A Decision Support System is more than an integrated model or (1) a modelbase alone. Typically three more components can be distinguished: (2) a user interface enabling easy interaction between the user and the system, (3) (a) database(s) containing the raw and processed data of the domain and the area at study; and (4) a toolbase with the methods, analytical techniques, and software instruments required to work in an effective manner with the domain models and the data. The toolbase is the component that usually gets the least attention. Many will either consider it to be an integral part of the user interface, while others will consider it to be part of the modelbase. Both views in our opinion are wrong and tools should be treated with particular attention because they decide to a large extent on the usability, effectiveness, and the user-friendliness of the DSS. In a well-designed DSS the tools are the gnomes that carry out the many technical tasks, small or large, in the background of the system. The user will hardly be aware of the fact that he is using a tool when he is editing a parameter or a map, or viewing a variable graphed against time. Without tools, the most sophisticated model is nothing but a number-cruncher, running out of control and drowning its user in a lake of numbers. RIKS develops the tools that are considered necessary as part of the Decision Support Systems built. But, luckily, tools are among the most robust elements in a DSS and can be re-used easily in new applications combined with vastly different modelbases and accessed by different types of user interfaces. Most of the tools developed by RIKS have become standard elements in the GEONAMICA® DSS Generator, hence are readily available for integration into the DSS. In the overview below, our existing tools are ordered relative to the type of task they carry out in the DSS. A distinction is made between Input tools, Output tools, Exploration tools, and Evaluation Tools. By clicking on one of the tools you can find more information about this specific tool.   Functions(?)   Analysis Communi- cation Learning Library Tools(?)   Evaluation Goal seeking Optimisation EVALUATE-Tool (MCA) SCORE-Table-Tool   Exploration POLICY-wizard OVERLAY-Tool ANALYSE-Tool SCENARIO-Tool MONTE CARLO-Tool   Input text editor 2D map editor value editor series editor table editor function editor network (points and lines) editor   Output dynamic maps (2D) on-line documentation on-line help tracing tool animation time graphs dynamic maps (network) 3D representation Functions Decision Support Systems can provide support for different aspects of the policy making process. RIKS distinguishes the following functions of DSS’s: The analysis function for gaining a better understanding of the issues at stake. With an instrument for trying out the effects of autonomous developments perturbed by external influences and policy measures in space and time, problems can be detected sooner and more easily and the design and evaluation of alternative solutions is facilitated; The communication function for improving the interaction and understanding between the makers and the recipients of policies. An instrument that explicates, visualises and supports the viewpoints, ideas and hypothesis of its users facilitates greatly the communication between policy makers, actors, stakeholder and the public; The learning function for improving the understanding of the different processes at stake and learning from other policy makers and specialists by discussing model inputs and outputs; The library function for gathering and structuring data, models and knowledge, so that information is easily accessible in an operational form. Information on tools Currently we have no on-line information on our tools other than the Overlay-Tool and Analyse-Tool. If you are interested in learning more about the different tools RIKS has developed, please contact Hedwig van Delden.