Difference between revisions of "Monsu"

From forestDSS
Jump to: navigation, search
(Adding categories)
Line 6: Line 6:
 
Monsu is a calculation and planning software that was developed in Finland in order to be used within multiple-use forestry. It covers scheduling plans generation, numerical optimization and results graphical visualization.
 
Monsu is a calculation and planning software that was developed in Finland in order to be used within multiple-use forestry. It covers scheduling plans generation, numerical optimization and results graphical visualization.
  
−
[[Category:Articles where more data is needed]]
+
[[Category:Finished articles]]
 
[[Category:Decision support system]]
 
[[Category:Decision support system]]
 
[[Category:Finnish DSS]]
 
[[Category:Finnish DSS]]
 
[[Category:Landscape quality]]
 
[[Category:Landscape quality]]
 
[[Category:Conservation system]]
 
[[Category:Conservation system]]
−
[[Category:Growth and yield]]
 
 
[[Category:Harvest scheduling model]]
 
[[Category:Harvest scheduling model]]
 
[[Category:Non-wood forest production]]
 
[[Category:Non-wood forest production]]
 +
[[Category:Multipurpose DSS]]
 
[[Category:Economic evaluation]]
 
[[Category:Economic evaluation]]
 
[[Category:Socio-economic model]]
 
[[Category:Socio-economic model]]
 +
[[Category:Yield prediction]]
 
[[Category:Tactical planning]]
 
[[Category:Tactical planning]]
−
[[Category:Stand level]]
 
 
[[Category:Forest level]]
 
[[Category:Forest level]]
−
[[Category:Simulation system]]
 
 
[[Category:Linear programming]]
 
[[Category:Linear programming]]
 +
[[Category:Goal programming]]
 +
[[Category:Genetic algorithms]]
 +
[[Category:Tabu search]]
 +
[[Category:Simulated annealing]]
 +
[[Category:Random ascent]]
 +
[[Category:HERO]]
 
[[Category:Goal-driven DSS]]
 
[[Category:Goal-driven DSS]]
 
[[Category:Spatial DSS]]
 
[[Category:Spatial DSS]]
Line 36: Line 41:
 
# Solution presentation
 
# Solution presentation
 
#:Monsu includes a visual interface and a landscape visualiser to interactive optimisation and also useable after it
 
#:Monsu includes a visual interface and a landscape visualiser to interactive optimisation and also useable after it
−
[[Image:Monsu view2.JPG|thumb|300px|A screenshot of a comparison between two different solutions using Monsu visualization tool]]
 
  
 
=== System origin ===
 
=== System origin ===
 
* It was developed by Timo Pukkala and Heikki Parikka.
 
* It was developed by Timo Pukkala and Heikki Parikka.
−
* <div style="color:red">how was it developed</div>
+
* Monsu latest version was released in February 2004 in Finland.
−
* Commercial, but inexpensive
+
* It has been used as an educational, research and even practice planning tool.
−
* <div style="color:red">does it have real-life application cases</div>
+
* Commercial, but inexpensive. It is sold by the Finnish company Joen Forest Program Consulting (JFPC).
  
 
=== Support for specific issues  ===
 
=== Support for specific issues  ===
 
Developed towards a multifunctional forest, Monsu not only estimates timber yields, it also calculates variables describing non-wood forest products and services like berry and mushroom yields, and scenic beauty and recreation scores. Furthermore, so much attention has been paid on its capabilities in ecological planning.
 
Developed towards a multifunctional forest, Monsu not only estimates timber yields, it also calculates variables describing non-wood forest products and services like berry and mushroom yields, and scenic beauty and recreation scores. Furthermore, so much attention has been paid on its capabilities in ecological planning.
 +
[[Image:Monsu view2.JPG|thumb|300px|A screenshot of a comparison between two different solutions using Monsu visualization tool]]
  
 
=== Support for specific thematic areas of a problem type  ===
 
=== Support for specific thematic areas of a problem type  ===
Line 51: Line 56:
 
* Certification  
 
* Certification  
 
* Conservation  
 
* Conservation  
−
* Restoration
 
 
* Development choices / land use zoning  
 
* Development choices / land use zoning  
 
* Policy/intervention alternatives  
 
* Policy/intervention alternatives  
  
−
<div style="color:red">
 
 
=== Capability to support decision making phases  ===  
 
=== Capability to support decision making phases  ===  
−
''(NOTE I do not quite know what to do with this, as I do not understand it myself, although it seems related to system use)''
+
* Intelligence:
 +
*: The current conditions of the forest can be analysed and the management goals established.
 +
* Design:
 +
*: The simulation tool run the different management possibilities among the restrictions imposed by the input data.
 +
* Choice:
 +
*: Heuristic tools are used in order to ensure the best management option is the chosen one by the manager.
 +
* Monitor:
 +
*: No implemented.
  
−
(Click [[Simon's decision making model|here]] to see a more detailed explanation)
+
=== Related systems ===
−
* Intelligence (+ explicit description of the support given by the DSS)
+
* [[MONTE]]
−
* Design (+ explicit description of the support given by the DSS)
+
−
* Choice (+ explicit description of the support given by the DSS)
+
−
* Monitor (+ explicit description of the support given by the DSS) </div>
+
  
  
Line 73: Line 80:
  
 
=== Forest data input  ===
 
=== Forest data input  ===
−
Inventoried field data are required. Furthermore, not only living trees must be inventoried, also dead trees, because they are considered important for biodiversity.
+
Inventoried field data are required. Furthermore, not only living trees must be inventoried, also dead trees, because they are considered important for biodiversity. This data can be both introduced via GUI or imported from other software files.
  
 
=== Type of information input from user (via GUI) ===
 
=== Type of information input from user (via GUI) ===
−
Goals and optimization methods.
+
Management goals have to be specified, and then weighted by the use of the bar charts, in order to establish the manager's preferences. More than one goal can be selected.
−
[[File:Monsu optimoinnilla.JPG|thumb|240px|Monsu optimization methods input screen]]
+
  
  
Line 94: Line 100:
 
At first there is a prescription writer that defines the scheduling possibilities. Then, the user is able to change  the weight within the goals proposed in order to reach an available solution.
 
At first there is a prescription writer that defines the scheduling possibilities. Then, the user is able to change  the weight within the goals proposed in order to reach an available solution.
  
 +
[[Image:Monsu optimoinnilla.JPG|thumb|400px|Monsu optimization methods input screen]]
 
=== Typical temporal scale of application ===
 
=== Typical temporal scale of application ===
 
Usually used at tactical level.
 
Usually used at tactical level.
  
−
<div style="color:red">
 
 
=== Types of decisions supported  ===
 
=== Types of decisions supported  ===
 
*Management level  
 
*Management level  
 
**strategic decisions
 
**strategic decisions
−
**administrative decisions
 
 
**operating control decisions
 
**operating control decisions
 
* Management function
 
* Management function
−
* planning decisions
 
−
**organizing decisions
 
−
**command decisions
 
−
**control decisions
 
−
** coordination decisions
 
−
*decision making situation* Sustainability impact assessment (SIA)
 
−
**unilateral
 
−
** collegial
 
−
**Bargaining / participative decision making </div>
 
  
 
=== Decision-making processes and models ===
 
=== Decision-making processes and models ===
−
*Logic modeling
+
The optimization methods implemented comprises mathematical programming methods:
−
*Operations research modeling
+
* [[:Category:Linear programming|Linear programming]]
−
**Direct approaches
+
* [[:Category:Goal programming|Goal programming]]
−
**Heuristic manipulation of simulation models
+
And some heuristic algorithms:
−
*Business modeling
+
* [[:Category:Genetic algorithms|Genetic algorithms]]
−
*Multiple criteria/ranking
+
* [[:Category:Tabu search|Tabu search]]
 +
* [[:Category:Simulated annealing|Simulated annealing]]
 +
* [[:Category:Random ascent|Random ascent]]
 +
* [[:Category:HERO|HERO]]
 +
* A combination of HERO and Simulated annealing
 +
 
 +
''(The mathematical programming methods require Lindo extra-software to be acquired separately)''
  
  
Line 126: Line 128:
  
 
=== Types of  outputs ===
 
=== Types of  outputs ===
−
The solution outputs are showed with a visual interface and a landscape 3D visualiser.
+
Monsu generates as final report a forest management plan, in a word processing format in order to be printed or edited.
 +
 
 +
The solution outputs are shown with a visual interface and a landscape 3D visualiser.
  
 
=== Spatial analysis capabilities  ===
 
=== Spatial analysis capabilities  ===
−
Spatial analysis is allowed with the use of the visualization tool, useful for landscape level.
+
It is allowed to optimize some spatial features, like concentration or dispersion of harvesting events, and the creation or protection of old-forest or some fixed species areas.
 +
 
 +
Spatial analysis is allowed with the use of the visualization tool, useful for landscape level.  
 +
 
 +
No cartographic tools are implemented, but information can be easily transferred in order to be used in any GIS software (TOPOS, MapInfo)
  
 
=== Abilities to address interdisciplinary, multi-scaled, and political issues  ===
 
=== Abilities to address interdisciplinary, multi-scaled, and political issues  ===
 
Being a multi-use forest management addressed tool, it has the capability of helping to solve ecological, technical, economic and social interactions.
 
Being a multi-use forest management addressed tool, it has the capability of helping to solve ecological, technical, economic and social interactions.
 +
[[Image:Monsu simuloimalla.JPG|thumb|300px|Monsu visualization tool of the development of a treatment alternative through the time]]
  
  
Line 140: Line 149:
 
* Operating Systems: Microsoft® Windows® OS
 
* Operating Systems: Microsoft® Windows® OS
 
* Currently the 4.0 version is the most recent.
 
* Currently the 4.0 version is the most recent.
−
 
+
* Lindo mathematical programming software is required in order to use some optimization methods.
−
<div style="color:red">
+
* In order to allow geographic analyses through maps some GIS tool must be available.
−
=== Architecture and major DSS components ===
+
−
Describe the basic architecture of the system in software and hardware. Desktop client-server, web based, as well as the  integration with available systems. Basic data flow, focusing on retrieval of required input and propagation and implementations of decisions. Mention its modular and scalability capabilities. </div>
+
  
 
=== Usage ===
 
=== Usage ===
−
It is used for teaching and forest planning at the farm and regional levels in Finland.
+
Monsu was originally developed for educational use, but it is also used in research and practical planning.
−
 
+
−
<div style="color:red">
+
−
=== Computational limitations ===
+
−
Describe the system limitations: e.g. number of management units, number of vehicles, time horizon
+
  
 
=== User interface ===
 
=== User interface ===
−
Describe the quality of user interface and the Prerequisite knowledge for using the system
+
Monsu interface is visual and easy to understand, thanks to the use of modern design methods.
  
 
=== Documentation and support ===
 
=== Documentation and support ===
−
Describe the connection to Help-system and possibilities for assistance, as well as the required training and user support levels
+
Monsu website provides contact information in order to solve user's doubts.  
−
 
+
−
=== Installation ===
+
−
* Prerequisite knowledge: Level of effort to become functional
+
−
* Cost: (purchase price, development costs, demonstrated return on investment, cost of use, training costs, licence and maintenance costs)
+
−
* Demo: allows the download/utilization of a trial version. If yes, where is it available and what are the trial conditions. </div>
+
  
  

Revision as of 17:24, 29 September 2009

General System description

System name: Monsu

Brief overview

Monsu is a calculation and planning software that was developed in Finland in order to be used within multiple-use forestry. It covers scheduling plans generation, numerical optimization and results graphical visualization.

Scope of the system

Monsu forest management planning follows three steps [1]:

  1. Management scheduling
    The forest under planning is divided into compartments, and each compartment is inventoried in the field. The field data (from both living and dead trees are imported to a compartment database. Then, alternative treatment schedules are simulated for the stand compartments. Each treatment schedule is described by treatments attached to it, timber removals, and development of the growing stock characteristics
  2. Planning model
    For this, Monsu has a planning model writer and various optimisers. The first combines information on decision maker's objectives, and production possibilities of the before simulated treatment schedules of stands. The optimisers can use linear programming and goal programming models, as well as utility theoretic problem formulations, solved with heuristics.
  3. Solution presentation
    Monsu includes a visual interface and a landscape visualiser to interactive optimisation and also useable after it

System origin

  • It was developed by Timo Pukkala and Heikki Parikka.
  • Monsu latest version was released in February 2004 in Finland.
  • It has been used as an educational, research and even practice planning tool.
  • Commercial, but inexpensive. It is sold by the Finnish company Joen Forest Program Consulting (JFPC).

Support for specific issues

Developed towards a multifunctional forest, Monsu not only estimates timber yields, it also calculates variables describing non-wood forest products and services like berry and mushroom yields, and scenic beauty and recreation scores. Furthermore, so much attention has been paid on its capabilities in ecological planning.

A screenshot of a comparison between two different solutions using Monsu visualization tool

Support for specific thematic areas of a problem type

  • Silvicultural
  • Certification
  • Conservation
  • Development choices / land use zoning
  • Policy/intervention alternatives

Capability to support decision making phases

  • Intelligence:
    The current conditions of the forest can be analysed and the management goals established.
  • Design:
    The simulation tool run the different management possibilities among the restrictions imposed by the input data.
  • Choice:
    Heuristic tools are used in order to ensure the best management option is the chosen one by the manager.
  • Monitor:
    No implemented.

Related systems


Data and data models

Monsu initial data input screen

Typical spatial extent of application

Forest level.

Forest data input

Inventoried field data are required. Furthermore, not only living trees must be inventoried, also dead trees, because they are considered important for biodiversity. This data can be both introduced via GUI or imported from other software files.

Type of information input from user (via GUI)

Management goals have to be specified, and then weighted by the use of the bar charts, in order to establish the manager's preferences. More than one goal can be selected.


Models

Forest models

Timber, berry and mushroom yield models and biodiversity are implemented within Monsu.

Social models

Scenic beauty and recreation scores are taking into account.


Decision Support

Definition of management interventions

At first there is a prescription writer that defines the scheduling possibilities. Then, the user is able to change the weight within the goals proposed in order to reach an available solution.

Monsu optimization methods input screen

Typical temporal scale of application

Usually used at tactical level.

Types of decisions supported

  • Management level
    • strategic decisions
    • operating control decisions
  • Management function

Decision-making processes and models

The optimization methods implemented comprises mathematical programming methods:

And some heuristic algorithms:

(The mathematical programming methods require Lindo extra-software to be acquired separately)


Output

Types of outputs

Monsu generates as final report a forest management plan, in a word processing format in order to be printed or edited.

The solution outputs are shown with a visual interface and a landscape 3D visualiser.

Spatial analysis capabilities

It is allowed to optimize some spatial features, like concentration or dispersion of harvesting events, and the creation or protection of old-forest or some fixed species areas.

Spatial analysis is allowed with the use of the visualization tool, useful for landscape level.

No cartographic tools are implemented, but information can be easily transferred in order to be used in any GIS software (TOPOS, MapInfo)

Abilities to address interdisciplinary, multi-scaled, and political issues

Being a multi-use forest management addressed tool, it has the capability of helping to solve ecological, technical, economic and social interactions.

Monsu visualization tool of the development of a treatment alternative through the time


System

System requirements

  • Operating Systems: Microsoft® Windows® OS
  • Currently the 4.0 version is the most recent.
  • Lindo mathematical programming software is required in order to use some optimization methods.
  • In order to allow geographic analyses through maps some GIS tool must be available.

Usage

Monsu was originally developed for educational use, but it is also used in research and practical planning.

User interface

Monsu interface is visual and easy to understand, thanks to the use of modern design methods.

Documentation and support

Monsu website provides contact information in order to solve user's doubts.


References

Cited references

  1. ↑ PUKKALA T. 2004. Dealing with Ecological Objectives in the Monsu Planning System. Silva Lusitana. nº especial: 1 - 15.

External resources

Retrieved from "http://www.forestdss.org/wiki/index.php?title=Monsu&oldid=1351"