Integrated Spatio-Temporal Ecological Modeling System
Abstract
Land management has always been a multidisciplinary effort that relies on the integration of discipline specific simulation models. These models have traditionally been conceptual. Each model has been based on formal training, education, and experience with the landscape. Recently, many of the academic disciplines associated with land management have been capturing their conceptual models in formal computer models and simulations. Once formalized, such models may be more thoroughly studied, analyzed, and improved. Science requires that the number of simultaneously changing variables in a model be held to a minimum so those that are allowed to change can be more thoroughly understood. while this allows a scientist to better understand a neatly defined aspect of nature, the resulting models are less than desired for the purposes of land management. Land management requires that intelligent decisions be based on projecting the state of the landscape under different management options, thus taking into account all salient aspects of the landscape. This document argues for the design and development of management oriented simulation models, that generically integrate a number of different domain specific models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349729
Entities
People
- James D. Westervelt
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory