Why Model?

 

What is dynamic landscape simulation modeling?

It combines the following pieces of information:
  • The current state of a landscape (typically captured in a GIS)
  • Plans for future use of the landscape (schedules of human activities)
  • Knowledge about how natural processes can be affected.
To produce time-series data regarding potential futures of the landscape

 

What dynamic landscape simulation modeling CANNOT do well
  • Predict the future with any certainty.
  • Optimize land management schedules and plans.
  • Tell a land manager what to do.

 

 

What CAN dynamic landscape simulation modeling do then?

 

  • Provide a forum for formalizing how we think the landscape is working. We are already forced to make decisions based on our conceptual models.
  • Formally analyze, improve, and combine formalized conceptual models.
  • Show us the consequences of how we think the landscape behaves.
  • Identify the relative importance of the collection of different data using sensitivity analyses.
  • Allows different disciplines to talk about the landscape at the model development and application level.

 

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