10.6.2 Presentation of Data and Limitations Including
Model and Analysis
Just as intended use and goals dictate model development and criteria for
data selection, different strategies of data presentation should be used for
different audiences. “Simply providing maps is not enough. Land-use decision makers need both improved [remote-sensing-]derived information and
meaningful access to this information” (Arnold et al. 2000). The presentation of data, like data access, should be targeted to specific audiences, and
the presentation strategies used should reflect the original goals of the
project and meet the needs and expectations of the users. Never underestimate the power of models, maps, and statistics; they are a very effective
way to manipulate information and can be easily misinterpreted.
10.6.3 Limiting the Sharing of Data
There are a number of arguments for limiting the sharing of data used in
ecological modeling. The data or model outputs may be misused by other
scientists or modelers, producing a liability to the modeler that may lead
the modeler to maintain control over which data to publish and when to
publish the data. The modeler has a personal claim to any plans for future
projects, and publishing data increases the possibility of others stealing
ideas and competing for peer recognition and future funding. Perhaps more
importantly, resource protection may become an issue because the integrity
of natural resources may be compromised by publishing the location and
other information about the resources. For the safety of individual species,
particularly endangered species, and sensitive habitats, limiting access to
data on their whereabouts may lessen poaching, collecting, or other adverse
ecological impacts. A final argument against the open sharing of data is the
cost that is incurred by the modeler. Sharing data incurs time and resource
costs to the modeler that may deplete limited funds and distract the
modeler from current modeling projects. The costs can be passed along to
the individuals or agencies requesting the data, but this action in effect
limits access to the data and sets a precedent for restriction of data access
(Macilwain 1996). So, although many public agencies are providing more
access to data via the World Wide Web, personal-privacy, resource-protection, and administrative-cost issues must be considered before adopting a
voluntary data-sharing policy.
10.6.4 Voluntary Data Sharing
In general, the voluntary sharing of data is encouraged and has many benefits for modelers and model users. Openness and sharing of scientific information promotes model quality and integrity. Obtaining a broader view of
the system by providing data to other modelers with different backgrounds
10. Effective Ecological Modeling: Data Issues
203
Model and Analysis
Just as intended use and goals dictate model development and criteria for
data selection, different strategies of data presentation should be used for
different audiences. “Simply providing maps is not enough. Land-use decision makers need both improved [remote-sensing-]derived information and
meaningful access to this information” (Arnold et al. 2000). The presentation of data, like data access, should be targeted to specific audiences, and
the presentation strategies used should reflect the original goals of the
project and meet the needs and expectations of the users. Never underestimate the power of models, maps, and statistics; they are a very effective
way to manipulate information and can be easily misinterpreted.
10.6.3 Limiting the Sharing of Data
There are a number of arguments for limiting the sharing of data used in
ecological modeling. The data or model outputs may be misused by other
scientists or modelers, producing a liability to the modeler that may lead
the modeler to maintain control over which data to publish and when to
publish the data. The modeler has a personal claim to any plans for future
projects, and publishing data increases the possibility of others stealing
ideas and competing for peer recognition and future funding. Perhaps more
importantly, resource protection may become an issue because the integrity
of natural resources may be compromised by publishing the location and
other information about the resources. For the safety of individual species,
particularly endangered species, and sensitive habitats, limiting access to
data on their whereabouts may lessen poaching, collecting, or other adverse
ecological impacts. A final argument against the open sharing of data is the
cost that is incurred by the modeler. Sharing data incurs time and resource
costs to the modeler that may deplete limited funds and distract the
modeler from current modeling projects. The costs can be passed along to
the individuals or agencies requesting the data, but this action in effect
limits access to the data and sets a precedent for restriction of data access
(Macilwain 1996). So, although many public agencies are providing more
access to data via the World Wide Web, personal-privacy, resource-protection, and administrative-cost issues must be considered before adopting a
voluntary data-sharing policy.
10.6.4 Voluntary Data Sharing
In general, the voluntary sharing of data is encouraged and has many benefits for modelers and model users. Openness and sharing of scientific information promotes model quality and integrity. Obtaining a broader view of
the system by providing data to other modelers with different backgrounds
10. Effective Ecological Modeling: Data Issues
203