Agent-based modelling environment for spatial decision support

The goal of Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) is to assist decision-makers as they generate alternative solutions to a variety of semistructured geographical problems, and to evaluate these solutions with the help of applicable data and analytical models. Most existing SDSS, however, support only a limited number of decision-making environments, and are not designed to utilize web-accessible repositories of spatial data and models. These limitations are overcome through the use of ‘software agents’ within an agent-oriented modelling framework, called ‘Distributed Intelligent Geographical Modelling Environment (DIGME)’. The utility of this framework is demonstrated through the development of an SDSS to evaluate the ecological and economic impacts of agricultural policy for the Cache River watershed of southern Illinois.