SimCoast

Last updated: 05/25/2010

Overview

SimCoast is a fuzzy logic rule-based expert system designed to enable researchers, managers and decision-makers to create and evaluate different policy scenarios for coastal zone management. It is interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral. It aims to combine traditional and advanced specialist knowledge about coastal zones with a set of reasoning and analytical tools. Experts involved include engineers, natural and social scientists, lawmakers, administrators, community and national leaders. Via workshops and consensus discussions, sensitive issues such as transboundary pollution and cross-sectoral socioeconomic effects can be translated into rules for policy formulation and decision-making.

The conceptual basis of SimCoast is a two-dimensional multi-zoned map onto which key features such as ports, legal regimes and different habitats and activities such as shipping, tourism, aquaculture are mapped. Activities are often associated with different zones and processes to which they are linked (e.g. land tenure, erosion).

General Considerations

What is it?

Data collection tool

Geophysical data collection tool (e.g. oceanographic, climate, or habitat data)
Biological data collection tool (e.g. species or ecological community data)
Socioeconomic data collection tool (e.g. economic, human use of resources, or coastal demographic data)

Data processing and management tool

Stakeholder engagement and outreach tool (for participatory goal and priority setting and stakeholder education)

Conceptual modeling tool

Modeling and analysis tool

Tools to develop model
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Watershed Model
Estuarine and marine ecosystem model
Oceanographic and dispersal model
Habitat suitability and species distribution model
Socioeconomic model
Other modeling and analysis tool

Visualization tool (for data and scenarios)

Decision support tool

Conservation and restoration site selection tool
Coastal zone management tool
Fisheries management tool
Hazard assessment and resiliency planning tool
Coastal and watershed land use planning tool

Project management tool (for budgeting, scheduling, reporting, etc.)

Strengths/Limitations (if applicable)

GIS based, GIS platform: Includes STEMgis Temporal GIS as part of software package

Tool is web based

Tool has a GUI available

Tool does simulations

Tool accounts for and reports uncertainty

Tool handles socio-economic impacts

Visualization capabilities: 2D, 3D, 4D

Expertise Needed (if applicable)

Equipment needs: Windows 2000, XP, Vista

Technical expertise: Basic computer skills sufficient, Some computer/GIS/programming skills necessary

Scientific expertise: Extensive scientific training required

Types of Data Needed (if applicable)

Input formats: Shape, DXF, MIF, CSV, BMP, JPG, PNG,native formats

Output formats: Shape, AVI, BMP, SVG, Printer

How Do I Get It?

Website: www.discoverysoftware.co.uk/SimCoast.htm

Tool cost: 350/500 British pounds academic/commercial license

Related Tools (if applicable)

Related tools: Sim Coast is hosted within the STEMgis GIS software

Contacts Information

Developer: Discovery Software Ltd. & View The World Ltd.

Email: info@discoverysoftware.co.uk

Phone: 44 (0)1803 663975

HD.gov

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