Knowledge modelling for constructing an expert system to support reforestation decisions

The paper describes the inferential model as a domain independent template for the conceptual modelling of a domain. The model consists primarily of a classification of knowledge types expressed in the most general mathematical terms. The paper also presents a systematic technique for knowledge analysis called the inferential modelling technique, which makes use of the inferential model. This is a domain independent, top-down technique which can be used in conjunction with bottom-up techniques such as protocol analysis for analyze elicited expertise in a domain that is unfamiliar to a knowledge engineer. Some results from the application of the inferential modelling technique to the conceptual modelling of a reforestation domain are also presented.