Includes bibliographical references (pages 181-186) and index.

1. Introduction. 1.1. The problem of scale transfer. 1.2. Aims and scope. 1.3. Definitions. 1.4. Contents of this book -- 2. Upscaling. 2.1. A classification of upscaling methods. 2.2. Averaging of observations or output variables. 2.3. Finding representative parameters or input variables. 2.4. Averaging of model equations. 2.5. Model simplification -- 3. Downscaling. 3.1. A classification of downscaling methods. 3.2. Empirical functions. 3.3. Mechanistic models. 3.4. Fine scale auxiliary information -- 4. A simple DSS for upscaling and downscaling. 4.1. Purpose and philosophy of the DSS. 4.2. Functionality and options at startup. 4.3. Definition of the research chain over the scales. 4.4. Enter the DSS from the research chain. 4.5. DSS Upscaling and Downscaling -- Appendix: Random Variables and Stochastic Functions. "This book gives an overview of the various problems involved, and focuses on a description of upscaling and downscaling methods that are known to exist. Furthermore, this book is the first of its kind in that it contains a decision support system that advises the practitioner on which upscaling or downscaling method to use in his specific context. This book is meant for an audience of MSc- and PhD-students, applied researchers and practitioners in soil science, hydrology, (agro) ecology, agronomy and the environmental sciences in general."--Jacket.