Building Knowledge-Based Systems for Natural Resource Management - Hardcover

Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Rauscher, H. Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0412019213 ISBN 13: 9780412019210

Publisher: Springer, 1996

Synopsis

If one were forced to use a single key word to describe the decade of the 1980's, a very prominent one would be "technology. " Leading the forefront of tech­ nology advancement were breakthroughs in electronics. Devices that were uncommon or unknown in 1980 became commonplace, and almost indispens­ able, by 1989. This trend has continued into the 1990's and it does not seem to be abating in any way. Microwave ovens, video recorders, telephone answer­ ing machines, compact disc players, computers, and a host of smaller or less sophisticated devices now appear in most households. The development of small and inexpensive computers, i. e. , personal computers, has placed computing resources within reach of many more people. In addition, many traditional, and largely mechanical devices, have been enhanced by electronics. For example, specialized microprocessors are combined with arrays of electronic sensors to control and monitor sophisticated engineering components in most new auto­ mobiles. In this and many other ways, we are touched by the new electronics in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Initially, personal computers were little more than toys. They contained only a small fraction of the computing power of their immediate ancestors, the mini­ computers and mainframe computers. However, rapid improvements in integ­ rated circuit design and chip manufacture produced regular reductions in size and cost of computer components. During the same time, processor speed and sophistication increased.

About this title

Product Description

Building Knowledge-Based Systems for Natural Resource Management Offers a process for planning, designing, implementing, and testing knowledge-based systems for natural resource management. This title presents material on these major aspects of building a deliverable system. Full description

Synopsis

During the last 15 years, the ability to capture and distribute human decision-making skills on a desktop computer has created new possibilities for the management of many types of resources. The resource may be monetary, social, natural or economic. Computer programs that function with a certain degree of skill in solving problems are referred to as expert systems or knowledge systems. Natural resource management appears to be particularly well suited to these types of decision aids. As a result, there is a growing demand for personnel trained in knowledge system development. This guide attempts to cover the major areas which a conservation biologist or research manager requires in order to apply knowledge systems: knowledge acquisition; building a prototype; moving to a final system; knowledge validation; and implementation. Of particular interest is a section discussing the features of a resource management problem appropriate, or inappropriate, for an expert system application.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0412019213
• ISBN 13: 9780412019210
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 408