for an independent analysis of the data can enhance the credibility of the
modelers and lead to improved models (Fayerweather et al. 1991). Providing access to model data also allows different modelers to gain new insights
into the system and furthers the use of models in resource management. In
many cases, public awareness and engagement are desired by the modelers
throughout the modeling process, and free access to the data and information provides the opportunity. Providing free access to data also eliminates
the duplication of data collection efforts and can decrease model development costs. In addition to voluntary data sharing, there are federal regulations that influence public agencies and researchers who obtain funds from
public agencies. In a rule passed by the White House Office of Management
and Budget, the Freedom of Information act applies to the access of raw
data from public agencies and private researchers who receive governmental grants if the data were used as the basis for governmental regulations (Macilwain 1999). So, in some cases, public access to raw data included
in the modeling process is necessary for regulatory compliance.
10.6.5 Access Policy Recommendations
Recommendations for data access policy should be made on a case-by-case
basis, but several recommendations can be made for modelers. First, consider which data should be provided. Providing information and analysis of
the outputs of the model does not have to include the publication of the
raw data used in the modeling process. Secondly, the format in which the
data are presented and the method of access to the data should be considered. If outputs from a model are published, as much information as possible about the structure, assumptions, and limitations of the model should
be conveyed to the person accessing the data. Also, the method of data
access is an important consideration when estimating the costs of having a
voluntary data-sharing policy. For example, the publication of data via the
World Wide Web may involve higher costs at the initiation of the project
but is likely to be more cost effective than having to personally respond to
individual requests for data over a long term. In general, for ecological modelers, a voluntary data-sharing policy would seem to be the best option for
promoting openness, model credibility, and reduced model development
costs, provided that possible negative consequences to resource protection
are taken into consideration.
10.7 Summary Guidelines or Recommendations
To properly use data in developing ecological models,
• Refine the management question. What do you want or expect to learn?
• Develop a conceptual model. Framework without data is better than data
without a framework.
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modelers and lead to improved models (Fayerweather et al. 1991). Providing access to model data also allows different modelers to gain new insights
into the system and furthers the use of models in resource management. In
many cases, public awareness and engagement are desired by the modelers
throughout the modeling process, and free access to the data and information provides the opportunity. Providing free access to data also eliminates
the duplication of data collection efforts and can decrease model development costs. In addition to voluntary data sharing, there are federal regulations that influence public agencies and researchers who obtain funds from
public agencies. In a rule passed by the White House Office of Management
and Budget, the Freedom of Information act applies to the access of raw
data from public agencies and private researchers who receive governmental grants if the data were used as the basis for governmental regulations (Macilwain 1999). So, in some cases, public access to raw data included
in the modeling process is necessary for regulatory compliance.
10.6.5 Access Policy Recommendations
Recommendations for data access policy should be made on a case-by-case
basis, but several recommendations can be made for modelers. First, consider which data should be provided. Providing information and analysis of
the outputs of the model does not have to include the publication of the
raw data used in the modeling process. Secondly, the format in which the
data are presented and the method of access to the data should be considered. If outputs from a model are published, as much information as possible about the structure, assumptions, and limitations of the model should
be conveyed to the person accessing the data. Also, the method of data
access is an important consideration when estimating the costs of having a
voluntary data-sharing policy. For example, the publication of data via the
World Wide Web may involve higher costs at the initiation of the project
but is likely to be more cost effective than having to personally respond to
individual requests for data over a long term. In general, for ecological modelers, a voluntary data-sharing policy would seem to be the best option for
promoting openness, model credibility, and reduced model development
costs, provided that possible negative consequences to resource protection
are taken into consideration.
10.7 Summary Guidelines or Recommendations
To properly use data in developing ecological models,
• Refine the management question. What do you want or expect to learn?
• Develop a conceptual model. Framework without data is better than data
without a framework.
204
David Hohler et al.