Author/Contact:
Inge Liekens
Resource description:
What are digital land-use decision support tools?
A digital land-use decision support tool is an interactive, computer-based system designed to assist decision-makers in analyzing, planning, and managing land-use changes. These tools integrate the functionality of traditional Decision Support Tools (DSTs), which provide structured methods and frameworks for project assessment and decision support across various scales and disciplines, with the computer-based enhanced data processing, accessibility, and scenario-testing capabilities of Decision Support Systems (DSSs).
DSTs refers to frameworks, methods, guides, techniques, procedures, and analytic approaches targeted at a specific group to inform decision-making (Chazdon & Guariguata, 2018).
A DSS is a computer-based system that represents and processes knowledge in ways that allow decision making to be more productive, agile, innovative, and/or reputable
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Why should I even bother?
- Efficiency: digital tools can streamline complex and time-consuming processes, such as data analysis, visualisation, and monitoring. This efficiency is crucial for addressing time-sensitive sustainability challenges like climate change adaptation and biodiversity loss.
- Enhanced Communication: digital tools can effectively convey complex information to diverse stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of land-use changes and their potential impacts.
- Informed Decision-Making: By providing access to a broader range of data, analytical capabilities, and scenario modelling, digital tools enable more informed, evidence-based decisions.
- Increased Stakeholder Engagement: interactive platforms and user-friendly interfaces encourage broader participation and collaboration among stakeholders, promoting a more inclusive decision-making process.
- Spatial Analysis: digital tools excel in spatial analysis, allowing users to visualise the spatial distribution of data, understand the interconnectedness of land uses, and assess the potential consequences of different choices.
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Digital tools can facilitate collaboration across different sectors, including government, industry, and research, promoting a more integrated approach to land-use planning and management.
What are the challenges in using these digital tools?
- Accessibility: Cost, complexity, lack of awareness, and limited access to technology can hinder the adoption of digital tools, particularly in under-resourced communities.
- Trust and Acceptance: Some stakeholders may not trust or fully accept the outputs of digital tools, questioning their reliability or applicability, particularly when data accuracy is uncertain.
- Adaptability: While digital tools may excel in specific scenarios, adapting them to unique local needs can require extensive customisation, which can be costly and complex.
- Technical Expertise: Some tools demand advanced modelling skills and technical expertise, limiting their accessibility for non-experts. In these cases, providing comprehensive training and user-friendly interfaces is crucial.
- Data Limitations: Data accuracy, availability, and integration pose ongoing challenges. High-quality, up-to-date data is essential; acquiring such data can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Maintenance and Funding: Sustaining digital tools requires ongoing maintenance, updates, and user support, necessitating long-term funding and resources.
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