Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping

[BryanJames@aol.com]

I am new to the system dynamics list. My background is as a geophysicist but
this career is in the process of becoming past tense. I have had an interest
in systems for quite some time. A couple of years ago I ran across the
subject of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) as a tool for study of inherently
unquantifiable systems.

I have worked a little with the Nature Conservancy (in a volunteer capacity)
over the past year on a pilot project in which we applied the FCM approach to
study the human/ecological system of the Yampa River watershed in NW
Colorado. This project was parallel with their site conservation plan
development process for that ecosystem -- which is a high priority area for
the Nature Conservancy. The modeled system included ecological elements as
well as human economic, social and political elements. The system consisted
of 80 elements of which about 20 were "policy" elements to test various
conservation strategies in a "what-if" exercise. The exercise also shed a
great deal of light on which elements in the system were very critical (i.e.,
pivotal). For example, the prevailing "cultural policy" of "Control the
(Yampa) River" was found to exert a lot of influence over the system with
regard to holding ecological elements in a negative state. This points out
the high priority that needs to be given to an educational effort in the
Yampa River region to overturn the Control the River norm.

I am very interested in talking to others involved or familiar with fuzzy
cognitive maps and their use. I amalso interested in learning more in
related subjects concerning modeling of inherently unquantifiable systems.
Further, I would like to find out whether any software exists for Fuzzy
Cognitive Mapping or any close relative. The Nature Conservancy is
interested in further implementing this methodology, perhaps eventually
acquiring or developing software to facilitate its use (the calculations
involved are trivial of course, so the focus is on software that provides
robust tools for development of the system map, interation with and
manipulation of the system by the user, and to allow the user to learn things
about the system that would normally be somewhat hidden, etc.).

I look forward to conversing with many of you and learning more.

Bryan James
Denver, CO
E-mail: bryanjames@aol.com
Phone: (303) 989-4695