9
Data and Information Issues
in Modeling for Resource
Management Decision Making:
Communication Is the Key
John R. Richardson and Cory W. Berish
167
9.1 Introduction
Environmental decision making can be viewed as a process that is based
on scientific data, with data and information flowing from the bottom up
and decisions coming from the top down. The data are synthesized into
information that can be used to make informed decisions (Figure 9.1). At
each step there is a transformation of data to information. Any gaps or
inconsistencies in this data flow degrade the foundation on which this
process is based. A smooth and integrated flow from data to decisions is
essential if informed decisions are to be effective and efficient. The theory
is that the more informed a decision is, the more likely it will be correct and
will produce the greatest benefit. The key to ensuring this smooth and integrated flow is good communication among those who produce the data,
use the data in models, and analyze and apply the results of the models in
making decisions (Schiller et al. 2001).
Decision implementation can be viewed as a top-down procedure, where
the decisions are made at the top of an information hierarchy and flow
down, often through a different pathway than the information followed
on the way up and to different people than originated the information/
data-flow process. This decision-making process is subject to influence by
political factors that may or may not be based on sound science. The knowledge and abilities of the individuals at each stage of the process can be
quite different (see Figure 9.1). For this whole process to work effectively,
information and data must be relative, succinct, and comprehensible by
all of those involved. A breakdown of this communication process can
inhibit resource managers from making effective decisions based on sound
science.
The flow of data and information from the bottom up is often based on
a particular model of the working environment and varies by source. Basic
data may often be collected to answer specific questions, such as what the
level of dioxin is around a facility. This type of sampling takes place based
Data and Information Issues
in Modeling for Resource
Management Decision Making:
Communication Is the Key
John R. Richardson and Cory W. Berish
167
9.1 Introduction
Environmental decision making can be viewed as a process that is based
on scientific data, with data and information flowing from the bottom up
and decisions coming from the top down. The data are synthesized into
information that can be used to make informed decisions (Figure 9.1). At
each step there is a transformation of data to information. Any gaps or
inconsistencies in this data flow degrade the foundation on which this
process is based. A smooth and integrated flow from data to decisions is
essential if informed decisions are to be effective and efficient. The theory
is that the more informed a decision is, the more likely it will be correct and
will produce the greatest benefit. The key to ensuring this smooth and integrated flow is good communication among those who produce the data,
use the data in models, and analyze and apply the results of the models in
making decisions (Schiller et al. 2001).
Decision implementation can be viewed as a top-down procedure, where
the decisions are made at the top of an information hierarchy and flow
down, often through a different pathway than the information followed
on the way up and to different people than originated the information/
data-flow process. This decision-making process is subject to influence by
political factors that may or may not be based on sound science. The knowledge and abilities of the individuals at each stage of the process can be
quite different (see Figure 9.1). For this whole process to work effectively,
information and data must be relative, succinct, and comprehensible by
all of those involved. A breakdown of this communication process can
inhibit resource managers from making effective decisions based on sound
science.
The flow of data and information from the bottom up is often based on
a particular model of the working environment and varies by source. Basic
data may often be collected to answer specific questions, such as what the
level of dioxin is around a facility. This type of sampling takes place based