Meta-modelling for cross-sectoral land use policy impact analysis: A model requirements analysis of the SIAT

Abstract

The Integrated Project SENSOR developed the meta-model Sustainability Impact Assessment Tools (SIAT) to support decision making at the EU level (Sieber et al. 2008). First, this paper illustrates the concept on the functionality and methodology of the meta-model SIAT. Based on the development process and applied methods of software prototyping major model requirements have been elaborated. Four major requirement fields have been revealed. They can be subsumed into the categories of (1) performance, (2) integration, (3) institution and (4) quality (IIPQ), whereas point (1) is classified (a) spatial scales, (b) sectors and (c) indicator variables, (d) dynamic viability over time, (e) flexible system to select the level of implicit and explicit knowledge; point (2) is classified in (a) model response time (b) diversity of visualization results, (c) advanced technologies and system compatibility; point (3) on reliability information is structured in the three fields of (a) quality criteria on results, (b) assumptions and (c) back tracing. The point (4) on institutional embedment links the institutions; either trough stakeholder participation or expert consultations. The SIAT is finally classified according to the given criteria. The paper concludes on further requirements to maintain the model beyond project lifetime. Mainly funding issues, complementary further institutional embedment, flexibility towards new scopes of analysis, quality assurance and scientific publications have been described as major future challenges. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.