Virtual Worlds - Real Decisions?
The Alps in a Modeller's Nutshell
1st Edition
Published on 16. December 2008
Book
124 pages
978-3-7281-3203-1 (ISBN)
Description
With landscapes there is no room for experimentation. Real changes to the landscape become an indelible part of it - mostly for decades or even centuries. That is why level-headed and foresighted planning is required before final decisions are made. Computer-based models allow the testing and visualization of development options and decision alternatives. For this reason virtual representation of landscape processes is gaining increasing importance in planning.
The Thematic Synthesis Report V of the National Research Programme 48 "Landscapes and Habitats of the Alps" shows the potential of computer-based models and visualizations for spatial and landscape planning and examines the current state of research. The models developed within NRP 48 deal with the most important issues in spatial and landscape planning in the Alps - mechanisms and landscape changes through changing agricultural use patterns, tourism and intensive settlement development, and changes in the natural hazards potential due to global warming. Synthesis Report V throws light on chances and obstacles of models and visualizations in planning practice and demonstrates how the formulation of use cases facilitates the development and improvement of computer-based models and the corresponding software for the world of practice.
The Thematic Synthesis Report V of the National Research Programme 48 "Landscapes and Habitats of the Alps" shows the potential of computer-based models and visualizations for spatial and landscape planning and examines the current state of research. The models developed within NRP 48 deal with the most important issues in spatial and landscape planning in the Alps - mechanisms and landscape changes through changing agricultural use patterns, tourism and intensive settlement development, and changes in the natural hazards potential due to global warming. Synthesis Report V throws light on chances and obstacles of models and visualizations in planning practice and demonstrates how the formulation of use cases facilitates the development and improvement of computer-based models and the corresponding software for the world of practice.
More details
Content
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Summary
1 Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Importance of this report for research on the Alps
1.3 Advisory Group
1.4 Target audience
1.5 Goals
1.6 Questions
1.7 Organization of the report
1.8 Definition and delimiting of key terms
2 NRP 48 Projects Dealing with Modelling
2.1 The projects
2.2 Features of the projects
2.2.1 Classified within landscape research
2.2.2 Object of study
2.2.3 Methodological approach in modelling
2.2.4 Spatial and temporal scales
2.2.5 The most important scenarios for the Swiss Alps
2.2.6 Data sets of the projects
2.2.7 Purpose of the models
2.2.8 Communication and visualization of the findings
2.3 Evaluation of the total contribution to research
2.3.1 Complementary approaches and combination of approaches
2.3.2 Technical advances in the combination of approaches
2.3.3 Potential uses in practical application
3 The Use of Models in Spatial and Landscape Planning
3.1 Expectations regarding virtual planning instruments
3.2 Problems and possible solution approaches for establishing the use of models in planning practice
3.2.1 Data availability and data quality
3.2.2 Interfaces between different tools
3.2.3 Required multiple layers and complexity
3.2.4 Transferability of models
3.2.5 Possible functions in the planning process
3.2.6 Establishing models in the planning culture
3.3 Guidelines for assessing the application areas of the models
4 Virtual Representation - From «Pretty Pictures» to Helpful Planning Instruments
4.1 How can case-specific, individually modified software solutions be developed?
4.1.1 The use case - or, from «the little story» to the functionality list
4.1.2 From idea to realization - Who plays what role?
4.2 An illustrative example - Laying out hiking trails around the Schatzalp tower
4.2.1 Time required for production of the desired Schatzalp animation
4.2.2 Types of visualization used
4.3 Examples from NRP 48
4.3.1 Use case from Alpscape
4.3.2 Use case from Ipodlas
4.3.3 Use case on the effects of changing framework conditions for agriculture on landscape and tourism in the Alps
4.4 Conclusions drawn for software development and applications in the area of spatial and landscape analysis
5 Conclusion
6 Appendix
6.1 Documentation of the Advisory Group process
6.1.1 Evaluation of the questionnaires
6.1.2 Requirements profile for models from the point of view of (potential) users
Bibliography
Companion CD-ROM to Synthesis Report V
Prologue
Summary
1 Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Importance of this report for research on the Alps
1.3 Advisory Group
1.4 Target audience
1.5 Goals
1.6 Questions
1.7 Organization of the report
1.8 Definition and delimiting of key terms
2 NRP 48 Projects Dealing with Modelling
2.1 The projects
2.2 Features of the projects
2.2.1 Classified within landscape research
2.2.2 Object of study
2.2.3 Methodological approach in modelling
2.2.4 Spatial and temporal scales
2.2.5 The most important scenarios for the Swiss Alps
2.2.6 Data sets of the projects
2.2.7 Purpose of the models
2.2.8 Communication and visualization of the findings
2.3 Evaluation of the total contribution to research
2.3.1 Complementary approaches and combination of approaches
2.3.2 Technical advances in the combination of approaches
2.3.3 Potential uses in practical application
3 The Use of Models in Spatial and Landscape Planning
3.1 Expectations regarding virtual planning instruments
3.2 Problems and possible solution approaches for establishing the use of models in planning practice
3.2.1 Data availability and data quality
3.2.2 Interfaces between different tools
3.2.3 Required multiple layers and complexity
3.2.4 Transferability of models
3.2.5 Possible functions in the planning process
3.2.6 Establishing models in the planning culture
3.3 Guidelines for assessing the application areas of the models
4 Virtual Representation - From «Pretty Pictures» to Helpful Planning Instruments
4.1 How can case-specific, individually modified software solutions be developed?
4.1.1 The use case - or, from «the little story» to the functionality list
4.1.2 From idea to realization - Who plays what role?
4.2 An illustrative example - Laying out hiking trails around the Schatzalp tower
4.2.1 Time required for production of the desired Schatzalp animation
4.2.2 Types of visualization used
4.3 Examples from NRP 48
4.3.1 Use case from Alpscape
4.3.2 Use case from Ipodlas
4.3.3 Use case on the effects of changing framework conditions for agriculture on landscape and tourism in the Alps
4.4 Conclusions drawn for software development and applications in the area of spatial and landscape analysis
5 Conclusion
6 Appendix
6.1 Documentation of the Advisory Group process
6.1.1 Evaluation of the questionnaires
6.1.2 Requirements profile for models from the point of view of (potential) users
Bibliography
Companion CD-ROM to Synthesis Report V