Bureau of Reclamation Banner
This information is intended to convey the underlying concepts for Reclamation's decision processes. It is not mandatory.
See the Reclamation Manual for official Reclamation-wide requirements.

Reclamation's Decision Process Guide

Level of Detail

go through page Tailor / Go On


pretty border

navigate in the page--Tailor the Level

Is the third decimal place really necessary to project reservoir elevation over a 67 year period or is it just important to know that the average will be below conservation pool?

Getting too much detail wastes money and time, and getting too little may overlook something that will jeopardize the solution.

The level of detail has to be tailored to the decision being made and your point in the decision process. For example, appraisal level cost estimates are not nearly as detailed as advanced planning or construction authorization. What goes into a policy wil not be as detailed as what goes on in the field. Or when you decide which city to live in, you look at an overall picture of the community and employment rather than detailed blueprints of individual houses.

 

Do I need to know the temperature of the dragon's breath to the nth degree or do I need to know it is hot enough to burn my skin?

level of detail spiral

Details will accumulate throughout the process. The spiralling lines betweel the levels of detail represent ever-increasing data assessment and evaluation accuracy.


pretty border

navigate in the page--Go On

click for comics

(Use the right details)

Handyman's Tour Change <-------------->Signficance

pretty border

GeneralHip Pocket Concepts

PreviousSignificance

NextMythTruths

Please contact Rick Vinton (303) 445-2738 with questions or comments on this material.