Abstract

Integrated Conceptual-Computational Modeling for GeoDesign and Decision Support
Track: Geodesign
Authors: Anne Desmarais

In this presentation, we will demonstrate an extended conceptual modeling environment that makes GeoDesign and decision support more accessible to designers, planners and non-technical users. We will present a Conceptual Model Manager that provides an integrated platform for users to decompose complex systems into conceptual models, which are then executed (computed, analyzed and visualized) in ArcGIS. We will provide a demonstration by authoring a subset of a real decision support conceptual model, drawing on a real natural resource management project for desert tortoise conservation: modeling a subset of the ecosystem, an explicit governance model, and a change model. We will then run the authored model, design two spatially explicit management actions, and use the dashboard to present a decision maker with system outputs to support prioritization of the proposed actions. We will conclude with a deeper exploration of how this approach has benefitted partnership projects with DoD and USFWS.