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Representing multiple uncertainties and evaluating usability in a spatial decision support system

Posted on:2002-06-11Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:University of KansasCandidate:Cliburn, Daniel CharlesFull Text:PDF
GTID:1468390011990883Subject:Computer Science
Abstract/Summary:
Visualization is becoming increasingly popular as a method for representing the results of scientific models. Decision-makers are typically presented with results from models with little or no insight as to the reliability of the information shown. For effective decisions to be made, a spatial decision support system should display uncertainty information and provide tools through which decision-makers can explore the reasons for uncertainty. This dissertation discusses the development and evaluation of a software system that enables users to easily modify input parameters to a water balance model and to visualize the uncertainty associated with choosing those parameters. Users are able to adjust model parameters and see the effects on uncertainty in the results, through intrinsic and extrinsic methods that have been developed. The utility of the software was tested and improved through usability engineering methodologies. Decision-makers found the application to be helpful in communicating uncertainty and explaining model data.
Keywords/Search Tags:Decision-makers, Model, Uncertainty
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