The model

The Questions and Decisions ™ (QnD™) system was created to provide an effective and efficient tool to integrate ecosystem, management, economics and sociopolitical factors into a user-friendly game/model framework. QnD is written in object-oriented Java and can be deployed in stand-alone or web-based (browser-accessed) modes. The QnD model links spatial components within geographic information system (GIS) files to the abiotic (climatic) and biotic interactions that exist in an environmental system. QnD can be used in a rigorous modeling role to mimic system elements obtained from scientific data or it can be used to create a “cartoon” style depiction of the system to promote greater learning and discussion from decision participants.

QnD has two primary elements: a simulation engine and a user-friendly graphical interface that allows users to explore various scenarios and management options. The developer configures the attributes and processes of the simulation’s objects through input files written in extensible markup language (XML) that QnD converts into Java objects. This design allows for iterative development of model components as its users learn more about the system being managed.