Modeling in Applied Environmental Sciences — Forecasting, Analysis and Scenarios
In this and the following chapter, we consider applications of quasi-realistic environmental models. Chapter 5 deals with applied research, and Chap. 6 with fundamental research. Of course the border line between applied and fundamental research is far from rigid. For us, applied environmental research is driven by the quest for knowledge about the present and future state of a system. Thus forecasting and scenario building are in the realm of applied research. Fundamental environmental research, on the other hand, is driven by the quest for understanding a system. How does a system function? What are its significant constituents? Thus derivation and confirmation of hypotheses are typical applications in fundamental research. Obviously not all scientific applications of quasi-realistic models may be consistently classified into these two categories (see Fig. 1.13).
Advanced manufacturing continues to be an important sector for emerging and industrialized economies, therefore, remaining an important topic for economic geography education. This article describes a case study created for the Association of American Geographer's Center for Global Geography Education and its implementation. The international machine tool industry is particularly useful for introducing students to the regional impacts of broader economic processes.