Web-Based Spatial Decision Supporting System

The multiple functions of soil are under increasing threat from a wide range of human activities. These threats include erosion, decline in organic matter, soil sealing, soil compaction, decline in soil biodiversity and landslides. They are complex, typically interlinked, can occur simultaneously, and are aggravated by climate change conditions. The severity and complexity of soil threats require a new way of thinking and acting on the territory. Therefore, its necessary an innovative synergy between researchers, farmers and local authorities to optimize the management of the agricultural landscape and forestry.
The Web-Based Spatial Decision Supporting System (WB-SDSS) was designed, in the framework of SOILCONS-WEB project, and tested in selected areas to support the decisions of stakeholders on soil and landscape conservation issues. The web-based SDSS tool provides, through a web server system, advice and enables users to produce detailed spatial documents, reports and maps on a series of issues such as agriculture, environment and climate change, with the ultimate goal of enabling an easy implementation and an innovative spatial based adoption of relevant soil-related EU directives, regulations and national allocation plans.
The tool must include different high quality layers of information in order to be successfully applied.
A pilot application of the W-SDSS was implemented in a test area in Italy (Valle Telesina, Campania Region-Italy) by the agricultural division of the Campania Region. Moreover, during the lifetime of the project, the tool will be provided for testing in other European regions (eg Wachau area in Austria) that have expressed an interest.
The tool is available to individuals, public bodies and other interested parties. It integrates classical top-down decision-making with bottom-up contributions to landscape planning and management.