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into the system. As a consequence, all the calculation modules (except for the
integrated ISCST model) were designed so that they were model interpreters rather
than models. Model specifications, e.g., chemical equations, exposure–response
functions or monetary values, are stored in the database (Paradox format) and can
be modified by the user. This concept should allow easy modification of model
parameters; at the same time the model should not necessarily appear as a black
box because the user can trace back what the system is actually doing.
Figure 4.7 shows the modular structure of the EcoSense model. All data — input
data, intermediate and final results — are stored in a relational database system. The
two air quality models integrated in EcoSense (ISCST-2 and the Windrose trajectory
model — WTM) are stand-alone models linked to the system by pre- and postpro-
cessors. There are individual executable programs for each of the impact pathways,
which make use of common libraries. The following sections give a more detailed
description of the different EcoSense modules (IER, 1998).

4.8.1 REFERENCE TECHNOLOGY DATABASE
The reference technology database holds a small set of technical data describing the
emission source (power plant) that are mainly related to air quality modeling includ-
ing, e.g., emission factors, flue gas characteristics, stack geometry and the geographic
coordinates of the site.

4.8.2 REFERENCE ENVIRONMENT DATABASE
The reference environment database is the core element of the EcoSense database,
providing data on the distribution of receptors and meteorology, as well as a Euro-
pean-wide emission inventory. All geographical information is organized using the
EUROGRID coordinate system, which defines equal-area projection grid cells of
2
10,000 and 100 km (Bonnefous and Despres 1989), covering all EU and European

Impact Assessment Impact Assessment Impact Assessment Impact Assessment Impact Assessment
Human health Crops Materials Forests Ecosystems

air transport models
graphical display Monitor -ISC
of results
-V/TM

reference dose-
technology response monetary
database environment values
database functions
FIGURE 4.7 Structure of the EcoSense model. (From European-Commission-DGXII,
ExternE — Externalities of Energy, ECSC-EC-EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995.)

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