Ecosystem Management Decision Support (EMDS) system is a workbench to provide for knowledge-based decision support of ecological and scientific analysis and planning at any geographic scale. The goal of the system is to provide a framework for decision support and adaptive management processes. The current system runs inside of ArcMap 10.x and ArcGIS Pro 2.7. Additional versions coming in 2022 includes an open-source edition running on QGIS on the desktop and an online GeoDesign Workbench called EMDS Online.

Adaptive Management Process

The following outlines a basic overview of the role of EMDS in the adaptive management process:

1. Define problem in terms of primary questions.
2. Design Knowledge base to address questions.
   1. Sources of Expertise.
   2. KB Engineer (optional).
3. Verify KB design in peer review.
4. Incorporate KB revisions from peer review.
5. GIS data gathering.
6. Perform EMDS analysis.
   1. Review results.
   2. Scenario experimentation.
   3. Review influence of missing data.
7. EMDS analysis with more complete data.
   1. Review results.
   2. Scenario experimentation.
   3. Review influence of missing data.
   4. If not adequate, return to step 7. If EMDS results adequate, proceed to prioritize management efforts (step 9).
8. Design CDP model to develop management priorities.
9. Peer Review of CDP model.
10. Revise CDP model based on peer review.
11. Perform Priority Analyst (PA) analysis.
    1. Run PA with CDP model and EMDS output.
    2. Explanation of results.
    3. Sensitivity testing.
    4. Explore tradeoffs as guide to specific management opportunities.
    5. Proceed with implementing management activities based on PA priorities.
12. Monitor.
13. Return to Step 1.