| Main model components |
 |
|
 |
|
|
| This
flow diagram is depicting basic elements of the RAPS decision support
software for rural development planning. The tool will consist of
the following components: |
 |
A multi-dimensional
GIS database with statistical and bio-geophysical data describing
the current situation in
development regions. Currently, we are developing a prototype for
Austria with data on the NUTS 5 level ("Gemeinde"). This is
the smallest administrative unit in the country, for which a large set
of statistical data is available. At later stages we will include our NUTS 3 level
database covering all of Europe. |
|
A retrieval
engine, which will make it extremely easy (even for people
with very little computer skills) to find and retrieve all kinds of
development indicators (including statistical data and bio-geophysical
information). The users will be able to find quantitative information
by keyword, table title, and single indicator (variable). |
|
A module to
tabulate and visualize the numerical information. In this module
the user will be provided with tools to tabulate, sort, and filter the
data. The user will also be able to visualize the numerical
information in the form of charts and maps. |
|
Indicators from the
multi-dimensional database will be also used in the modeling module
of the the RAPS system. This module consists of two parts: the
modeling interface and the modeling engine (which runs the model
algorithm). In the the interface the user will be able to
interactively specify model parameters and scenarios; modeling engine
will then try to find a solution to these specifications. At the
moment, we are still in the process of considering various
alternatives for this algorithm, including certain optimization
procedures for multi-criteria problems. |
|
The fifths element
of the RAPS system will be the output module, where tools for
printing and transferring output to other programs ("copy &
paste") will be available. |
| Please
note that we are currently exploring different modeling concepts so
that the model algorithm may be modified considerably. |
| |
|
|
| |
| |
