and Jamieson, 1996;Heinemann et al, 2002;Chowdary et al, 2005). Decision support systems provide a framework for analyzing management and policy options based on diverse data, deriving in part, for our application, from hydrological simulation models.…”

Transferability of European Flood Impact Estimation Techniques to the Yangtze River Catchment and Possible Adaptations

“…Geographical techniques implemented in a Geographical Information System (GIS) can find a remedy. A GIS-based approach solving the defined problem is encouraged by citing WATKINS and MCKINNEY [34] , since "GIS is an especially appealing technology for DSSs because it can be used not only for information management, but also for spatial analysis and the visualisation of model output. Thus, a GIS by itself could function as a DSS, provided that spatial analyses alone provided adequate support in the decision making process".…”