Figure 6.2 shows the how the different systems are linked in the system-ofsystems modelling framework. This coupling of each of the system models allows
model runs to be sampled centrally, to collect model results and carry out centralised
post-processing and visualise complex cross-sector simulation outputs on top of a
single database structure. The framework also shows the different stages at which
engagement with stakeholders enables feedback on framing the strategies and
validating model inputs and outputs.
The crucial interdependencies among the different infrastructure sectors originate
from (1) correlated demand (e.g. population change is the common factor linking
increases in both energy demand for households and commuter transport demand)
and (2) from cross-sector demand for infrastructure service provision (e.g. providing
energy services needs cooling water, water pumping needs energy, etc.). The
integrated model structure, which combines the different infrastructure sector capacity and demand models, enables analysing these demand interdependencies through
harmonised strategy and scenario assumptions and by using iterative procedures
within the modelling framework.
The area under investigation will depend on the type of analysis being carried out.
Usually, it is better to deal nationally because,
(1) the national policy is being studied;
(2) usually data (e.g. economic input-output data) is available at this scale; and
(3) the physical boundaries are well-defined.
6.4.6 Step 4: Evaluating Infrastructure Strategies
Long-term infrastructure assessment relates to the quality of current and future
infrastructure provision and what is required to ensure providing the proper quality
of infrastructure service. Depending on how infrastructure performance is defined
and measured spatially and temporally, given the number of priorities and metrics,
assessing how the national infrastructure systems succeed in providing satisfactory
infrastructure services to users (e.g. households, businesses and the public sector)
involves several parameters. Generally, the different performance variables should
not be aggregated by a weightage of indicators. This enables obtaining a better
insight on single performance dimensions to allow comparisons among different
sectors under different modelling future scenarios.
Suitable performance indicators are given below:
Capacity: the extent and amount of activities potentially available during operation
of the infrastructure system.
Demand: the amount and extent of actions requested by the users of the infrastructure services.
Actual supply: the amount and extent of actions that are actually obtained by the
users.
The capacity utilisation (capacity margin): the fraction of the available capacity
actually activated to provide the actual level of supply.
6.4 Applying Systems Analysis to Infrastructure
173
model runs to be sampled centrally, to collect model results and carry out centralised
post-processing and visualise complex cross-sector simulation outputs on top of a
single database structure. The framework also shows the different stages at which
engagement with stakeholders enables feedback on framing the strategies and
validating model inputs and outputs.
The crucial interdependencies among the different infrastructure sectors originate
from (1) correlated demand (e.g. population change is the common factor linking
increases in both energy demand for households and commuter transport demand)
and (2) from cross-sector demand for infrastructure service provision (e.g. providing
energy services needs cooling water, water pumping needs energy, etc.). The
integrated model structure, which combines the different infrastructure sector capacity and demand models, enables analysing these demand interdependencies through
harmonised strategy and scenario assumptions and by using iterative procedures
within the modelling framework.
The area under investigation will depend on the type of analysis being carried out.
Usually, it is better to deal nationally because,
(1) the national policy is being studied;
(2) usually data (e.g. economic input-output data) is available at this scale; and
(3) the physical boundaries are well-defined.
6.4.6 Step 4: Evaluating Infrastructure Strategies
Long-term infrastructure assessment relates to the quality of current and future
infrastructure provision and what is required to ensure providing the proper quality
of infrastructure service. Depending on how infrastructure performance is defined
and measured spatially and temporally, given the number of priorities and metrics,
assessing how the national infrastructure systems succeed in providing satisfactory
infrastructure services to users (e.g. households, businesses and the public sector)
involves several parameters. Generally, the different performance variables should
not be aggregated by a weightage of indicators. This enables obtaining a better
insight on single performance dimensions to allow comparisons among different
sectors under different modelling future scenarios.
Suitable performance indicators are given below:
Capacity: the extent and amount of activities potentially available during operation
of the infrastructure system.
Demand: the amount and extent of actions requested by the users of the infrastructure services.
Actual supply: the amount and extent of actions that are actually obtained by the
users.
The capacity utilisation (capacity margin): the fraction of the available capacity
actually activated to provide the actual level of supply.
6.4 Applying Systems Analysis to Infrastructure
173