Web-Based Environmental Simulation: Bridging the Gap between Scientific Modeling and Decision-Making

[ Buytaert W. et al. 2012. Web-based environmental simulation: bridging the gap between scientific modeling and decision-making. Environ. Sci. Technol. 46: 1971-76. ] This article describes the shift from the traditional mode in which models and large datasets are housed in academic institutions and understood only by scientists to a new emerging mode in which data and models can be made interactive for local users through web-tools. It highlights the importance of: 1) working closely with local stakeholders, engaging them in the data collection and modeling process, and the benefits of sharing knowledge, 2) integrating physical and socio-economic data and models, and 3) metadata, data workflow, etc.