Building Knowledge-Based Systems for Natural Resource Management

During the last 15 years, the ability to capture and distribute human decision-making skills on a desktop computer has created new possibilities for the management of many types of resources. The resource may be monetary, social, natural or economic. Computer programs that function with a certain degree of skill in solving problems are referred to as expert systems or knowledge systems. Natural resource management appears to be particularly well suited to these types of decision aids. As a result, there is a growing demand for personnel trained in knowledge system development. This guide attempts to cover the major areas which a conservation biologist or research manager requires in order to apply knowledge systems: knowledge acquisition; building a prototype; moving to a final system; knowledge validation; and implementation. Of particular interest is a section discussing the features of a resource management problem appropriate, or inappropriate, for an expert system application.