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An Environmental Decision Support System for Spatial Assessment and Selective Remediation
Citation:
Stewart, R. N. AND S. T. PURUCKER. An Environmental Decision Support System for Spatial Assessment and Selective Remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE. Elsevier Science, New York, NY, 26(6):751-760, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
This paper provides an overview of SADA's central functions and discusses how the problem of presenting complex and integrated models in a tractable manner was addressed.
Description:
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) is a Windows freeware program that incorporates environmental assessment tools for effective problem-solving. The software integrates modules for GIS, visualization, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health and ecological risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision support. SADA began as a simple tool for integrating human health risk assessment with spatial modeling tools. It has since evolved into a freeware product targeted at individuals who implement commonly used environmental assessment models in a spatial context. Because of the variety of algorithms incorporated, it is engineered with an open and highly scalable environment that allows additional functionality without increase in complexity. The scalable environment permits it to be used for both application and research goals, especially investigating spatial aspects important for estimating environmental exposures and designing efficient remedial designs. The result is a mature infrastructure with considerable environmental decision support capabilities. SADA applications have extended into many disciplines that emphasize the spatial distribution of data. This paper provides an overview of SADA's central functions and discusses how the problem of presenting complex and integrated models in a tractable manner was addressed.