Intelligent DSS in engineering, agriculture and environment: combining knowledge based systems with simulation and modeling

This paper contrasts decision support systems (DSS) combining knowledge based systems with simulation and modeling in three fields: engineering, agriculture and environment. Although each field is rich enough in both simulation modeling and expert supplied domain knowledge and the initial impression may be that a uniform approach is adequate, distinct differences between the requirements in each field can be seen. This is illustrated in the context of three principle examples from each field (a CAE system for plasma sprayed films, an irrigation support system, and an environmental impact assessment system). In passing from engineering to agriculture to environment, one sees a need for an increasing degree of freedom in structuring goals. By examining more carefully how agricultural and environmental DSSs operate, engineers may find insight into ways to enhance the user friendliness and human interactivity of engineering DSSs