Although the subjects of analysis and synthesis are often discussed in the same context, they are fundamentally different activities. Furthermore, the tools and techniques used are different. Analysis deals with separating or breaking up of any whole into its parts so as to find out their nature, proportion, function, or relationship, e.g., analysis of variance. Each of these approaches can be further sub-divided. Each approach represents a substantial and well-developed discipline that can be further compartmentalized.
Visualization includes graphics, animation, and four-dimensional representations.
Furthermore, scientific understanding of a specific ecosystem management problem will rarely be so complete as to eliminate the need for qualitative assessment and human judgment. Therefore, our emphasis herein centers on integrative systems that are useful for blending quantitative as well as quantitative information. The integrative systems are based on technologies adapted from a variety of subject domains, e.g., computer science, engineering, mathematics, cognitive psychology, management science, etc. Note that the increasing complexity of the computer-based tools parallels the levels of human comprehension. The KSE is described below in detail, because it represents the facilitating technology for application of ecosystem management practices.