Network analysis of complex systems is a rapidly growing field. Both theoretical and empirical network studies have permeated many different ecological, biological, social, and economic fields, investigating the interrelationships between nodes as structural and functional attributes in static, time-dynamic, or spatially explicit formats. We consider the network construction phase as a vital, but neglected component, and therefore provide recommended guidelines, describe how to evaluate the resulting network model quality, and highlight tools to assess their plausibility. Thereby we stress the importance of constructing multiple plausible networks to comply with basic scientific standards, and to pave the way for better informed evaluations. Finally, we provide recommendations for the management and policy arena where we advocate a thorough interrogation of network analyses outcomes (metrics) especially with regard to their sensitivity to the construction process, and a focus on relative changes between and within systems (e.g. as indication of vulnerability), rather than strict benchmarks.

复杂系统的网络分析是一个快速发展的领域。理论和经验网络研究都渗透到许多不同的生态，生物，社会和经济领域，以静态，时间动态或空间显式格式研究节点之间作为结构和功能属性的相互关系。我们认为网络建设阶段是至关重要的但被忽略的组成部分，因此提供了建议的指南，描述了如何评估最终网络模型的质量，并重点介绍了评估其合理性的工具。因此，我们强调构建多个合理的网络以符合基本科学标准的重要性，并为更好地进行明智的评估铺平道路。最后，