TOPIC: Thematic orientation on project definition in an Interactive context

A major activity in the initiative phase of a project is to develop a good view on the issues which are at stake as well as on the actors which are involved. It comprises a first reconnaissance of the policy problem based on easily accessible and rather global information; information which will stem from a wide variety of sources. The main function of TOPIC is to structure and arrange all relevant information according to a thematic point of view. A well-structured information base facilitates communication on the information as well as on the assessment of its relevance by different stake-holders.

TOPIC provides a generic framework for management and assessment of information in an interactive planning process. To this end it offers the following functionality:

• management of thematic information (through the Concept Mapping Tool)
• assessment of relevance of subjects as perceived by the actors involved
• entry and presentation of spatial information on maps
  

The framework can be applied to such fields as coastal zone management, integrated water management and river basin management. Applications include project situations such as inception phases of planning projects, starting notes of environmental impacts assessments, identification or reconnaissance missions, etc.

With the Concept Mapping Tool in TOPIC the following activities can be supported:

• generation of ideas and communication (brainstorming, etc.)
• modelling of complex information structures (knowledge acquisition)
• navigation in and visualisation of complex information structures

The Concept Mapping Tool is fully integrated in the database.

TOPIC has been developed by Delft Hydraulics in co-operation with RIKS (Research Institute for Knowledge Systems) with financial support of Rijkswaterstaat and the LWI-research programme. The envisaged users of TOPIC are staff members of water management authorities as well as project leaders of consulting companies. The application of TOPIC does not require special computer skills apart from basic knowledge of Windows, word-processors, spreadsheets, and similar types of software.

Figure 1 Impression of look and functionality of the map tool

Figure 2 Example screen of the Concept Mapping Tool

more information

For more information please contact Herman van der Most.