%0 Thesis
%9 Doctoral
%A Sandhu, Raghbir Singh
%B Computer Science
%D 1998
%F discovery:1317911
%I University of London
%P 164
%T Intelligent spatial decision support systems
%U https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1317911/
%X This thesis investigates the conceptual and methodological issues for the development of  Intelligent Spatial Decision Support Systems (ISDSS). These are spatial decision support  systems (SDSS) integrating intelligent systems techniques (Genetic Algorithms, Neural  Networks, Expert Systems, Fuzzy Logic and Nonlinear methods) with traditional modelling and  statistical methods for the analysis of spatial problems.  The principal aim of this work is to verify the feasibility of heterogeneous systems for  spatial decision support derived from a combination of traditional numerical techniques and  intelligent techniques in order to provide superior performance and functionality to that achieved  through the use of traditional methods alone.  This thesis is composed of four distinct sections: (i) a taxonomy covering the  employment of intelligent systems techniques in specific applications of geographical  information systems and SDSS; (ii) the development of a prototype ISDSS; (iii) application of  the prototype ISDSS to modelling the spatiotemporal dynamics of high technology industry in  the South-East of England; and (iv) the development of ISDSS architectures utilising  interapplication communication techniques.  Existing approaches for implementing modelling tools within SDSS and GIS generally  fall into one of two schemes - loose coupling or tight coupling - both of which involve a tradeoff  between generality and speed of data interchange. In addition, these schemes offer little use  of distributed processing resources.  A prototype ISDSS was developed in collaboration with KPMG Peat Marwick's High  Technology Practice as a general purpose spatiotemporal analysis tool with particular regard to  modelling high technology industry. The GeoAnalyser system furnishes the user with animation  and time plotting tools for observing spatiotemporal dynamics; such tools are typically not found  in existing SDSS or GIS. Furthermore, GeoAnalyser employs the client/server model of  distributed computing to link the front end client application with the back end modelling  component contained within the server application. GeoAnalyser demonstrates a hybrid approach  to spatial problem solving - the application utilises a nonlinear model for the temporal evolution  of spatial variables and a genetic algorithm for calibrating the model in order to establish a good  fit for the dataset under investigation.  Several novel architectures are proposed for ISDSS based on existing distributed systems  technologies. These architectures are assessed in terms of user interface, data and functional  integration. Implementation issues are also discussed.  The research contributions of this work are four-fold: (i) it lays the foundation for ISDSS  as a distinct type of system for spatial decision support by examining the user interface,  performance and methodological requirements of such systems; (ii) it explores a new approach  for linking modelling techniques and SDSS; (iii) it investigates the possibility of modelling high  technology industry; and (iv) it details novel architectures for ISDSS based on distributed  systems.
%Z Thesis digitised by British Library EThOS