ABSTRACT
The Decision Support Systems (DSS) is a prototype of a task-oriented integrated information system. It is meant to assist the user in carrying out the following tasks: site characterisation, vulnerability assessment and groundwater pollution modelling. The Knowledge-Based Modules were developed from scratch, applying a knowledge encapsulation procedure. Electronic encapsulation of knowledge is a complex process that includes: definition of the problem, knowledge acquisition, systematisation, formalisation, design and development of a knowledge component and its integration into a DSS. The protocol encapsulated in the Knowledge-Based Modules for groundwater pollution modelling is actually an electronic modelling guidance that provides links with a groundwater model and other DSS software required to accomplish a modelling task. The case-specific nature and interdisciplinary character of groundwater problems are the main specific obstacles to more efficient encapsulation of knowledge in the field of groundwater management. Advanced communication and active participation are crucial for ‘knowledge processing’, i.e. improvement and effective (re)use of already encapsulated knowledge.
