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5 - Advances in Technology Supporting the Systems Ecology Paradigm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2021

By
David S. Schimel
Edited by
Robert G. Woodmansee ,
John C. Moore ,
Dennis S. Ojima  and
Laurie Richards
Robert G. Woodmansee
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
John C. Moore
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
Dennis S. Ojima
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
Laurie Richards
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
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Summary

The systems ecology paradigm could not have developed without advances in computer science, chemical analysis, microscopy, remote sensing and telemetry, geographic information systems, and information management systems. In the late 1960s, mainframe computers occupying entire rooms and buildings cranked out calculations at speeds that pale in comparison to today’s smart phones, laptop, and desktop computers. Chemical analyses were accomplished primarily using wet chemistry. The ability to “see” inside soil particles has evolved from the desktop microscope to computer imaging. With modern spectroscopy and imaging both precision and accuracy have advanced exponentially. Remote sensing was conducted using photography from airplanes, towers, and ladders. Now we have high-resolution imaging, and spectral imaging, from satellites, manned aircraft, and drones. Geographic information systems have developed from paper maps to powerful technologies manipulating and displaying massive amounts data on handheld devises, laptops, and desktop computers. Information management has moved from data storage on paper files to digital and searchable storage available from almost anywhere on earth. Now, all of these technologies are interconnected through digital networks used by systems ecologists. Systems ecologists have both adopted and developed new technology and these advances have gone hand-in-hand with conceptual change.

Keywords

computer technology in ecosystem sciencechemical analysis in ecosystem sciencecomputer imaging in soil ecologyremote sensing and telemetrygeographic information systemstechnology used in ecologyinformation management in ecosystem sciencedigital networks
Type
Chapter
Information
Natural Resource Management Reimagined
Using the Systems Ecology Paradigm
 , pp. 131 - 139
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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References

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