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Surveillant Science: Challenges for the Management of Rural Environments Emerging from the New Generation Diffuse Pollution Models
Author(s) -
Lane Stuart N.,
Brookes Chris J.,
Louise Heathwaite A.,
Reaney Sim
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of agricultural economics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.157
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1477-9552
pISSN - 0021-857X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1477-9552.2006.00050.x
Subject(s) - framing (construction) , computer science , context (archaeology) , reflexivity , sort , management science , environmental planning , data science , sociology , environmental science , social science , civil engineering , geography , economics , engineering , archaeology , information retrieval
Current models of diffuse pollution are characterised by a progressive engagement with remotely‐sensed data coupled with more elegant modelling approaches. Central to these new models is the concept of connectivity, which leads to the identification and prioritisation of those landscape units (e.g., fields) where the consequences of land management activities are most readily transmitted to watercourses. The practice of diffuse pollution modelling using such models encounters certain problems. Following Brewer (1999) we argue that interdisciplinarity offers the opportunity to overcome these problems through: (1) its explicit recognition of the framing implicit in model development; (2) an emphasis on context in problem‐solving; (3) methodological pluralism; and (4) following from these other factors, the possibility of a different sort of engagement between land managers and modellers. Hence, the case for developing interdisciplinary approaches goes beyond the conventional dictates of problem‐led research and points to very different ways of conducting diffuse pollution research, taking on board the full dimensions of interdisciplinarity, with its emphasis on reflexivity, contextuality, substance and engagement.