Information Ecology to Map the Arctic Information Ecosystem

Effective governance requires the best available sources of data and information. The Arctic region, society, and research community is complex and operates at multiple scales. As a result, information about the Arctic exists and flows within a complex Arctic Information Ecosystem (AIE). The conceptual framework of Information Ecology can be used to document, understand, and possibly predict the nature and functioning of the AIE. Using a stepped approach, the Mapping the Arctic Data Ecosystem (MADE) project is using Linked Open Data representational models and tools to evaluate the utility of Information Ecology to support real world applications such as contributing to strategy development for the Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON) program and enhancing disaster resilience in the Arctic. The non-linear, Information Ecology framework more accurately reflects early views of the AIE and stands as an alternative to currently used, more linear rational-classical strategy development and systems analysis.