Interactive Computer Modeling for Policy Analysis: The Flood Hazard Problem

This paper discusses an interactive modeling system to support policy analysis for dealing with flood hazards. Policy analysis in this area is complex due to numerous stakeholders with varying concerns, the variety of scenarios that might be considered, and alternative policy options. These conditions require that a modeling system be flexible and support users in a variety of ways. The system should be viewed as a decision aid rather than a burden. The modeling system described in this paper attempts to achieve these goals for microanalytic models that deal with samples of homeowners in a flood-prone community.