KnowledgeRules is a prototype GitHub storage platform to enable the use of knowledge rules for environmental impact assesment. This platform contains ways to:
- store knowledge rules in a standardized format,
- visualize the stored knowledge rules,
- use the stored knowledge rules in scripting (Python) and
- use the stored knowledge rules in models (e.g. HABITAT).
Some links:
KnowledgeRules works with the Deltares HABITAT software, this can be found and downloaded here
Documentation and installation instructions can be found here.
Wiki pages of storage of knowledge rules can be found here.
A knowledge rule is a cause–effect relationship that describe environmental impact based on environmental conditions. When these knowledge rules are linked in a cause-effect chain they can be used to describe the impact on environmental characteristics, society and economics and response (management). In regards to ecology, the cause-effect chains can be used to predict habitat suitability for specific species, specie groups and habitat types. The knowledge rules stored on the KnowledgeRules GitHub have been derived from data, modelling and/or expert knowledge. These knowledge rules have been documented either in scientific papers or reports. By storing them in the KnowledgeRules GitHub these knowledge rules are ready-to-use and come with important metadata on their area of application, author, limitations and caveats.
Figures 1 and 2 - Example of a cause-effect relatioship describing Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) habitat requirements and a result of an impact based analysis for Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) spawning habitat in the Tenryuu river.
These knowledge rules have been shared in a GitHub storage platform to encourage a dare-to-share principle in using these knowledge rules, enabling users to contribute new knowledge rules and expand on existing ones. By sharing this knowledge and making it centrally available we hope to accelerate and improve environmental impact analysis. GitHub comes with a version-controlled environment, allowing to revert at any time to a previous version. All contributions will thereby be stored.
Figures 3 and 4 - Example of knowledge rules applicable to determine the habitat suitability of the Chabot bullhead (Cottus perifretum).
For a more elaborate description of the use of knowledge rules and their use see Haasnoot, Verkade and De Bruijn (2009).
Copyright (c) 2021, Deltares
This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program. If not, see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/.